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 (IJC) invites applications for three Principal Investigator / Group Leader positions to establish independent research groups within the newly created Pediatric Hematologic Malignancies Research Program, a joint initiative between the IJC and the Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD) at the IJC-Sant Joan de Déu Campus in Barcelona. This initiative represents a major strategic investment in pediatric blood cancer research, aiming to build a multidisciplinary program that integrates cutting-edge basic science, translational research, and clinical innovation. The successful candidates will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment with strong links to leading pediatric oncology clinicians and access to unique patient cohorts and research infrastructures.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Researchers recruited through this call will play a key role in shaping the scientific vision of the program, contributing to the development of an excellent research hub dedicated to improving outcomes for children with hematologic malignancies. This initiative aims to establish a world-class multidisciplinary research program dedicated to advancing the biological understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric hematologic malignancies. By combining the internationally recognized expertise of IJC in blood cancer research with the clinical excellence and translational ecosystem of SJD, the program will create a unique environment that bridges fundamental discovery, translational research, and clinical innovation.

We welcome candidates working across a broad range of relevant areas, including but not limited to:

• Blood cancer biology covering etiology, cell-of-origin, pathophysiology and resistance.

• Hematopoiesis and bone marrow niche in health and disease.

• Immunology and immunotherapy.

• Innovative therapeutics for pediatric blood cancers.

• AI-integrated research to advance patient stratification and predict resistance.

WHAT WE NEED

We seek outstanding early- to mid-career laboratory or clinical scientists working in pediatric hematologic malignancies or related fields. Applicants should have:

• A PhD in Medicine, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.

• A strong track record of publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.

• Evidence of scientific independence, including competitive research funding.

• Experience in leading and mentoring research teams.

• International exposure to competitive research environments.

• Experience in clinical management and/or innovation, technology transfer, and intellectual property will be considered an advantage.

WHAT WE OFFER

Successful candidates will receive:

• A Group Leader position for 5 years, subject to yearly evaluations. The GL can transition to a tenure position by following a formal scientific evaluation by the end of this period, subject to availability of a permanent position.

• A competitive start-up package, including personnel funding and dedicated laboratory space for a research team of 4–6 members.

• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities at IJC and SJD campuses, including single-cell OMICs, proteomics, multi-dimensional flow cytometry and cell sorting, animal facility, cell & molecular laboratories, microscopy, clinical research & GMP cell therapy units.

• Integration into a highly collaborative research environment.

• Direct interaction with clinical programs in pediatric oncology, enabling strong translational research.

The research program is in Barcelona, within Catalonia’s BioRegion, one of Europe’s leading biomedical innovation ecosystems and a major hub for oncology clinical research.

Research groups will be embedded within the Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona (PCCB), a state-of-the-art facility integrating pediatric oncology care, biomedical research, and innovation. This environment enables close interaction between basic scientists, translational researchers, and clinician-scientists, facilitating collaborative research that directly addresses the clinical challenges of pediatric blood cancers and accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries into improved patient care.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by May 31st, 2026

HOW TO APPLY

Send your application documents through the IJC HR platform. Please include:

1. Curriculum vitae – maximum 4 pages, including list of publications and funding history.

2. Research statement – maximum 3 pages describing past achievements and a forward-looking research vision for the Program.

3. Strategic vision statement – maximum 1 page on internationalisation, leadership, and team management.

4. Cover letter – maximum 1 page explaining the applicant’s interest in the Program and alignment with its goals.

5. Contact details of three referees – letters of reference are not requested at this stage; referees will be contacted only for shortlisted candidates.

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.