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 is looking for a Junior Group Leader for our Can Ruti Campus. This contract is initially associated with grant RYC2019-026522-I, funded by MICIU/AEI under grant reference 10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Social Fund (ESF) under the “The ESF invests in your future” initiative.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The research program focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation, evolution and therapeutic response of mature T-cell malignancies, with particular emphasis on T-cell lymphomas.

Mature T-cell lymphomas constitute a heterogeneous group of aggressive hematological malignancies characterized by poor prognosis, frequent relapse and limited therapeutic options. Despite major advances in genomic characterization, the biological programs driving tumour initiation, progression and therapeutic resistance remain poorly understood. Increasing evidence suggests that defective cell-death regulation, developmental reprogramming and cellular plasticity may play critical roles in these processes.

The research conducted within this line combines cancer biology, immunology, functional genomics, molecular biology and translational oncology to investigate how normal T-cell developmental pathways become aberrantly reactivated during malignant transformation. A major focus is the identification and characterization of biologically relevant tumour-cell states associated with lymphoma progression, persistence and therapeutic vulnerabilities.

To address these questions, the laboratory employs genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), primary patient samples, transcriptomic and single-cell approaches, immune repertoire analyses and multiparametric immunophenotyping. These methodologies enable the integration of mechanistic studies with clinically relevant observations and facilitate rapid translation of biological discoveries to preclinical validation.

Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the interaction between programmed cell death, developmental reprogramming and lymphoma evolution, as well as on identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that may improve diagnosis, patient stratification and treatment response.

The long-term objective of this research program is to generate fundamental biological knowledge that can be translated into precision medicine approaches for patients affected by mature T-cell malignancies.

MAIN RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The research program seeks to:

• Define the molecular mechanisms driving mature T-cell lymphomagenesis.

• Understand how defects in programmed cell death contribute to tumour initiation, progression and therapeutic resistance.

• Identify developmental reprogramming programs associated with malignant transformation.

• Characterize biologically distinct tumour-cell populations that contribute to disease evolution and persistence.

• Discover clinically relevant biomarkers through the integration of mouse models and human samples.

• Develop and validate innovative therapeutic strategies for mature T-cell lymphomas.

• Promote the translation of mechanistic discoveries into precision medicine approaches.

WHAT WE NEED

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent and internationally competitive research program aligned with the scientific objectives of the institute and focused on the biology of mature T-cell malignancies. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Establish and lead an innovative research line addressing fundamental and translational questions in mature T-cell lymphomas.

• Define and execute a scientific strategy aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms driving lymphoma initiation, progression, and therapeutic response.

• Build, supervise, and mentor a multidisciplinary research team composed of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and visiting scientists.

• Secure competitive national and international funding through grant applications and collaborative research initiatives.

• Promote strategic collaborations with clinical, academic, and industrial partners to facilitate translational research and patient-oriented discoveries.

• Integrate advanced experimental and computational methodologies, including functional genomics, single-cell technologies, spatial biology, immunophenotyping, and preclinical modelling.

• Drive the discovery and validation of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets relevant to precision medicine approaches in T-cell malignancies.

• Oversee the development and characterization of genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts, and analyses of primary patient samples.

• Ensure the timely publication of research findings in high-impact international journals and their presentation at scientific meetings.

• Contribute actively to the scientific life of the institute through participation in institutional activities, mentoring programs, scientific committees, and strategic initiatives.

• Foster an open, collaborative, and inclusive research environment that promotes scientific excellence, innovation, and professional development.

• Facilitate the translation of basic and translational discoveries into clinical applications, intellectual property opportunities, and potential therapeutic interventions.

LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES

The candidate is expected to address major scientific and translational challenges in the field, including:

• Identifying the cellular and molecular events that initiate mature T-cell lymphomagenesis.

• Defining how altered cell-death pathways influence disease progression and therapeutic resistance.

• Understanding the mechanisms underlying developmental reprogramming in mature malignant T cells.

• Characterizing clinically relevant tumour-cell states and their role in lymphoma evolution.

• Developing biomarker-driven precision medicine strategies for patient stratification and treatment selection.

• Translating mechanistic discoveries into innovative therapeutic approaches capable of improving outcomes for patients with mature T-cell malignancies.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A permanent contract linked to scientific evaluations (contract “Investigador Distinguido”)

• Full time contract.

• Junior Group Leaders at IJC are provided with suitable laboratory space and access to the state-of-the-art core facilities at IJC.

• Be part of a young, collaborative and international work environment with cutting edge technologies and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, including experts in medicine, immunology, genomics and bioinformatics.

• Exciting and innovative research projects in the fields of leukaemia, lymphocyte biology and associated malignancies.

• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by September 30, 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.