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 Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Epigenetic Control of Haematopoiesis Group, led by Dr. José Luis Sardina.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Our research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell identity and fate during human haematopoiesis and how their dysregulation contributes to immune dysfunction and haematological malignancies. We combine functional genomics, epigenomic and single-cell approaches with experimental models of human haematopoiesis to define how regulatory mechanisms shape normal and malignant cell states. Recent work from the group has identified vulnerabilities regulating haematopoietic progenitor and leukaemic cell states through genome-wide CRISPR screening (Kodali et al., Nature Cell Biology, 2024), established a causal role for DNA methylation in regulating human immune cell fate using CRISPR-based epigenome editing (Valcárcel et al., Science Advances, 2025), and identified and functionally validated TET2-dependent regulatory targets in human myeloid commitment, including an AGO2 regulatory axis linking TET2-dependent epigenetic regulation to RNA biology and leukemic fitness (Lazarenkov et al., bioRxiv, 2026).

Within this broader research programme, the present project focuses on the largely unexplored role of TET2-dependent epigenetic regulation during human lymphoid development. We combine cutting-edge epigenomic and single-cell approaches applied to primary human lymphoid cells, together with hiPSC-based differentiation, CRISPR-mediated genetic and epigenetic editing, and patient-derived samples, to define how TET2 regulates early lymphoid commitment and competence. The project integrates computational analysis of newly generated DNA methylation and single-cell multi-omics data, CRISPR epigenome-editing approaches, and complementary public datasets. Our preliminary findings identify TET2 as a major TET dioxygenase during early human lymphoid commitment and reveal extensive epigenetic remodelling at key stages of lymphoid development. We will investigate how TET2-dependent epigenetic programmes regulate lymphoid competence and how their progressive disruption, including in ageing, clonal haematopoiesis, and primary immunodeficiencies, may contribute to immune dysfunction and lymphoid malignancy. By defining how TET2-dependent epigenetic programmes are established during normal lymphoid development and how they become disrupted in disease, the project will provide a mechanistic framework linking epigenetic regulation to immune dysfunction, ageing, and lymphoid malignancy.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Contribute to the design, execution, and interpretation of experimental studies addressing the role of TET2 in human lymphoid development, using primary human cells, hiPSC-based differentiation, and CRISPR-mediated genetic and epigenetic approaches.

• Perform and further develop computational analyses and integration of epigenomic and single-cell datasets generated within the project, including DNA methylation, transcriptomic, and other relevant multi-omics datasets.

• Develop and implement experimental and computational approaches within the overall research framework of the project, with scope for independent decision-making in experimental design, data analysis, and methodological development.

• Integrate and interpret computational and experimental data to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying lymphoid development, immune dysfunction, and lymphoid malignancy.

• Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of research outputsand to the training and mentoring of junior researchers, including scientific publications, conference presentations, competitive funding applications, and the supervision of Master’s and PhD students involved in the project.

WHAT WE NEED

• PhD in Biology, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.

• A strong publication record, including at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal in molecular biology, genomics, epigenetics, immunology, cancer biology, or related fields, demonstrating a strong scientific track record.

• Strong interest in epigenetic regulation, human lymphoid development, immunology, and haematological malignancies, with experience in molecular and cellular biology, particularly epigenetics, gene regulation, CRISPR-based approaches, or primary cell models, considered an asset.

• Experience in computational analysis of biological datasets, with the ability or strong motivation to further develop expertise in DNA methylation, single-cell and multi-omics analysis, statistical analysis, and data visualization.

• Interest in developing independent funding applications and pursuing competitive postdoctoral fellowships (e.g. EMBO, MSCA, Juan de la Cierva), with support from the research group.

• Ability to work independently and effectively in a multidisciplinary team, with strong collaborative and communication skills.

• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A full-time, 3-year postdoctoral contract.

• An interdisciplinary research project at the interface of epigenetics, human lymphoid development, immunology, and cancer biology.

• A strong environment for scientific and career development, with opportunities to develop expertise in epigenetics, lymphoid biology, and computational multi-omics, publish and present research, pursue competitive fellowships, and mentor Master’s and PhD students.

• A stimulating basic and clinical research environment at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.

• Integration into a multinational and highly collaborative team, with opportunities for scientific exchange across disciplines.

• Access to advanced experimental, genomics, and single-cell technologies and research facilities.

• Exposure to the vibrant scientific environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by 20 September, 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.