Vac 11 2025 - Predoctoral Researcher (Regulatory Rna And..

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 seeking **a Predoctoral Researcher**for the Regulatory RNA and chromatin group led by Dr. Sònia Guil.

**RESEARCH DESCRIPTION**

The team of Sònia Guil at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the molecular basis of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) ranks as the second most common hematological malignancy, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells within the bone marrow. The malignant progression of MM is closely linked with the accumulation of acquired genetic events and additional epigenetic alterations. Despite the availability of highly effective anti-MM agents that have enhanced long-term survival rates, disease relapse and multidrug resistance are still a challenge. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate distinct molecular mechanisms underlying myeloma tumorigenesis, including epigenetic mechanisms driving resistance patterns, to improve long-term patient prognosis and clinical outcomes.

Building on previous studies in the group, the project will further investigate the role of specific long noncoding RNAs at the interface with the cellular response to chemotherapy, combining mechanistic dissection of their regulatory functions with clinicopathological correlations. The research will employ techniques such as single-cell transcriptome analysis, epitranscriptomic profiling, iCLIP-seq, and CRISPRi/CRISPRa approaches, along with other molecular and biochemical methods.

The study aims to uncover the molecular interplay between treatment resistance and noncoding RNAs, laying the groundwork for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for multiple myeloma.

Please also visit our unit **webpage**.

**WHAT WE NEED**

**General skills required**
- Master’s degree or equivalent in genomics, molecular biology, or epigenetics.
- Acceptance and enrollment in a Doctoral program related to the research area.
- High motivation and enthusiasm for biomedical research.
- Previous experience in RNA biology or a related research area.
- Strong collaborative and communication skills.
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required; knowledge of Catalan is a plus.

**Technical skills required**
- Experience with basic cellular and molecular biology techniques.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis is desirable.

**WHAT WE OFFER**
- A dynamic, collaborative, and international research environment with access to cutting-edge technologies.
- Opportunity to work alongside experts in medicine, genomics, and bioinformatics.
- Full-time, 1-year temporary contract with potential for renewal.
- Involvement in an exciting and innovative research project.
- Contract funded by the CELLEX Private Foundation.
- A stimulating work environment in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
- Integration into a multinational and highly collaborative lab.

**DEADLINE**

**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 improvem