VAC_16_2025 - POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH

The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a comprehensive cancer research center dedicated to conducting research and driving 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 exponential growth.

The IJC is 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 an 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 senior postdoctoral researcher in the field of biomedicine to join Dr. Esteller’s Cancer Epigenetics Group.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Dr. Manel Esteller is the principal investigator of the Cancer Epigenetics Group, focused on the epigenomic, transcriptomic, and epitranscriptomic characterization of diseases, as well as testing and validation of new epigenetic drugs. The team has well-recognized experience translating the knowledge generated in the laboratory to clinical settings. Their efforts are focused on bench-to-bedside initiatives to improve clinical management of patients.

The contract will be funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III under the European funds of Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia, grant agreement PMPER24/00017, by the resolution of Dirección del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, O.A., M.P. de 18 de diciembre de 2024, which grants are awarded to Proyectos de Investigación de enfermedades raras, de la Convocatoria 2024 de Misiones Conjuntas del Ministerio de Sanidad y del Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, and funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU through the project entitled "Brain Inflammation in adrenoleukodystrophy: from drivers to treatments (Solve-ALD)".

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The scientist will be responsible for conducting experiments oriented to perform the epigenomic profiling of adrenoleukodystrophies (X-ALD). X-ALD is a rare and dreadful disease caused by the loss of function of ABCD that occurs as two main discordant phenotypes: the rapidly lethal childhood inflammatory cerebral ALD (cALD) and the chronic progressive adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), which can manifest in the same family. This indicates that epigenetic, environmental, or stochastic factors could govern the variable disease expressivity.

The epigenomic characterization will be part of a multi-omic approach to decipher pathophysiologic culprits and mechanisms underlying the progression to cerebral inflammatory disease, to provide proof of concept, identify targets, and delineate rational therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the knowledge gained may facilitate biomarker discovery to discriminate among discordant phenotypes, useful as prognostic factors of clinical severity and progression, needed to monitor current and future clinical studies.

WHAT WE NEED

• PhD in Biomedicine or similar.
• Experience in epigenetic research and related analysis.
• Proven experience in exploring molecular mechanisms underlying disease development and progression.
• Hands-on expertise in cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in collecting and handling human tissue samples.
• First-author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Capacity to coordinate national and/or international projects.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Motivation to achieve high-quality work.
• A highly motivated individual with a PhD in a relevant biomedical field (cancer biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline).
• Strong experience in molecular biology techniques and in vivo models; expertise in bioinformatics and/or single-cell transcriptomics is highly valued.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Incorporation into 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.
• The international network of the Esteller lab.
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by 10^th March 2025.

WHO WE ARE?

What makes us different?

The mission of the Josep Carreras Institute is 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. The IJC’s vision is to be a world-class reference and excellent research multicampus that contributes to the improvement of results, and the cure of patients affected by leukemia and other malignant hemopathies, 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 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.