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.

IJC SUMMER STAYS PROGRAMME - 2026 EDITION

Explore biomedical research and contribute to advancing knowledge on blood cancers

The IJC Summer Stays Programme offers outstanding undergraduate students the opportunity to undertake a formative research stay at the Institute. During the programme, selected students will join one of the IJC research groups and gain first-hand experience in cutting-edge biomedical research on blood cancers.

Participants will work alongside researchers and clinicians in a dynamic scientific environment that connects fundamental discovery with clinical knowledge, contributing to ongoing research projects at the Institute. Through this initiative, the IJC aims to foster early scientific vocation and inspire the next generation of biomedical researchers.

Programme overview

Summer Stays are designed as short-term research experiences for undergraduate students interested in biomedical science. Participants will integrate into an IJC research group, work under the supervision of experienced researchers, and take part in the scientific activities of the host group.

• Duration: 2–3 months

• Programme period: Between 16 May and 31 October 2026

• Location: IJC Can Ruti (Badalona, Spain)

• Financial support: €1,000 net per month

Participants will also take part in programme activities organised by the Institute, including:

• Welcome event with Institute representatives and tutors

• Training session on scientific communication

• Final presentation of the work carried out during the stay

The Summer Stays Programme is part of the CEX2023-001258-S program, funded by: MCIN / AEI / 10.13039 / 501100011033.

Available Summer Stay Projects

Applicants may apply to up to two Summer Stay projects, indicating their order of preference. In the “Apply for this job” section, candidates will find the list of available projects and will be able to select their preferred options.

Before applying, please review the details of the available projects through the following links:

• SS1: Genomic Characterization of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

• SS2: Understanding Angioimmunoblastic T‑Cell Lymphoma: New Approaches in Diagnosis and Treatment

• SS3: Deciphering genetic susceptibility in pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

• SS4: Exploring Genetic Vulnerabilities in Blood Cancers

• SS5: Myeloid hematological neoplasms: from diagnosis to treatment

• SS6: Targeting leukemogenic E2A-PBX1 biomolecular condensates with micropeptide

• SS7: Translational Therapeutic Development in Blood Cancer

• SS8: Hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal mechanisms

• SS9: Investigating Noncoding RNAs in Plasma Cell Malignancies

REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered in the selection process, candidates must meet all of the following minimum eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences (Biology, Biomedicine, Medicine or related disciplines)

• Have successfully completed at least 120 ECTS credits at the time of application

• Belong to a home university able to formalise an academic internship agreement with the Institute before the start of the stay

• Demonstrate a minimum English level of B2 or equivalent

Applications that do not meet all the minimum eligibility criteria will be excluded from the evaluation process and will not be further assessed.

WHAT WE NEED

We are looking for talented and motivated undergraduate students with a strong interest in biomedical research and a desire to gain first-hand experience in a research environment. The programme is aimed at students who demonstrate academic excellence, curiosity and a genuine motivation to explore scientific research, particularly in the field of hematological malignancies.

Ideal candidates will:

• Show a strong motivation to learn and develop new scientific skills

• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative and critical thinking

• Be able to work collaboratively within an international research environment

• Be interested in gaining early exposure to high-quality biomedical research

WHAT WE OFFER

Participants in the IJC Summer Stays Programme will have the opportunity to experience biomedical research within a leading research institute dedicated to blood cancers.

Selected students will benefit from:

• Integration into an active research group at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute

• Hands-on exposure to cutting-edge biomedical research

• Direct supervision and mentoring from experienced researchers

• Participation in scientific and training activities organised within the programme

• A formative research stay of 2–3 months in the Barcelona area

• Financial support of €1,000 net per month to contribute to living expenses during the stay

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the application form below (“Apply for this job” section) to apply for a maximum of two Summer Stay projects and provide the following information in Catalan, Spanish or English:

* All documents must be submitted in PDF format.

• Personal details, including full name and contact information.

• Curriculum vitae.

• Academic transcripts or grade reports from your Bachelor’s programs, showing completed courses and the number of ECTS credits obtained, including the average grade.

• Proof that your home university is able to formalise an academic internship agreement with the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute before the start of the stay (e.g. confirmation email or document from the relevant university office).

• Contact email of the office or person responsible for internship agreements at your university.

• Proof of English proficiency (optional). If no certificate is available, the level of English may be assessed during the interview stage.

• Cover letter (optional).

Before applying, please carefully read the description of each project listed above, including the specific availability period indicated by the host research group.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria for the selection process are as follows:

Academic evaluation (70%)

Assessment of the candidate’s academic performance based on the transcript of records.

Interview and qualitative assessment (30%)

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to evaluate:

• motivation and interest in the proposed stay

• research readiness and learning mindset

• communication skills and level of English

Where a cover letter has been submitted as part of the application, it shall be assessed jointly with the interview.

Selection committee

Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee composed of:

• the main tutor (Principal Investigator) of the proposed stay,

• the co-tutor (if applicable), and

• a representative from the People and Culture Area.

The Committee applies the evaluation criteria and assigns the final scores for each shortlisted candidate. Final decisions will be taken by consensus within the Committee, based on the scores and criteria defined above.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by 24/03/2026.

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.