VAC_60_2025 - GROUP LEADER

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.

The Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute is looking for a Group Leader for our Can Ruti Campus to open a new research line focused on improving the quality of life of hematological cancer patients.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

With the ambition of positioning IJC as a European leader in survivorship research in hematologic malignancies, we are launching a new programme centred on patient‑ and caregiver‑reported outcomes, neurocognitive trajectories, and digitally enabled supportive‑care interventions. We are particularly interested in advancing survivorship science by developing caregiver reported outcome measures, designing and testing multidisciplinary and behavioural interventions to improve quality of life, and leveraging real‑world data and digital health tools to monitor long‑term effects in the era of CAR‑T and other cellular therapies. The successful candidate will shape this agenda and build global collaborations that translate evidence into clinical practice.

This position is funded by the Severo Ochoa funds associated to the accreditation of excellence (CEX2023-001258-S) by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades - Agencia Estatal de Investigación (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).

WHAT WE NEED

• PhD in Psycho-oncology, Health Outcomes Research, Behavioral Medicine, or a related field.
• Excellent scientific record and clear research focus on survivorship and quality‑of‑life in patients with hematological malignancies.
• Candidates with experience in digital health, implementation science, or health‑equity research are especially encouraged to apply.
• Proven track record as Principal Investigator and coordinator on collaborative competitive grants.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in research.
• Leadership, team‑building, and communication skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Full time temporary contract (“Indefinido por actividades científico técnicas”) linked to the implementation of the strategic plan supported by the Severo Ochoa funds associated to the accreditation of excellence.

Este contrato es parte de la ayuda #CEX2023-001258-S, financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

• The selected Group Leader will receive a start-up package including personnel funding, dedicated laboratory space, and access to the state-of-the-art Core Facilities at IJC.
• Be part of a young, collaborative and international work environment with cutting edge technologies and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, including experts in medicine, immunology, genomics and bioinformatics.
• Exciting and innovative research projects covering from cancer genetics and epigenetics, immunogenomics and regulatory genomics, to precision‑medicine studies in transplantation, cell and gene therapy for blood cancers.
• The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area Catalonia’s BioRegion, ranked 5ᵗʰ in Europe and 8ᵗʰ worldwide for active clinical trials, with >1.700 oncology studies and a pipeline of 75 cancer therapies in development.

DEADLINE

Please submit your application by August 31th, 2025

WHO WE ARE?

What makes us different?

The mission of the Josep Carreras Institute is 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.
The IJC’s vision is to be a world-class reference and excellent research multicampus that contributes to the improvement of results, and the cure of patients affected by leukemia and other malignant hemopathies, 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.