Offer Description
The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a comprehensive cancer research centre 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 has since experienced exponential growth.
The IJC is also part of the network of Excellence Research Centres 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 been accredited by the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (FCAECC). IJC is one of the centres 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. IJC has six locations integrated into reference hospitals: Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Clínic, Hospital Sant Pau, Hospital 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 to join a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Marcus Buschbeck at IJC’s headquarters and operating in tight collaborations with the Chemical Institute Sarria (IQS) of Ramón Llull University. The contract will be linked to project PID2024‑156688NB‑I00/MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FSE+.
Research Description
You will develop a research line that is embedded in a larger multidisciplinary drug development effort. Your main objective will be to develop inhibitory small compounds for a novel drug target in acute myeloid leukaemia that we have identified and validated in collaboration with the team of experimental clinician Florian Heidel (Medical University Hannover, Germany).
First, you will develop novel ligands for a validated drug target in acute myeloid leukaemia. Building on our promising preliminary results, you will optimise and expand the hit discovery using computer‑aided tools. We will prioritise hits with suitable predicted drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties for optimisation using organic synthesis. Finally, you will validate specificity using biophysical methods.
Second, using rationale and computation‑supported design methods, we will convert ligands into chimeras linking the target to the proteolytic machinery. We will assess the functionality of these so‑called proteolysis‑targeting chimeras (PROTACs). We will benchmark their performance and determine specificity using established reporter cells, engineered primary murine AML cells and a panel of human AML cell lines.
Third, you will make an effort to identify ligands for proteins that are related to the validated drug target.
Specific Requirements
* Master level degree and interest in pursuing a PhD.
* Fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge in synthetic organic chemistry, purification techniques, and structural characterisation of small‑molecules (NMR, MS, HPLC, TLC…).
* Hands‑on experience in synthetic organic chemistry and compound purification.
* Knowledge of molecular design and molecular modelling tools (e.g. QSAR models, pharmacophores, docking, molecular dynamics). A high level of motivation and interest in translational research.
* Previous experience with PROTACs/molecular degraders is a plus.
* Familiarity with chemistry drawing packages (ChemDraw, MestReNova, etc.), MS Office products and the ability to learn other software packages.
* Experience with computer‑aided drug design software is recommended (e.g. MOE or Schrödinger).
* High level of motivation and interest in translational research.
* Good command of English (speaking and writing). Spanish and Catalan are helpful.
Main Responsibilities
* Synthesize and characterise small molecules with potential therapeutic effect.
* Apply molecular design techniques for the virtual screening of drug candidates and study their binding mechanism.
* Work in collaboration with other scientists within a multidisciplinary research team focused on medicinal chemistry.
* Maintain accurate and well‑organised experimental records.
Full‑time contract (1623 hours per year). Opportunities for training and professional development. Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
Work on a new strategic platform within the Institute. Mixed basic and clinical research environment of the IJC. Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, working days of vacation and days for personal matters). Flexible remuneration programme (kindergarten and other measures). The stimulating environment of the IJC and its scientific network.
Evaluation Criteria
* Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific‑technical track record of the candidate (up to 50 points).
o Sub‑criterion 1.a) Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points).
o Sub‑criterion 1.b) Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points).
* Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points).
Additional comments.
Deadline for Applications
Please submit your application by February 11, 2026.
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