VAC_55_2026 - POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (Blood Stem Cell Identity group)

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 expanded applications in gene and cell therapy against other cancers, genetic, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. Practical limitations such as donor‑matching or insufficient cell number render these therapies unfeasible or unsuccessful for many patients. This postdoctoral researcher will 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. The research will 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.

Main Responsibilities

• Design and perform cell culture assays and directed differentiation assays of hematopoietic stem cell sources including primary HSC (cord blood / bone marrow)
• Differentiate human pluripotent stem cells toward hematopoietic and endothelial fates, organoid assays and generate 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.

Qualifications

• 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 with 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.
• Independent thinking, enthusiasm, pro‑activity, impeccable work ethics and professionalism. Commitment to an equity, diversity, and inclusion‑based, international working environment.

Benefits and Contract

• Postdoctoral contract linked to the project "Overcoming the Epigenetic Drift in Culture‑Expanded Blood Adult Stem Cells", ATR2023‑143555, funded by MICIU/AEI.
• 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

Apply by July 28 2026.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.