Marcus Buschbeck, PhD (he/him)
Senior Group Leader
mbuschbeck@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-buschbeck-26482437/
I have been trained in molecular cancer research and chromatin biology at several institutions that include the Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry (Germany), the University of Oxford (UK) and the Center of Genomic Regulation (Spain).
Since 2009, I have been combining these two fields in my own group. I enjoy collaborating with scientists from different disciplines and to find new ways to explore the unknown. I firmly believe that basic and applied research can learn a lot from each other.
In my free time I like to be active and outside. I best relax in full movement. Climbing a mountain gives me joy.
Please find my extended CV here.
David Corujo, PhD (he/him)
Postdoctoral Fellow
dcorujo@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-corujo-garc%C3%ADa-708ba7172/
I have been trained in biochemistry and molecular biology in the University of Barcelona and obtained a PhD in Genetics by the University of Barcelona for my work developed in the group of Marcus Buschbeck at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute.
My interest is focused on understanding chromatin regulation at a molecular level through epigenetic factors and 3D structure and its implications in physiology and disease. I combine work in the wet lab with programming and bioinformatic analysis.
Outside of the lab, I like to cook, read, play the bass, play videogames and boardgames, dance, skate and generally enjoy the process of learning new things
Jeannine Diesch, PhD (she/her)
Postdoctoral Fellow, AECC Investigator
jdiesch@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannine-diesch-09568152/
I was trained in molecular biology and genomics in Ulm (Germany), the University of Melbourne (Australia) and the PeterMac Callum Cancer Centre (Australia).
Since 2015, I am working in Marcus Buschbeck’s lab at the IJC, examining the chromatin regulation and its association with drug response/resistance in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.
I like to spend my free time with the family and in the nature.
René Winkler, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow, DFG fellowship awardeerwinkler@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ren%C3%A9-winkler-297949181/
I studied biology and biochemistry at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany. Back then, I became interested in mouse models of lymphoid malignancies and how disease manifestation could be prevented. In 2018, I completed my PhD studies, being supported by a PhD scholarship from the Carl-Zeiss Foundation.
As a postdoc, I qualified in academic teaching which leveraged my interaction with students and the supervision of research projects. The concept of epigenetic plasticity, and how pharmacological targeting influences epigenetics in cancer became one of my main topics. I joined the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in 2020 to become part of a community of researchers aiming for curing blood cancers.
Currently, I am investigating new approaches for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes as a Walter Benjamin fellow of the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Marina Farkas, PhD (she/her)
Postdoctoral Fellow, MSCA Fellowmfarkas@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-f-9681121a9/
I have earned my Master`s degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Zagreb in Croatia and my Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, USA. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to investigating molecular determinants of cell fate decision-making processes. During my graduate studies, I characterized novel mechanisms of p53 genomic selectivity which are guiding the p53-regulated life vs. death choice.
I am currently focused on deciphering the role of highly unique macroH2A histone variants in another crucial fate-imposing process – self-determination and cell differentiation.
I enjoy traveling and meeting people from all around the world. What excites me most is learning world history, absorbing different cultures, and scrutinizing current world politics. When I want to truly relax, I enjoy watching NBA and NFL games, as well as taking long walks and coffee dates with my partner and our pup.
Oliver Meers, MSc (he/them)
PhD student, FPI fellowship awardeeomeers@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-meers-1407b431/
I was trained in molecular and cellular biology in France. In this time, I had an Erasmus in Dublin and did three internships, the first in Limoges on EBV viruses, the second in Toulouse focusing on cardiac hypertrophy signalling pathways and the last and most fascinating in Perth, Australia on the basic understanding of paraspeckles, a nuclear body built on a complex association of arcRNA and proteins.
My work focuses on the unstructured linker domain of macroH2A and understanding how it effects nuclear architecture and gene expression. I like to work on the fundamental ways our cells work, and how molecular partners interact, especially within a compartment as complex as the nucleus.
Outside of the lab, I love cooking, swimming, and cycling. I enjoy learning new things like languages and conducting my own experiments like my sourdough and kombucha. Soon, I will try my hand at brewing beer.
Shubhra Bhattacharya, MSc (she/her)
PhD student, INTERCEPT-MDS fellow
sbhattacharya@carrerasresearch.org
My bachelors degree was in Biochemistry after which l did a dual masters degree in bioinformatics and biotechnology. I was a research assistant at National Center Biological Science (NCBS), Bangalore, India where I was using genomic methods for identifying key molecular players in brain disorders.
My interest lies in answering biological questions using computational approaches in myelodysplatic disorder (MDS), especially using high dimensional datasets with the overall aim for disease interception.
Overall, I like to learn something new everyday,science or otherwise.
Outside the lab I like to read mostly literary fiction and watch movies.
Jonathan Blickenberger, MSc (he/him)
PhD student, FPI fellowship awardee
jblickenberger@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-blickenberger-272155212/
I did my bachelor and master studies in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Freiburg in Germany. I spent my master thesis studying the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome using chemical biology tools and synthesizing small molecules. In the following, I did a research internship in cellular assay development at NIBR in Basel.
