VAC_07_2026 - POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

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 Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher for the Leukemia and immuno-oncology research group led by Dr. Laura Belver.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is a rare and aggressive type of pediatric blood cancer that affects mainly children under two years of age and occurs when bone marrow production of white cells becomes severely dysregulated. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only available treatment for patients, although just two out of three children affected by the disease survive.

The goals of the project in which the postdoctoral reseracher will be enrolled will aim to optimize and preclinically validate new drugs for the tretament of JMML.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

Perform tasks within an experimental therapeutics research program focused on JMML.
Implement experimental methods in molecular biology and biochemistry.
Execute in vitro assays using both established cell lines and primary cells.
Utilize specialized analytical systems, including flow cytometry.
Conduct procedures with experimental animals following ethical and institutional guidelines.
Coordinate and manage murine colonies, ensuring proper care and documentation.

WHAT WE NEED

PhD in Biomedicine or similar.
Great interest and motivation for biomedical research.
FELASA certification to work with experimental animals and at least three years of expertise on mouse work.
Experience in tissue culture (cell lines and primary cells), and molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
Experience in drug screens.
Fluent English (all protocols and guides are in English).
Experience in basic computer tools: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
Pro-active, responsible and well-organized person.
Attitude to learn and work independently.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with other team members.

WHAT WE OFFER

Full-time Postdoctoral Contract of 39 hours per week.
Temporary Contract (3 years)
Measures to reconcile work and family life.
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 February 16st, 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.