VAC_110_2025 - PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER_FPI

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 Predoctoral Researcher for the Epigenetics and immune disease group led by Dr. Esteban Ballestar. The contract will be linked to project PID2024-156688NB-I00/MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ FSE+.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Our group investigates the epigenetic mechanisms that shape the functional diversity of immune cells in health and disease, process that are highly relevant to hematological malignancies. Building on extensive experience in DNA methylation, single-cell omics and immunology, our research now focuses on unraveling how transcriptional and epigenomic programs are established in pathological niches with profoundly altered immune environments.

The EPiMAP project (“Revealing Epigenetic Processes Regulating Myeloid Adaptation and Reprogramming in Pathological Niches”) aims to dissect how extracellular cues, cell–cell communication and signaling pathways determine myeloid cell identity and function within two clinically relevant contexts:

the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by immunosuppressive macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and
the inflamed tissues in autoimmune diseases, where pro-inflammatory myeloid cells drive tissue destruction.

Through the integration of single-cell RNA-seq/ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, DNA methylation profiling (WGBS/EPIC arrays), CUT&Tag, organoid and co-culture models, and CRISPR perturbation, we will define regulatory networks and identify epigenetic and transcriptional determinants that confer immunosuppressive or immunogenic programs in human myeloid cells. These studies will help reveal actionable pathways for therapeutic modulation of myeloid responses in cancer and inflammatory disease

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

Participate in the characterization of immune cells from tumor microenvironment samples and autoimmune tissues using single-cell and spatial omics technologies.
Contribute to epigenomic analyses, including DNA methylation (WGBS/EPIC), CUT&Tag, RNA-seq and ATAC-seq, and assist in dataset processing with support from senior team members.
Perform in vitro differentiation experiments with monocytes and CD34+ stem cells to generate macrophages and dendritic cells, and help test the effects of selected signaling pathways, transcription factors and epigenetic modulators.
Support CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing workflows to study the function of candidate regulators identified in the project.
Assist with co-culture and organoid models to study myeloid cell adaptation in tumor and inflammatory environments.
Perform bioinformatic analysis, integration of multi-omics data and organization of project datasets.
Prepare figures, reports and presentations, and contribute to internal meetings, collaborations with clinicians, and dissemination of results.

WHAT WE NEED

Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.
Strong interest and motivation to pursue a research career in the biomedical field.
Organized, proactive, self-motivated, and enthusiastic.
Excellent academic performance.
Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Proactive attitude, creativity, and a collaborative mindset.
Capacity to manage multiple tasks and adapt to varying workloads.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Proficient in writing and speaking in English.

WHAT WE OFFER

A FPI PhD position for 4 years.
Training and development opportunities.
Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
To work in a new strategic platform in the institute
Mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
Full time contract (1623 hours per year)
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).
Competitive Salary to be further defined depending on candidate experience.
The stimulating environment of the IJC and its scientific network.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria for the selection process are as follows:

Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific-technical track record of the candidate (up to 50 points).

Sub-criterion 1.a):Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate’s academic record and other curricular merits will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be performed according to their education and professional experience.
Sub-criterion 1.b): Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact of the candidate’s stays at national or international research centres and/or in the industrial sector on their research career will be evaluated, taking into account the prestige of the host institution and the activities carried out there.

Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points).

The candidate’s suitability for the programme, project, or research activities to be undertaken will be assessed based on their previous education and experience. The evaluation will consider both the added value that the project will represent for the candidate’s research career and the value contributed to the host institution and research team.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by December 19, 2025.

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.