VAC_06_2026 - RESEARCH ASSISTANT (to join the Blood Stem Cell Identity group)

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 Research Assistant to join the Blood Stem Cell Identity group, led by Dr. Vincenzo Calvanese.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are a life-saving therapy for leukemia and found broadened applications to gene and cell therapy against other cancers, genetic, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Yet, practical limitations, such as donor-matching or insufficient cell number render these therapies unfeasible or unsuccessful for many patients. Attempts to overcome these limitations have been unable to create a reliable source of HSC for patients: while we can generate human HSC from pluripotent stem cells, they resemble early development stages, lacking many of the functional maturation hallmarks. The Postdoctoral Researcher will join a team to work on a Project to identify identifying transcriptional regulation mechanisms that sustains HSC self-renewal, and their relevance for the establishment and maintenance of the leukemia stem cell population in the context of blood cancer. To dissect the nature and function of these cells, we use a combination of epigenomics and transcriptomics, on cell lines and human primary tissues, combining in vitro and in vivo models of human normal and leukemic development. This work will provide important advances in our understanding of human blood stem cell biology in the context of normal and neoplastic hematopoiesis.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

Expert technical support for multiple research projects. Basic laboratory operations will include Stem cell culture, gene expression assays, molecular cloning, tissue processing/cell purification and cell culture.
Support with experimental mouse colonies maintenance and mouse experimentation-related operations.
Operation, maintenance and technical support of flow cytometry equipment in the lab.
Preparation, storage and inventorying of common laboratory reagents.
Participation to lab housekeeping operations and organization.
Generation of standard operation procedures.

WHAT WE NEED

An academic degree (BSC/MSc level) degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology or a related discipline.
Minimum 4-years training or working experience in a biomedical laboratory environment.
Excellent preparation in molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry.
Excellent cell biology skills (cell/tissue culture/microscopy flow cytometry etc).
Molecular biology skills (nucleic acids/protein analysis, cloning, genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas-9 mediated transgenesis etc.).
Experience with stem cell culture (Induced pluripotent stem cells /adult stem cells) and differentiation, organoids and hematopoietic assays will be highly valued.
Great organizational abilities and teamwork experience.
Responsibility, proactivity, and self-motivation: ability to work in autonomy as well as supervised.
Excellent spoken and written English (please submit all documentation in English).
Commitment to an equity, diversity and inclusion-based, international working environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

Full time contract of 39 hours per week.
One year contract (Indefinido por actividades científico-técnicas) linked to the Project Transcriptional regulation of self-renewal in human haematopoietic stem cells. Funding agency: Wellcome Trust, Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (2020). Ref. 221978/Z/20/Z
Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, 23 working days of vacation and 12 days for personal matters for year).
Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).
An exciting and innovative research project.
Working in the mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by the end of 16th of February 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.