VAC_67_2026 - PREDOCTORAL 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.

We are looking for a Predoctoral Researcher in the field of bioinformatics to join the Immunological Neoplasms and Precision Immunotherapy Group, led by Dr. Ari Melnick . The position will report to Dr. Eduard Porta , who will also serve as the candidate’s thesis advisor.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Our lab integrates advanced animal models, spatial genomics, epigenetics, and sophisticated microscopy to dissect the biology of immune malignancies, particularly lymphomas. Computational analysis is central to this work: the successful candidate will develop and apply bioinformatic and machine-learning approaches to the large-scale genomic, epigenomic and single-cell datasets generated in the lab, with a focus on tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution. We emphasize translational research, bridging fundamental discoveries to clinical applications, with a goal to develop novel, targeted immunotherapies that improve patient outcomes.

We invite motivated and talented predoctoral researchers to join our cutting-edge research program, focused on understanding how the immune system becomes malignant, the molecular mechanisms controlling immune cancer niches, and mechanisms of immune evasion.

WHAT WE NEED

• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, Biomedicine, Biotechnology or a related field.
• Solid programming skills in Python and R, and confidence working in a Linux / HPC environment.
• Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing analysis — for example DNA methylation sequencing (WGBS or enzymatic methyl-seq), WGS or RNA-seq.
• Experience applying machine learning or deep learning to biological data (e.g. PyTorch, transformer-based architectures) is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with single-cell and/or spatial omics data, and an interest in how tumors evolve and diversify over time.
• A background in cancer biology, immunology or epigenetics is valued, as is an interest in haematological malignancies and lymphoma.
• A passion for science and commitment to scientific rigor.
• Interest in translational research and collaborative team science.
• Excellent communication skills and motivation to contribute to high impact research
• Good communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Motivation to achieve high-quality work.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Predoctoral contract.
• Full time contract.
• Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, teleworking, 23 working days of vacation and days for personal matters).
• Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).
• Training and development opportunities.
• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
• An innovative and interdisciplinary research project.
• Mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
• Competitive Salary to be further defined depending on candidate experience.
• The stimulating environment of the IJC and its scientific network.

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.