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 Laboratory Technician to join the Blood Stem Cell Identity group, led by Dr. Vincenzo Calvanese.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are a life-saving therapy for leukemia and found broadened applications to gene and cell therapy against other cancers, genetic, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Yet, practical limitations, such as donor-matching or insufficient cell number render these therapies unfeasible or unsuccessful for many patients. Attempts to overcome these limitations have been unable to create a reliable source of HSC for patients: while we can generate human HSC from pluripotent stem cells, they resemble early development stages, lacking many of the functional maturation hallmarks. The Postdoctoral Researcher will join a team to work on a Project to identify identifying transcriptional regulation mechanisms that sustains HSC self-renewal, and their relevance for the establishment and maintenance of the leukemia stem cell population in the context of blood cancer. To dissect the nature and function of these cells, we use a combination of epigenomics and transcriptomics, on cell lines and human primary tissues, combining in vitro and in vivo models of human normal and leukemic development. This work will provide important advances in our understanding of human blood stem cell biology in the context of normal and neoplastic hematopoiesis.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Expert technical support for multiple research projects. Basic laboratory operations will include stem cell culture, gene expression assays, molecular cloning, tissue processing/cell purification and cell culture, generation of lentiviral vectors.

• Support with experimental mouse colonies maintenance and related operations.

• Operation, maintenance, and technical support of flow cytometry equipment in the lab.

• Participation in lab housekeeping operations and organization, including purchasing, receiving, stocking, etc.

• Preparation, storage, and inventorying of common laboratory reagents.

• Generation of standard operation procedures.

• Ensuring regulatory compliance in handling hazardous biological materials, acting as Laboratory Biosafety Officer.

WHAT WE NEED

• An academic degree (BSc or MSc) in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional technical training.

• Minimum 1-year training or working experience in a biomedical laboratory environment (including Master thesis).

• Excellent preparation in molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry.

• Excellent cell biology skills (e.g. cell/tissue culture).

• Molecular biology skills (e.g. nucleic acids/protein analysis, cloning, genetic engineering).

• Experience with primary human tissue processing (peripheral blood, cord blood, etc…) will be highly valued.

• Experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting will be highly valued.

• Experience with generation of lentiviral vectors will be highly valued.

• Great organizational abilities and teamwork experience.

• Responsibility, proactivity, and self-motivation: ability to work in autonomy as well as supervised.

• Excellent spoken and written English (please submit all documentation in English).

• Commitment to an equity, diversity and inclusion-based, international working environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Temporary contract (Indefinido por actividades científico-técnicas) This contract is part of the Grant reference 221978/Z/20/Z, Title: Transcriptional regulation of self-renewal in human haematopoietic stem cells, Funding agency: Wellcome Trust, Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (2020).

• Full-time contract

• An exciting and innovative research project.

• Measures to reconcile work and family life.

• Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).

• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research projects in molecular biology and translational research.

• Work in a mixed basic and clinical research environment at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.

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

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by April 10, 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.