Now, I am working on macroH2A histone variants to better understand their isoform specific role in cell differentiation and development. With my background in pharmaceutical sciences, I am also interested in uncovering macroH2A’s potential in the treatment of diseases.
I like to spend my free time playing all kinds of sports, spend time at the beach, and get to know the Spanish culture and food.
Paula Roquero, MS, (she/her)
PhD student, Caixa InPHINIT Fellowproquero@carrerasresearch.org
http://linkedin.com/in/paularoquero
I studied Biochemistry at the University of Navarra, followed by a master’s in Biomedicine at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. For my master’s thesis, I went on exchange to Sydney, where I researched about the involvement of the Epstein-Barr Virus in Multiple Sclerosis.
At the IJC, my work focuses on finding new combinatorial drug therapies which could help fight resistances in blood cancers; specifically focusing on acute myeloid leukemia first.
I like to spend my free time outdoors (running, skiing and attempting to surf), travelling or just enjoying the good weather in Barcelona.
Nadya Cristina, MS, (she/her)
PhD student, CarrerasPathfinders Fellowncristina@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadyachristina/
I did my Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Hong Kong and completed an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in Precision Medicine at Université Grenoble Alpes and the Netherlands Cancer Institute before coming to IJC. My project focuses on investigating the bone marrow microenvironment in myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia to identify targetable markers of disease state. I enjoy travelling, basketball, taking walks in nature, cycling around the city and discovering new places to visit.
Vanesa Valero (she/her)
Lab Technicianvvalero@carrerasresearch.org
I have been trained in Pathological Anatomy and Cytology in Barcelona. I started working in the field of Molecular Biology in Dra. Mercé Pérez group at the Oncology Research Institute (IRO, Barcelona). Then, I worked at the Catalan Oncology Institute (ICO, Barcelona) performing diagnostics and initiating the BIOBANC project, a biological bank of different samples from oncological patients. After that, I decided to move to the group of Dr. Josep Baselga (VHIO, Barcelona) to work in a research environment again, which is my principal interest. After working a few months in a private company (ORYZON GENOMICS, Barcelona), since 2009 I am technician in Marcus’ group where I support different research projects and perform laboratory management tasks.
I like sharing my free time with my family and friends.
Sonia Núñez, PhD (she/her)
Project Managersnunez@carrerasresearch.org
I obtained my degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Barcelona in 2014, followed by a master in Biomedicine with specialty in Basic and Translational Cancer Research in 2015.
As a result of my high interest in research, which I gained after doing 3 internships during my studies, I decided to join the team of Joan Gil at the University of Barcelona for my PhD thesis, which I graduated from in 2020. After doing a collaboration during my PhD fellowship with Jean-Ehrland Ricci, I decided to join his group in 2021 for a postdoc at C3M-INSERM U1065 in France. In 2025, I joined the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute in the role of project manager to work with Marcus and in the International Grant Office.
In my free time, I enjoy being active and outdoors. I enjoy watching and playing tennis and I love travelling, hiking and reading.
Florencia Herbstein, PhD (she/her)
Postdoctoral Fellow, CarrerasLeaders Fellowfherbstein@carrerasresearch.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/florencia-herbsteinI studied Biochemistry at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), where I also gained over a decade of experience teaching Human Physiology at the university level in the School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry. I completed my PhD at the Biomedicine Research Institute of Buenos Aires – Max Planck Society Partner (IBioBA-MPSP), supported by the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina (CONICET).
My doctoral work focused on the role of interleukin-6 in the senescence of pituitary tumors.
In 2025, I joined IJC as a postdoctoral fellow. My work aims to shed light on how nuclear metabolism influences leukemia cell survival and therapy resistance, building on my background in senescence and cancer biology.
Beyond the bench, I am passionate about fostering diverse, international networks for early-career researchers to strengthen collaboration and opportunities across continents.Outside of the lab, I enjoy running outdoors while listening to loud music.
Bedri Batuhan Yaman, MSc (he/his)
PhD Student, NUCLEAR Fellowbyaman@carrerasresearch.org
linkedin.com/in/bedri-batuhan-yaman-763443174I studied Molecular Biology and Genetics at Bahçeşehir University (Turkey), before pursuing a Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. For my MSc thesis, carried out in collaboration with the VIB Structural Biology Lab under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Peter Tompa, I investigated how liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) in tau protein could be modulated in the context of Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2025, I began my PhD as an MSCA Fellow at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute as part of the NUCLEAR doctoral network. I seek to uncover which metabolic enzymes are present in the nucleus of AML cells and how their nuclear functions contribute to disease progression and treatment response, drawing from my expertise in protein biology and disease mechanisms.
Beyond the lab, I am passionate about literature, theatre, and football, and I also enjoy cooking while listening to techno music.
Buschbeck Lab 