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 for the Chromatin biology laboratory led by Dr. Alejandro Vaquero.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The Chromatin Biology Laboratory, led by Alex Vaquero, is internationally recognized for its expertise in studying cellular response and adaptation mechanisms under stress conditions. The group’s main objective is to define the role of the sirtuin family of NAD⁺-dependent enzymes in regulating genome stability, chromatin function, metabolic homeostasis, and cellular stress responses, and to understand how these mechanisms contribute to hematological cancers, cellular senescence, and aging. The group also aims to determine how these mechanisms may reveal novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in hematological cancers.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

The successful candidate will investigate the signaling mechanisms underlying inflammatory responses and their impact on cellular senescence and metabolic homeostasis, as well as their contribution to hematological malignancies, including B-ALL, AML, and CLL. Particular attention will be given to the role of sirtuins as regulators of these processes and their underlying signaling pathways. The project will take a multidisciplinary approach, combining state-of-the-art molecular and cellular biology techniques with genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches in mouse models and patient-derived leukemia models.

WHAT WE NEED

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

• Extensive postdoctoral research experience and a strong background in cancer biology, cellular signaling, and molecular and cellular biology.

• Extensive hands-on laboratory experience, with strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including protein biochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry (FACS), and functional cellular assays.

• Strong expertise in the molecular mechanisms and biology of sirtuins, particularly in the context of cellular stress responses, inflammatory signaling, cellular senescence, and metabolic regulation.

• Experience with genomic and proteomic approaches and bioinformatic analysis, including the analysis and interpretation of high-throughput datasets.

• Experience with metabolomic approaches and/or their integration with molecular and cellular studies will be highly valued.

• Accreditation for working with experimental animals, in accordance with applicable regulations.

• Experience working with mouse models, preferably in the context of cancer, aging, and inflammation.

• Interest in applying this expertise to the study of hematological malignancies, including B-ALL, AML, and CLL, and patient-derived models.

• Experience in the supervision and training of junior researchers and in the coordination of experimental research activities.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Permanent full time position (39 hours/week).

• Highly competitive salary

• An exciting and innovative multidisciplinary research project with strong potential to contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for several major types of leukemia.

• Integration intoa well-established, multinational, dynamic and highly motivated team.

• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

• The project will also involve collaboration with world leaders in clinical and preclinical research of hematological malignancies and drug discovery

• Working in the outstanding multidisciplinary research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by September 23, 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.