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 the “3D Chromatin Organization Group” led by Dr. Biola M. Javierre. This contract is associated with the project with reference PID2024-161430NB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by the FSE+                            

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a highly motivated Predoctoral Researcher to join the multidisciplinary research team led by Biola M. Javierre (IJC-IGTP). The position is part of a research line focused on understanding the role of distal regulatory elements in gene transcription and malignant transformation. The project is funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (PID2024-160547NB-I00) and includes an associated FPI fellowship.

The genetic contribution to haematological malignancies remains poorly understood. More than 65% of cancer-associated genetic variants are located in distal regulatory elements (DREs), such as enhancers and silencers. Increasing evidence indicates that many of these variants disrupt the binding of transcription factors or other regulatory proteins, leading to altered expression of distal target genes, impaired cell differentiation, and an increased risk of cancer. However, identifying these regulatory variants and elucidating their functional roles remains challenging, as DREs often act in highly specific cell types, subtypes, or cellular states, and the genes they regulate are largely unknown.

This project aims to elucidate how genetic mutations contribute to haematological cancers and other immune-related diseases, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. To achieve this, we will develop and apply advanced multi-omics approaches to profile DREs, their target genes, and gene expression patterns. These efforts will result in the generation of a comprehensive atlas of DREs and their target genes that regulate in vivo human haematopoiesis, and whose disruption by genetic variants may predispose individuals to B-cell malignancies.

We will integrate non-coding mutations with this atlas to identify causal mutations, as well as the disease-associated cell types, subtypes, and cellular states in which they act. Finally, we will prioritize and functionally validate candidate disease-associated genes and pathways using preclinical models, functional assays, and CRISPR-based genome editing.

Overall, this project seeks to deepen our understanding of the genetic basis of disease. Its findings may uncover novel disease-associated genes, pathways, and cellular states that could serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets, ultimately contributing to improved clini-al management and patient survival.

The Javierre Team (https://www.javierrelab.com/) is a group of passionate scientists with an insatiable thirst for learning about spatial-temporal organization of the (epi)genome. Our group combines cutting-edge experimental and bioinformatics approaches to understand the specific 3D chromatin organization of cell differentiation and malignant transformation. Our long-term goal is to keep taking steps forwards in the fight against cancer. We will be unstoppable until we cure it.

For more information, please contract 3D Chromatin Organization Research Group's webpage (https://www.javierrelab.com/) and the IJC web page. For more information about the publications: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=bm+javierre&sort=date

WHAT WE NEED

• MSc degree in: i) immunology, epigenetics, biomedicine, molecular biology, cancer biology or similar; or ii) bioinformatics or similar.

• Committed scientist with a competitive scientific record and experience in epigenetics, molecular biology, biomedicine, bioinformatics or related discipline. Both, wet and dry profiles are welcome!

• Ability to handle varying workloads and aptitude for teamwork.

• High level of collaborative and communicative skills.

• Good level of English speaking and writing skills (required).

• High level of motivation and interest in research.

• Good communication skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A FPI PhD position for 4 years. “This contract is associated with the project with reference PID2024-161430NB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by the FSE+.”

• 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).

o 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.

o 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 31st of March 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.