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 an experienced Postdoctoral Researcher to join a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Marcus Buschbeck at IJC’s headquarters.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are related malignant disorders of the bone marrow that disrupt normal blood cell production. MPNs are typically chronic diseases characterized by excessive proliferation of relatively mature myeloid cells, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis, and may progress over time to AML. MDS are characterized by ineffective and dysplastic hematopoiesis, leading to cytopenias and an increased risk of transformation to AML, particularly in older patients. AML represents the most aggressive end of this disease spectrum and is defined by the rapid accumulation of immature myeloid blasts that replace normal bone marrow function, causing severe anemia, infections, and bleeding and requiring urgent treatment.

The goal of this position is to identify and validate novel therapeutic opportunities and treatment combinations for MPN, MDS, and AML. The successful candidate will investigate disease vulnerabilities and therapeutic dependencies using complementary experimental approaches, with a particular focus on loss-of-function screening and drug-response assays. Candidate targets and therapeutic strategies will be systematically evaluated through in vitro and in vivo validation studies, followed by mechanistic investigations to define the molecular basis of response and resistance.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Lead and independently execute experimental research projects, ensuring high scientific quality and timely achievement of project milestones.

• Design, optimize, and implement advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical experimental protocols (CRISPR screens, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN etc.).

• Execute in vitro assays using both established cell lines and primary cells.

• Execute in vivo assays in experimental animals following ethical and institutional guidelines.

• Support with experimental mouse colonies maintenance and mouse experimentation-related operations including applying for ethical approvals.

• Utilize specialized analytical systems, including flow cytometry (FACS).

• Analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate experimental data to guide research direction and support scientific conclusions.

• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and well-organized experimental records in accordance with institutional and regulatory standards.

• Contribute to the planning, coordination, and day-to-day management of laboratory activities, including troubleshooting and workflow optimization.

• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, PhD students, master's students, and technical staff.

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external collaborators to advance research objectives.

• Prepare scientific reports, manuscripts for publication, and presentations for internal meetings, conferences, and funding agencies.

• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and participate in the development of new research initiatives.

WHAT WE NEED

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline, with minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral experience.

• Essential requirement: Accredited training (FELASA or equivalent, e.g. functions A/B/C/D) for working with laboratory animals, and experience in mouse experimentation.

• 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.

• A background in haematopoiesis or blood cancer biology is highly desirable.

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

• Previous experience in loss-of-function screens and drug assays is a major plus.

• Experience in mentoring and supervision is a plus.

• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and collaborations

• Strong motivation, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and support team members

• Excellent written and spoken English (all protocols and guidelines are in English)

• Pro-active, responsible and well-organized person

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with other team members

• Commitment to an equity, diversity, and inclusion-based, international working environment

• Alignment with the mission of the institute and the core values of the team.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Postdoctoral contract for 1 year. The contract will be linked to project DJCLS 03R/2025.

• Full-time contract (39 hours/week).

• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.

• Mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC).

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

• Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).

• The stimulating environment of Barcelona metropolitan area, the IJC and its scientific network.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by October 05, 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.