Associated Researcher- Cancer Epigenetics

The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a non-profit research institute based in Barcelona dedicated to advancing the understanding of leukemia and related disorders, in collaboration with the University of Barcelona and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The IJC has laboratories in 5 clinical campuses: i) Hospital Clínic, ii) Hospital de Sant Pau and iii) Hospital Germans Trias Pujol iv) Hospital del Mar and v) Hospital Josep Trueta Girona. IJC serves as a collaborative center for basic researchers and physicians to work together on fundamental clinical and biological aspects of leukemia. The IJC offers an excellent work environment based on a multidisciplinary fusion of state-of-the-art ideas and facilities. The proteomics Unit is looking for a Technician.

**RESEARCH DESCRIPTION**

We, the team of Manel Esteller at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), are seeking for a motivated ASSOCIATED RESEARCHER.

The group continues the wide-ranging work on epigenetics that Manel Esteller, has carried out during his career, devoted to the establishment of the epigenome and epitranscriptome maps for normal and transformed cells. His laboratory pioneered the observation that epigenetic disruption of mRNA transcription, related to DNA methylation and histone modification patterns, contributed to cancer (Esteller, NEJM 2008; Heyn and Esteller, Nat Rev Genet 2012). His lab characterized the first ncRNAs undergoing specific cancer-methylation associated silencing (Cancer Res 2007; PNAS 2008; Oncogene 2012, Oncogene 2010; NSMB 2012; Mol Cell 2014; PNAS 2016, Genome Biol 2016; Oncogene 2017; Leukaemia 2019).

The lab has also a strong interest in the establishment of new epigenomic platforms to elaborate comprehensive DNA methylome maps (Epigenetics 2011; Epigenomics 2016). The use of these approaches has made several breakthroughs in lung cancer (JCO 2010), Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) (Lancet Oncology 2016); and anti-PD1 immunotherapy (Lancet Respiratory Medicine 2018).

Interestingly, the “repertoire” of epigenetic modifications of DNA is fairly limited, (Heyn and Esteller, Cell 2015). In sharp contrast, more than one hundred post-transcriptional modifications occur in RNA (Esteller and Pandolfi, Cancer Discov 2017; Cell 2018). In this field, the group has shown aberrant RNA modifications and epitranscriptomes in different tumour types (Oncogene 2016; Leukaemia 2017; Acta Neuropathol 2019; Oncogene 2019).

Finally, the group has a long-standing interest in translating the epigenetic knowledge gained to clinical outcome and therapy response prediction (Nature Comm, 2014; JNCI, 2014; Oncotarget 2015; JCI Insight 2019) and to assay new epigenetic drugs (Oncogene 2012; Oncotarget 2017; Haematologica 2018) to reverse the distorted cancer landscape (Berdasco and Esteller, Nat Rev Genet 2019).

**WHAT WE NEED**
- PhD background in the molecular biology field. Demonstrated experience in Cancer Epigenetics is highly desirable.
- Solid knowledge in biomedical research and clinical data analysis, evidenced by a strong record of publications in Q1 scientific journals.
- Previous post-doctoral experience >5 years, including work in foreign biomedical institutions for at least 2 years.
- Ability to conceive projects, critically plan and rigorously analyze research results, demonstrated by successful competitive projects.
- Experience in lead multidisciplinary projects to promote and facilitate translational research in collaboration with hospitals and other research institutions.
- Demonstrated skills in leadership, including guiding and supervising PhD thesis in biomedicine field.
- Ability to handle varying workloads and aptitude for teamwork.
- Organized, proactive, self-motivated, and enthusiastic.
- Proficiency in writing and speaking English.

**MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Identify epigenetic alterations with translational potential to improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer.
- Proficiently lead and coordinate own and collaborative research projects.
- Integrate biological and clinical data to answer complex scientific research questions with translational potential.
- Disseminate research findings and write or contribute to publications.
- Develop grant proposals for national and international competitive calls.
- Establish fruifull networks of basic and clinical collaborators.

**WHAT WE OFFER**
- Incorporation in a multinational and highly collaborative team.
- An exciting and innovative research project.
- Working in the mixed basic, and clinical research environment of the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute.
- The stimulating environment of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
- Salary commensurate with qualifications
- Preferential start date: asap
- The international network of the Esteller lab.

**DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS**

**WHO WE ARE?**

Our mission is to carry out research into the basic, epidemiological, preventive, clinical and translational aspects