By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
🎓 Are you a passionate about chemist in training and early-career researcher eager to contribute to life-saving drug discovery in the fight against blood cancers? Here’s your chance to join a fully funded Chemist in Training (with PhD option) at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) in Barcelona, Spain. This exciting opportunity combines medicinal chemistry, computational drug design, and translational research at one of the world’s top centers for blood cancer research.
🔬 What is the Chemist in Training PhD Josep Carreras Institute Opportunity?
The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is the only dedicated research institute in the Western Hemisphere focusing entirely on blood cancers. Their interdisciplinary team explores the epidemiological, clinical, and molecular basis of blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia to ultimately discover curative therapies.
This position offers:
- A 1-year training contract as a Chemist in Training
- A PhD opportunity for those who demonstrate motivation and potential
- Full-time, funded research work embedded in a drug discovery pipeline
🧬 Who Should Apply for the Chemist in Training PhD Josep Carreras Institute Program?
This position is perfect for:
- Candidates with a Master’s in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field
- Researchers interested in drug discovery, PROTACs, and synthetic chemistry
- Individuals motivated to pursue a PhD in a multidisciplinary, cutting-edge environment
🧪 What Are the Main Responsibilities?
As part of this highly collaborative research team, your responsibilities include:
✅ Synthesizing and characterizing small therapeutic molecules
✅ Performing virtual screening and molecular docking
✅ Collaborating with computational and organic chemists in an integrated drug discovery workflow
✅ Maintaining accurate experimental records
🧠 What Skills Are Needed to Apply?
To thrive in this role, candidates should have:
🎓 Core Technical Skills
- Strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry
- Proficiency in compound purification and characterization (e.g., NMR, MS, HPLC, TLC)
- Hands-on experience with ChemDraw, MestReNova, or similar chemistry software
- Experience in computer-aided drug design (CADD) tools like Schrödinger or MOE is a plus
🔬 Scientific Background
- Knowledge of QSAR modeling, pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, or molecular dynamics
- Experience with PROTACs or molecular degraders is a valuable asset
🌍 Language & Communication
- Fluency in English is required
- Spanish or Catalan is helpful but not mandatory
- High levels of motivation, communication, and teamwork
🎁 What Are the Benefits?
The Chemist in Training PhD position at the Josep Carreras Institute offers:
💼 Full-time contract for 1 year, with a PhD continuation option
💰 Competitive salary based on experience
👥 Work in a multinational, multidisciplinary team
🧪 Access to state-of-the-art drug discovery infrastructure
🌍 Located in the vibrant scientific hub of Barcelona, Spain
🕒 Deadline to Apply
🗓️ The application deadline is August 31, 2025.
📩 Apply directly at:
https://careers.carrerasresearch.org/jobs/6222624-vac_61_2025-chemistry-research-assistant-in-training
📍 Where Will You Work?
The selected candidate will split their research time between:
🏢 IQS (Institut Químic de Sarrià), Barcelona
🔬 IJC Headquarters, Badalona, Spain
You’ll work with world-class experts like:
- Dr. Marcus Buschbeck – Epigenetics & Drug Discovery
- Dr. Roger Estrada-Tejedor – Computational Chemistry
- Dr. Ricardo Serafim – Organic Medicinal Chemistry
🔗 Meet the team:
https://iqs.edu/es/iqs/equipo-humano/dr-marcus-buschbeck
https://iqs.edu/es/iqs/equipo-humano/dr-roger-estrada-tejedor/
https://iqs.edu/es/iqs/equipo-humano/dr-ricardo-augusto-massarico-serafim/
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Is this a fully funded PhD opportunity?
Yes, the position begins as a 1-year funded training contract with the possibility of transitioning into a fully funded PhD.
❓ Do I need to know Spanish or Catalan?
No, only English fluency is required, though Spanish or Catalan is helpful.
❓ What kind of projects will I be working on?
You will be developing small molecule inhibitors targeting acute myeloid leukemia, using PROTACs and other advanced medicinal chemistry strategies.
❓ Can international students apply?
Yes, this position is open to international early-career researchers with a strong academic and research background.
📌 Conclusion: Why You Should Apply?
The Chemist in Training PhD Josep Carreras Institute program is a golden opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research in one of Europe’s most innovative biomedical environments. With access to world-class mentors, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and the chance to make a real impact in drug discovery, this program is ideal for aspiring medicinal chemists with big dreams.
⏳ Don’t wait! Submit your application by August 31, 2025, and take the first step towards a meaningful career in cancer research.
🧑🔬 Author Bio
Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen is an academic content creator and science communicator, curating the latest fully funded scholarships and research opportunities worldwide. With a background in molecular and computational biology, he helps students discover life-changing programs that blend education with purpose.
Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.
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