VAC_109_2025 - RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN TRAINING (Chromatin biology laboratory)

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 Research Assistant In Training for the Chromatin biology laboratory led by Dr. Alejandro Vaquero.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

The Chromatin Biology Laboratory, led by Alejandro Vaquero, is internationally recognized for its expertise in studying cellular response mechanisms under stress conditions. The group's main objective is to define the role of the Sirtuin family of enzymes in regulating genome stability and epigenetics in response to stress, and to understand their impact on cancer, senescence, and aging.

MAIN RESPONSABILITIES

• Provide technical support for several projects of the group related to the role of sirtuins in replicative stress response and Leukemia.
• Recombinant DNA techniques, cloning, qRT-PCR
• Genome stability studies
• Mass spectrometry sample preparation.
• Cell culture of primary and established cells
• FACS and cell cycle analysis
• Recombinant protein expression in bacteria and purification
• Immunofluorescence and FISH
• Oversee laboratory stock and order management.

WHAT WE NEED

• Degree in Biomedical Sciences or similar.
• Certificate in Animal Experimentation or an equivalent qualification
• A high level of motivation and interest.
• Ability to handle varying workloads and aptitude for teamwork.
• High level of collaborative and communicative skills.
• Good level of English speaking and writing skills (required). Spanish (helpful).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Temporary position (Training contract)
• Full time contract of 39 hours per week
• 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.
• Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by the end of 15th of December 2025

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 th