VAC_70_2026 - POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

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 an experienced Postdoctoral Researcher to join a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Marcus Buschbeck at IJC’s headquarters.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Histone variants replace replication-coupled histones within nucleosomes, the fundamental units of chromatin, and confer specialized properties to specific genomic regions. The macroH2A family is of particular interest because these histone variants, in addition to histone-fold domain, contain two additional domains of incompletely understood function: the linker and the macrodomain. Our recent studies have uncovered key roles for both. We demonstrated that the linker contributes to the three-dimensional organization of chromatin, with changes in macroH2A occupancy at only 1-2% of nucleosomes being sufficient to alter higher-order chromatin architecture, highlighting its impact on gene regulation and cell fate (Douet et al., 2017; Kozlowski, Corujo et al., 2018; reviewed in Corujo and Buschbeck, 2018). Our work has also established the macroH2A1.1 isoform as a metabolic regulator through its ability to bind NAD+-derived metabolites and post-translationally modified proteins via its macrodomain (Posavec Marjanovic, Hurtado-Bagès et al., 2017; reviewed in Hurtado-Bagès et al., 2020). Furthermore, we demonstrated that this function is evolutionarily ancient, predating the emergence of multicellular life (Guberovic et al., 2021; reviewed in Guberovic, Farkas et al., 2022).

Together, these findings establish macroH2A1 as a key regulator of chromatin architecture, gene expression, and cellular metabolism, processes that are frequently disrupted in cancer. Building on this foundation, our current research seeks to determine how macroH2A1 contributes to the development and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The successful candidate will investigate how macroH2A1 shapes chromatin organization and transcriptional programs that drive leukemogenesis and disease progression, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in AML. This project will combine chromatin biology, biochemistry, functional genomics, and molecular cancer biology to address fundamental questions at the interface of epigenetics and leukemia research.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Lead and independently execute experimental research projects, ensuring high scientific quality and timely achievement of project milestones.
• Design, optimize, and implement advanced molecular, cellular, and biochemical experimental protocols (RNA-seq, protein purification, mass spectrometry, etc.).
• Execute in vitro assays using both established cell lines and primary cells.
• Utilize specialized analytical systems, including flow cytometry (FACS).
• Analyze, interpret, and critically evaluate experimental data to guide research direction and support scientific conclusions.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and well-organized experimental records in accordance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to the planning, coordination, and day-to-day management of laboratory activities, including troubleshooting and workflow optimization.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, PhD students, master's students, and technical staff.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external collaborators to advance research objectives.
• Prepare scientific reports, manuscripts for publication, and presentations for internal meetings, conferences, and funding agencies.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications and participate in the development of new research initiatives.

WHAT WE NEED

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline, with 3-5 years of postdoctoral experience.
• Strong hands-on experience in molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (RNA/DNA work, protein purification, affinity binding assays, etc.)
• Expertise in flow cytometry techniques.
• A background in haematopoiesis or blood cancer biology is highly desirable.
• Previous experience histone variant research is a major plus.
• Familiarity with basic bioinformatic analysis (e.g. R programming) is highly desirable, together with willingness to develop these skills further.
• Experience in mentoring and supervision is a plus.
• 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 written and spoken English (all protocols and guidelines are in English).
• Pro-active, responsible and well-organized person.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with other team members.
• Commitment to an equity, diversity, and inclusion-based, international working environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Postdoctoral contract for 2 years. The contract will be linked to project Plan Nacional PID034 (Nuria).
• Full-time contract (39 hours/week).
• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
• Mixed basic and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC).
• Measures to reconcile work and family life (flexible work schedule, teleworking, working days of vacation and days for personal matters).
• Flexible remuneration program (kindergarten and other measures).
• The stimulating environment of Barcelona metropolitan area, the IJC and its scientific network.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by September 07, 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.