VAC_57_2026 - RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN TRAINING

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 in Training in the Nuclear architecture in leukemia group led by to join Dr. Gregoire Stik.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The main goal of our lab is to uncover novel biomolecular mechanisms driving the development of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We are specially focusing understand the role of oncogenic fusion proteins induced by chromosomal translocations on chromatin organization, gene expression and how eventually it participated to the disease progression.

The project aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms that regulate the function of fusion oncoproteins by integrating multiple experimental and computational approaches, including state-of-the-art technologies such as genome editing, optogenetics, high-resolution microscopy, and chromatin conformation capture.

Understanding how translocation can affect biochemical properties of protein will offer potential new biomedical applications for the treatment of haematological malignancies.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and construct various mutant forms of a target oncogene using molecular cloning techniques.
• Conduct functional assays to evaluate the biological activity of oncogene mutants in appropriate cellular models.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and analyze data to assess the impact of specific mutations.
• Collaborate with other lab members to optimize experimental protocols and interpret results.

WHAT WE NEED

• Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or similar.
• Previous experiences in research laboratory
• An excellent academic record.
• High level of communication skills and teamwork abilities.
• Strong background in cellular and molecular biology, with additional expertise in epigenetics considered an advantage.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).
• Organized, independent, proactive, self-motivated, and enthusiastic.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Temporary position: 1 year (Training contract) with possibility to continue as PhD candidate.
• Full time contract of 39 hours per week
• “Este contrato está vinculado al proyecto PID2022-140859OA-I00 financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ FEDER, UE”
• Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, working days of vacation and days for personal matters).
• 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

July 30th, 2027.

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.