The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a non-profit research institute based in Barcelona dedicated to advancing the understanding of leukaemia and related disorders, in collaboration with the University of Barcelona and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The IJC has laboratories in 6 locations: i) Hospital Germans Trias Pujol (IJC’s headquarters) ii) Hospital Clínic, iii) Hospital de Sant Pau, iv) Hospital del Mar, v) Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, and vi) Hospital Josep Trueta Girona. IJC serves as a collaborative centre for basic researchers and physicians to work together on fundamental clinical and biological aspects of leukaemia. The IJC offers an excellent work environment based on a multidisciplinary fusion of state-of-the-art ideas and facilities.

Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (HSJD) is dedicated to comprehensive care for women, children and adolescents, and has become one of the most important specialised paediatric centres in Europe. The care it offers is based on the multidisciplinary work of its professionals. As a university hospital, it contributes to the training of health professionals, together with the Universitat de Barcelona. Through the Institute of Research Sant Joan de Déu, HSJD conducts research to find new and better treatments for paediatric diseases. HSJD’s goal is to not only promote and encourage the training of its professionals to improve the health of our patients and the community, but also to advance scientific and human knowledge. Within the HSJD, the Paediatric Cancer Centre Barcelona (PCCB) is a new monographic centre for the benefit of children and adolescents with cancer and their families. The facility brings together healthcare services aimed at patients with developmental cancer in one single place, as well as spaces dedicated to research. Research in the PCCB is done in close collaboration with clinicians at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu to close the gap between basic and translational cancer research with the overarching goal of treating a large volume of patients more effectively, efficiently and adequately. The PPCB caters for more than 400 new patients per year, with the highly specialised team of the SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital Oncology Department and offers a stimulating and versatile workplace, a pleasant working atmosphere and access to institutional facilities (Histopathology Unit, Cytometry Unit, Cellular Imaging Unit, Animal Unit, etc.).

The position:

The Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Research Programme, established through a partnership between the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute and the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, is seeking a Molecular Biology Specialist/Research Associate to lead and support high-quality experimental research, and ensure smooth operation of the Programme.

Primary Responsibilities:

- Design, execute, and lead experiments in cellular and molecular biology, and cell signaling (e.g., cell culture, processing primary human samples, DNA cloning, mutant generation, qPCR, WB, IP, ChIP, sequencing, and library preparation).
- Develop and optimize protocols for gene- and base-editing technologies.
- Assist with data analysis, visualization, and interpretation to support publication-quality research.
- Oversee and manage daily lab activities.
- Ensure smooth communication and collaboration with internal and external researchers, acting as a point of contact.
- Maintain lab documentation and ensure SOPs are followed.

- PhD in Life Sciences with a proven research track record.
- Interest in cancer and immunology.
- Experience handling and processing human primary blood samples.
- Strong technical skills in cellular, molecular biology, and cell signaling.
- Prior expertise in gene- or base-editing.
- Prior experience in Omics is an advantage.
- Excellent organizational skills, and ability to multitask and prioritize.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across all academic levels.
- Strong problem-solving, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently.
- High proficiency in spoken and written English; knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan is a plus.
- Experience mentoring junior scientists
- Knowledge of the current ethical regulatory framework

What we Offer

- Initial 5-year contract, with potential extension based on funding.
- Full-time position based at the Sant Joan de Déu Pediatric Cancer Centre (37,5 hours per week)
- Start date: October 2025.
- Competitive salary based on qualifications.
- Access to a global network of hematology-oncology researchers and physicians.
- Training opportunities provided by the IJC and SJD.
- Stimulating environment at IJC-SJD, including language lessons, mindfulness sessions, and a subsidized on-site cafeteria.