VAC_55_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.

We are looking for a Junior Postdoctoral Researcher for 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 have found broadened applications in 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 developmental stages, lacking many of the functional maturation hallmarks.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will join the team to work on a project aimed at understanding the transcriptional and developmental mechanisms that govern the emergence, self‑renewal and maturation of human HSC, 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 combine directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells, in vitro and in vivo models of human normal and leukemic development, and state‑of‑the‑art epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling of cell lines and human primary tissues. This work will provide important advances in our understanding of human blood stem cell biology in the context of normal and neoplastic hematopoiesis.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and perform cell culture assays and directed differentiation assays of hematopoietic stem cell sources including primary HSC (cord blood / bone marrow)
• Differentiation and culture of human pluripotent stem cells toward hematopoietic and endothelial fates, organoid assays and generation of iHSC or other hematopoietic lineages.
• Generate and characterize CRISPR‑Cas9 genome‑edited and fluorescent reporter pluripotent stem cell lines to track and interrogate developmental transitions.
• Perform cell surface marker analysis, cell enrichment and isolation by flow cytometry, MACS and FACS, and confocal/immunofluorescence imaging of normal and leukemic hematopoietic cells and tissues.
• Prepare samples and libraries for single‑cell RNA‑seq, spatial transcriptomics, and ATAC‑seq, and carry out downstream molecular biology (RNA/gDNA/cDNA, PCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing).
• Perform in vivo assays of hematopoietic potential, including transplantation and analysis of immunodeficient mouse models.
• Coordinate with team members, bioinformaticians and collaborators to extract the maximum biological information from experiments and datasets, ensuring smooth communication and integration of expertise.
• Contribute to data interpretation and the preparation of clear, publication‑ready figures and presentation materials.
• Support and guide junior team members and students, fostering standardized and rigorous experimental approaches within the group.
• Maintain well‑organized records of protocols, samples and data, ready for internal and external use.
• Present research data within the team, across the institute and in collaborative settings, and disseminate project findings through talks and posters at national and international meetings; lead and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publication.
• Prepare and submit applications for competitive postdoctoral fellowships and complementary funding aligned with the scope of the project, in coordination with the group leader.

WHAT WE NEED

• PhD in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology or a related discipline.
• Strong hands‑on expertise in human hematopoietic and pluripotent stem cell culture and in vitro directed differentiation.
• Experience in genetic engineering (CRISPR‑Cas9, reporter line generation and characterization).
• Expertise in flow cytometry, FACS/MACS cell isolation, immunofluorescence and confocal imaging.
• Experience in functional hematopoietic assays (e.g. EHT, CFU) is highly desirable.
• Experience with sample and library preparation for single‑cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics and/or ATAC‑seq.
• Solid molecular biology skills (RNA/DNA work, PCR, qPCR, sequencing).
• A background in hematopoiesis, stem cells, or tissue/cancer biology is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with basic bioinformatic analysis (e.g. R, Seurat for single‑cell RNA‑seq) is a plus, together with willingness to develop these skills further.
• A proven track record of peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and collaborations.
• Strong motivation, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and support team members.
• Excellent spoken and written English (please submit all documentation in English).
• Independent thinking, enthusiasm, pro‑activity, impeccable work ethics and professionalism. Commitment to an equity, diversity, and inclusion‑based, international working environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Postdoctoral contract linked to the project "Overcoming the Epigenetic Drift in Culture‑Expanded Blood Adult Stem Cells", ATR2023‑143555, funded by MICIU/AEI (10.13039/501100011033).
• Full‑time contract (39 hours/week).
• Highly competitive salary
• Join a dynamic, international, multidisciplinary and forward‑thinking lab, recently established with the support of the EU (ERC‑CoG), Wellcome, FJC, and Spanish government funding.
• Work alongside a diverse and inclusive team of scientists at various training and experience levels, fostering mutual support, constructive feedback, and productive collaboration.
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
• Contribute to pioneering research within the inspiring setting of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.

DEADLINE

Deadline: July 28, 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.