Predoctoral Researcher at Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute
The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a comprehensive cancer research center dedicated to research and innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of leukaemia and other hematologic malignancies. Founded in 2010, the Institute has grown exponentially and is part of the network of Excellence Research Centers of Catalonia (CERCA). In 2024 it was accredited as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence, and since 2018 it has also received accreditation from the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (FCAECC). The IJC is integrated into the Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP) with accreditation as an Accredited Health Research Institute (IIS) by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).
The Institute's main headquarters is located within the Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, providing direct access to cutting‐edge scientific and technological facilities. 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, facilitating close collaboration between basic and clinical researchers.
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 collaboration with the Chemical Institute Sarria (IQS) of Ramon Llull University. The contract will be linked to the project PID2024-156688NB‐I00/MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FSE+.
Research Description
You will develop a research line 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 leukemia that has been identified and validated in collaboration with the team of experimental clinician Florian Heidel at the Medical University Hannover.
* Develop novel ligands for the validated drug target using computer‐aided tools and optimize them for suitable drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties with organic synthesis. Validate specificity using biophysical methods.
* Convert ligands into chimeras (PROTACs) linking the target to the proteolytic machinery and assess their functionality using reporter cells, engineered primary murine AML cells, and a panel of human AML cell lines.
* Identify ligands for proteins related to the validated drug target that are currently orphan.
This project will be executed collaboratively between the computational chemist Roger Estrada‐Tejedor, the organic medicinal chemist Ricardo Serafim, and the team of Marcus Buschbeck. Chemistry‐related tasks will be performed at IQS, while biophysical, biochemical, and biology‐related tasks will be performed at IJC.
Main Responsibilities
Synthesize and characterize small molecules with potential therapeutic effect.
Apply molecular design techniques for 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‐organized experimental records.
What We Need
Master level degree and interest to pursue a PhD.
Fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge in synthetic organic chemistry, purification techniques, and structural characterization 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 (QSAR models, pharmacophores, docking, molecular dynamics) and 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 (MOE or Schrödinger).
High level of motivation and interest in translational research.
Good communication skills.
Good command of English (speaking and writing). Spanish and Catalan are helpful.
What We Offer
A FPI PhD position for 4 years.
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 Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
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).
The stimulating environment of the IJC and its scientific network.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria for the selection process are as follows:
Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific‐technical track record of the candidate (up to 50 points). Sub‐criterion 1.a) Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). 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). The candidate's suitability for the programme, project, or research activities to be undertaken will be assessed based on their previous education and experience.
Deadline
Please submit your application by February 11, 2026.
Who We Are
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.
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.
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