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.

The Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute is looking for a Predoctoral Researcher for the Lymphoma translational group led by Dr. Gaël Roué IJC’s at IJC’s headquarters and operating in tight collaborations with the Chemical Institut Sarria (IQS) of the Ramón Llull University.                

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Aggressive B-cell lymphomas are clinically and pathologically diverse and reflect multiple pathways of transformation involving, among others, oncogenic signaling, lymphoma-stroma crosstalk and intrinsic protein homeostasis. Alterations in these highly regulated processes play a key role in the progression of the malignant clone and correlate with a high failure rate in treatment protocols. In the last decade, new therapies applied to the treatment of B-cell lymphoma have significantly improved the overall survival of these patients, but at present no drug can cure these diseases. At the origin of the gap between promising preclinical results and failure in clinical phase II/III, conventional preclinical models lack predictive value in the main trials carried out in these cancer subtypes. For the design of new therapies more selective and more suited to the biology of these lymphomas, our team focuses on the characterization of new drug targets and on the bench-to-bedside translation of innovative therapeutic strategies, using cutting-edge experimental models of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

 MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in a research project centered on the design, synthesis and biological validation of a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) library targeting a specific oncogenic pathway in malignant B cells.

• Setup a collection of in vitro (3D spheroids) and in vivo (cell line- and patient-derived mice and chicken embryo chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) xenograft) models of DLBCL and MCL for efficacy and safety studies.

• Develop analytical tools (multiomics, cell-based assays, in vitro/vivo imaging)

• Undertake experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.

WHAT WE NEED

• Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry or a related discipline.

• Pharmacy background with experience in functional biological assays.

• Basic knowledge in molecular modeling tools, synthetic organic chemistry, purification techniques, and structural characterization of small molecules.

• Previous experience in anticancer drug design, cell culture, cell-based assays, cellular and molecular biology is highly valued.

• Creative and proactive mindset.

• High level of motivation and interest in biomedical research.

• Capacity to manage multiple tasks and adapt to varying workloads.

• Good communication skills and collaborative attitude.

• Proficient in written and spoken English.

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+.”

• Training and development opportunities.

• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.

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

• Full time contract (1623 hours per year)

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

• Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).

• Competitive Salary to be further defined depending on candidate experience.

• 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 April 2, 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.