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 IJC's we are looking for a Predoctoral Researcher to join the Cancer heterogeneity and hierarchies Group, under the supervision of Dra. Verónica Rodilla.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The project will focus on understanding the role of cell identity in driving tumor heterogeneity, plasticity and therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer. The research will integrate single-cell transcriptomics, bioinformatic analysis and functional validation approaches to identify lineage-specific therapeutic targets and assess their potential for translational applications, including antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs).

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Analysis and interpretation of single-cell transcriptomic datasets to identify candidate therapeutic targets

• In vitro functional validation using cell culture models, including cytotoxicity, proliferation and migration assays

• Work with patient-derived models (PDX and primary cultures)

• Phenotypic characterization using flow cytometry (FACS)

• Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry analysis of tumor samples

• Protein-level validation (Western blot, proteomics approaches)

• Participation in experimental design, data interpretation and hypothesis refinement

• Contribution to collaborative research environment and mentoring junior researchers

WHAT WE NEED

• Master’s degree in Biomedicine, Biotechnology or a related field

• Strong background in cancer biology, with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity or breast cancer

• Hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques (cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, Western blot)

• Ability to integrate computational and experimental approaches

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with capacity to work independently

• Strong motivation for translational cancer research and therapeutic target discovery

• Proactive attitude, collaborative mindset and mentoring capacity

• Excellent communication skills in English

WHAT WE OFFER

• Predoctoral contract (3 years) This contract is part of the project “Improving lymphoma outcomes by neutralizing chemotherapy-induced endothelial damage” financiado por la Fundació Internacional Josep Carreras.

• Full time contract of 39 hours per week.

• Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, 23 working days of vacation and 12 days for personal matters for year).

• Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).

• An exciting and innovative research project.

• Working in the mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.

• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.

• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by the end of 12th June 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.