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 highly motivated Predoctoral Researcher for the Stem cell biology, developmental leukemia and immunotherapy group led by Dr. Pablo Menéndez and under the leadership of Dr. Aïda Falgàs. The contract will be linked to project PID2025-169386OB-I00/MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ FSE+.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Project - Next-Generation T-Cell Immunotherapies for B-Cell Malignancies

The doctoral project will focus on the development of next-generation T-cell immunotherapies for the treatment of hematological malignancies, with a particular focus on B-cell malignancies. Building on an innovative STAb-T cell platform (engineered T cells secreting T cell engagers antibodies), the project will pursue two main objectives: (1) to enhance targeted therapies through the development of STAb-T cells secreting bispecific and trispecific antibodies, including molecules incorporating costimulatory signals to further increase T-cell activation and cytotoxicity; and (2) to develop dual-targeting approaches against complementary tumor-associated antigens to overcome antigen escape and improve the durability of antitumor responses. These strategies aim to address key limitations of current immunotherapies and contribute to the development of more effective treatment options for patients with relapsed or refractory hematological malignancies.





The candidate will employ a range of state-of-the-art techniques at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy research, including genetic engineering of primary human T cells, molecular cloning and vector design, multiparametric flow cytometry and functional immune assays. The project will also leverage preclinical in vivo models to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the engineered cells. This multidisciplinary research will provide expertise in cellular engineering, translational immunology, and the development of advanced immunotherapies.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student, with postgraduate studies in biomedicine, immunology or cell and molecular biology.

WHAT WE NEED

- Master’s degree in biomedical sciences or a related field.

- Strong background in immunology and cancer biology.

- Hands-on experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques (cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, Western blot).

- Accredited training course for laboratory animal personnel in rodents is highly recommended.

- A high level of motivation and interest in biomedical research.

- Proactive attitude and strong collaborative and communication skills.

- Excellent communication skills in English.

- Previous scientific contributions (co-authorship in scientific outputs) would be a plus.

WHAT WE OFFER

- A FPI PhD position for 4 years.

- Full time contract of 39 hours per week. (adaptable work schedule, 23 working days of vacation and days for personal matters).

- Measures to reconcile work and family life.

- Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).

- An exciting and innovative research project.

- Working in the mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu campus.

- Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.

- The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

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).

The candidate’s academic record and other curricular merits will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be performed according to their education and professional experience.

- Sub-criterion 1.b): Mobility and internationalisation (up to 5 points).





Relevance and impact of the candidate’s stays at national or international research centres and/or in the industrial sector on their research career will be evaluated, taking into account the prestige of the host institution and the activities carried out there.

- Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate to the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points).

Candidates suitability for the programme, project, or research activities to be undertaken will be assessed based on their previous education and experience. The evaluation will consider both the added value that the project will represent for the candidates’ research career and the value that candidates will bring to the host institution and to the research team.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by September 16th, 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.

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🏢 Institut de Recerca contra la Leucèmia Josep Carreras
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