The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a comprehensive cancer research center dedicated to conduct research and drive innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of leukaemia and other hematologic malignancies, with the final aim of finding a cure for these diseases. It was created in 2010, and since then has experienced an exponential growth.

The IJC is also part of the network of Excellence Research Centers of Catalonia (CERCA) and was accredited as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities in 2024. Since 2018, the Institute has also been accredited by the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (FCAECC) Additionally, IJC is one of the centers integrated into the Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP) accreditation as Accredited Health Research Institute (IIS) by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).

The IJC's main headquarters is located within the Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, alongside other leading biomedical institutions, providing direct access to cutting-edge scientific and technological facilities, as well as complementary community services. The IJC has six locations integrated into reference hospitals: Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Clínic, Hospital Sant Pau, Hospital Josep Trueta, Hospital del Mar and Hospital San Joan de Déu. This facilitates close collaboration between basic and clinical researchers, fostering translational research that integrates basic science with clinical practice in clinical settings.

We are looking for a Predoctoral Researcher to join a multidiscipliplinary team led by Dr. Marcus Buschbeck at IJC’s headquarters and operating in tight collaborations with the Chemical Institut Sarria (IQS) of the Ramón Llull University. The contract will be linked to project PID2024-156688NB-I00/MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ FSE+.                                 

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

You will develop a research line that is embedded in a larger multidisciplinary drug development effort. Your main objective will be to develop inhibitory small compounds for a novel drug target in acute myeloid leukemia that we have identified and validated in collaboration with the team of the experimental clinician Florian Heidel (Medical University Hannover, Germany).

First, you will develop novel ligands for a validated drug target in acute myeloid leukemia. Building on our promising preliminary results, you will optimize and expand the hit discovery using computer-aided tools. We will prioritize hits with suitable predicted drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties for optimization using organic synthesis. Finally, you will validate specificity using biophysical methods. Second, using rationale and computation-supported design methods, we will convert ligands into chimeras linking the target to the proteolytic machinery. We will assess the functionality of these so-called proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). We will benchmark their performance and determine specificity using established reporter cells, engineered primary murine AML cells and a panel of human AML cell lines. Third, you will make an effort to identify ligands for proteins that are related to the validated drug target that are currently orphan.

This project will be executed in a tight collaboration between the computational chemist Roger Estrada-Tejedor, the organic medicinal chemist Ricardo Serafim and the team of Marcus Buschbeck. The chemistry-related tasks will be performed at IQS and all biophysical, biochemical and biology-related tasks will be performed at IJC.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Synthesize and characterize small molecules with potential therapeutic effect.

• Apply molecular design techniques for the virtual screening of drug candidates and study their binding mechanism.

• Work in collaboration with other scientists within a multidisciplinary research team focused on medicinal chemistry.

• Maintain accurate and well-organized experimental records.

WHAT WE NEED

• Master level degree and interest to pursue a PhD.

• Fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge in synthetic organic chemistry, purification techniques, and structural characterization of small-molecules (NMR, MS, HPLC, TLC…).

• Hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry and compound purification.

• Knowledge of molecular design and molecular modeling tools (e.g. QSAR models, pharmacophores, docking, molecular dynamics). A high level of motivation and interest in translational research.

• Previous experience with PROTACS/molecular degraders is a plus.

• Familiarity with chemistry drawing packages (ChemDraw, MestReNova, etc), MS Office products and the ability to learn other software packages.

• Experience with computer-aided drug design software is recommended (e.g. MOE o Schrödinger).

• High level of motivation and interest in translational research.

• Good communication skills.

• Good command of English (speaking and writing). Spanish and Catalan are helpful.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A FPI PhD position for 4 years.

• Full time contract (1623 hours per year)

• Opportunities for training and professional development.

• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.

• Work on a new strategic platform within the Institute.

• Mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.

• Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, working days of vacation and days for personal matters).

• Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).

• The stimulating environment of the IJC and its scientific network.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria for the selection process are as follows:

Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific-technical track record of the candidate (up to 50 points).

• Sub-criterion 1.a):Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate’s academic record and other curricular merits will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be performed according to their education and professional experience.

• Sub-criterion 1.b): Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact of the candidate’s stays at national or international research centres and/or in the industrial sector on their research career will be evaluated, taking into account the prestige of the host institution and the activities carried out there.

Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points). 

The candidate’s suitability for the programme, project, or research activities to be undertaken will be assessed based on their previous education and experience. The evaluation will consider both the added value that the project will represent for the candidate’s research career and the value contributed to the host institution and research team.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by February 11, 2026.

WHO WE ARE?

What makes us different?

The mission of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is to conduct research and drive innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of cancer, with a special emphasis on Leukaemia and other malignant blood diseases, with the aim of finding a cure for these diseases.
The IJC’s vision is to be a world-class reference and excellent research center that contributes to the improvement of results, and the cure of patients affected by leukaemia and other malignant haemopathies, through innovation, sustainability, social responsibility, talent, and professional experience.

HR Excellence

In 2019, IJC was honored with the “Human Resources Excellence in Research Award” by the European Commission, recognizing the alignment of our human resources policies with the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) guides research centers of excellence in implementing and upholding these standards within their policies, emphasizing training, professional development, and mobility opportunities.
The IJC’s commitment to these values and principles strengthens our internal policies and ensures that our members have the optimal conditions and environment for their professional development.
The Board of Trustees is composed of representatives of the Generalitat de Catalunya (regional government), University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, the City of Badalona and the Jose Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation
The Catalan government provides hard money on an annual basis. The Jose Carreras International Leukaemia Foundation provides start-up funds, project funds as well as financial support for investments.
The JCI has an international scientific advisory board served by prominent researchers from US and Europe.
The IJC has been awarded ERC and other EU grants.

The IJC is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.