Predoctoral Researcher - Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology and Leukemogenesis

Ref.: 24-095_R_AG

About the research group

The team of Dr Alessandra Giorgetti is looking for a highly motivated student to start a PhD project aims at studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients with GATA2 deficiency. Individuals with GATA2 mutations are at very high risk of developing immunodeficiency and bone marrow failure that progresses to MDS and AML. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only treatment with favorable response. Therefore, there is a crucial unmet need for novel and more efficacious therapies for GATA2-related MDS or AML. The project aims to investigate the contribution of affected bone marrow microenvironment on GATA2 disease progression. We employ a variety of methodologies to support our research, induced pluripotent stem cells culture and differentiation, 3D bone marrow organoids, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome engineering, and single cell transcriptomics, among others. Studying how GATA2 mutations affect the microenvironment and how the microenvironment contributes to malignant transformation can help us to design better treatment strategies and better transplants outcome.

About the role

• Pluripotent stem cell culture
• 3D bone marrow organoids
• CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in pluripotent stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells
• OMICs analysis (RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analysis)
• Flow cytometry
• Participate in group meetings and scientific discussions.
• Engage in career development activities, outreach and soft skill training.

Job requirements

Professional experience

• Not required

Education and training

• B.Sc. in Life Sciences (Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, Biotechnology, etc.)
• Master in biological subjects 

Technical & soft skills

• Basic molecular technic (DNA, RNA extraction, cloning etc)
• Derivation, characterization and culture of pluripotent stem cells
• Skills in written and oral communication
• Initiative, good capacity for planning and organising the work schedule and a good predisposition to work in a multidisciplinary way with the rest of the professionals in the team
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Good communication skills and motivation to achieve project objectives

Languages

• Good command of the English language

We will value, but not require

• Teamwork
• Motivation, initiative and learning ability
• Experience in basic computer tools (Excel, Access, Word,...)

What do we offer

•  No. of positions: 1
•  Estimated start date: 01/01/2025
•  Contract duration: 4 years
•  Estimated annual gross salary: 24.600 €
•  You will be part of a multicultural team. We have a fun loving and friendly international work environment.
•  Flexible working schedule - We know you have a life outside of work and we will work with you to make sure it's kept that way.
•  Possibility to work some days in remote - Teleworking
•  26 working days of holiday per year
•  System of accumulated hours for employees, from 88 to 104 hours depending on the year (11 to 13 working days), to attend to personal matters.
•  Paid leave package
•  Benefits of constant training are offered
•  We offer and promote diverse and inclusive conditions. Applicants are made free from any discrimination. Specifically IDIBELL works to improve gender equality in all areas with the aim of achieving gender balance, but maintaining the most scrupulous respect to any choice at the level of gender identity. Please express yourself freely, safely and non-binarily, if that's the case.

Application

All applications must include the following:

• A detailed CV or, even better, a CVA (AEI-FECYT)
  
  
• A second file including:
  
  

1. a motivational letter detailing your research interests and relevant experience addressed to Alessandra Giorgetti
   
   
2. recommendation letters from at least two academic references
   
   
3. detailed transcript of grades for both the official degree and master’s program, organized by subject
   
   
4. a copy of your master's thesis

• Contact details of two referees

Selection process

1. Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will involve an eligibility check based on the qualifications and expertise outlined in the candidate's CVA, the motivational letter, the recommendation letters and, your master's thesis.
   
   
2. Interview: Best positioned, pre-selected candidates may be called to arrange an interview. Candidates will be interviewed by the hiring manager and an ad hoc selection panel. An oral presentation and practical test may be required during the selection process.
   
   
3. Formal offer email: Once identified, the Talent Unit will send a job offer to the successful candidate indicating start date, salary, working conditions, and any additional relevant details.

Deadline: Please submit your application by 30/09/2024

Data protection notice

In compliance with the obligations established in the General Regulation of Data Protection (RGPD), which is the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the Parliament and of the Council, of April 27, 2016, and the Organic Law 3/2018, of December 5, Protection of Personal Data and guarantee of digital rights, it is reported that the Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), CIF G58863317, with address Av. Granvia de l'Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, will process your personal data, as the controller, to apply for the position, maintain communication concerning the status of the candidature, to access the delivered CV; to compare that your data is in accordance with the offers announced by IDIBELL and to verify, where appropriate, that the information provided is accurate.

You can find more information in our Privacy Policy at https://idibell.cat/en/privacy-policy-2/, request more information about the data processing carried out and exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, opposition, portability, limitation of processing by sending a request at email: dataprotection@idibell.cat. If you consider that you have not obtained satisfaction in exercising your rights, you may submit a claim to Catalan Data Protection Authority.

Our institute

IDIBELL is a research center that integrates the biomedical research of the Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB), the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), and the University of Barcelona in the Bellvitge Campus (UB), and the Viladecans Hospital (HV). The research focuses of IDIBELL are cancer, neuroscience, translational medicine and regenerative medicine. Research, innovation and society are the pivots on which researchers work every day in order to improve the quality of life of citizens.

Observations

The 'HR Excellence in Research' award represents IDIBELL’s commitment to the implementation of Human Resources policies, which oversee the attracting and development of talent in an open, transparent, and based on personal merit, in alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment Researchers (Charter and Code).

IDIBELL is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the implementation of open, transparent and merit-based recruitment (OTMR).

The project PID2023-146290OB-I00 leading to this labor contract, has received funding from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities in 2023.