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 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 an 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 Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is looking for an excellent Doctoral Candidate (DC) for the DC14 Project to join the CarrerasPathfinders program, which is a COFUND Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) co-funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Program. The DC will work under the supervision of Dr. Marcus Buschbeck and co-supervision of senior postdoc Dr. Jeannine Diesch. The CarrerasPathfinders program aims to train the next generation of researchers capable of addressing unmet needs and societal challenges in blood cancers. The research program covers the entire spectrum of research and innovation in blood cancers, from understanding disease biology to the implementation of novel processes in clinical practice. The project has been pre-selected by the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the CarrrerasPathfinders program based on excellence, impact, its triple-I dimension (internationality, intersectoriality, and interdisciplinarity), and the experience of the proposing supervisors.

WHAT WE NEED

• A high level of motivation and interest.

• Eligible candidates must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment.

• Candidates must comply with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie (MSCA) mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline.

• Candidates should be entitled to enrol in a PhD program: as per the internal regulations of our collaborating universities, the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree, or be in the process of obtaining it by the end of the selection process (on the date of the SAB consensus meeting at the latest). The total equivalent should be 300 ECTS in total, 60 of which should correspond to a Master’s degree (or equivalent credit system for degrees awarded by universities outside the EU).

• A high level of proficiency in written and spoken English.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The healthy, inspiring, and creative working environment of the IJC.

• Innovative and interdisciplinary research projects.

• A network-wide training program including annual retreats, courses, and seminars.

• Three-year contract with a competitive gross salary between 28.100 € – 29.000 €

• 3-11 month-long secondments to collaborating international associated partners (detailed in each project description).

• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

• Preferential start date: December 2026

DEADLINE

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application by 14/10/2026, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

How to apply

Make sure you complete all the steps necessary before you submit your application.

STEP 1 – Learn about CarrerasPathfinders.

• Navigate through the websites and understand the aims of IJC and the CarrerasPathfinders program.

• Carefully read the Guide for Applicants that can be downloaded from the CarrerasPathfinders website.

• Read the FAQs section on the website.

STEP 2 – Make sure you are eligible.

• Carefully check the Eligibility Criteria outlined in the Guide for Applicants and make sure you meet all requirements before applying.

STEP 3 – Read carefully the project description for DC14 on the program website or in the annex of Guide for Applicants

• Remember to submit a specific Motivation letter related to the DC14 project, emphasizing your relevant skill set.

STEP 4 – Prepare the supporting documents.

• CV (Curriculum Vitae/Resume). Please note that your CV should clearly indicate the start and end dates of your education, work, and research experiences. Include your contact details (email address and telephone number). Also, include contact details of 2 referees (academic and non-academic, preferably).

• Motivation letter in English. Describe your scientific interest, explain your interest in the CarrerasPathfinders program and the selected project. Summarize relevant skills, experience, knowledge, and personal qualifications you have that align with the project.

• Scanned copy of your official bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates and academic records. If you haven't received your Master´s degree certificate, please upload a provisional degree or other proof from your institution.

• Any other additional documents providing evidence of your compliance with the MSCA mobility rule (see Eligibility criteria).

STEP 5 – Submit your application.

• Get familiar with the Application Portal.

• Upload the following supporting documents in PDF format using the online application form:

o Application form (available on the program website) – Upload to Application Form

o CV – Upload to Resume

o Official academic degrees and transcripts – Upload to Certificate

o Motivation letter (project-related) – Upload to Cover letter

o Any additional documents (optional) – Upload to Other

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.