Predoctoral Researcher (Translational Molecular Pathology Research Group)
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Job Summary
The Translational Molecular Pathology Laboratory at the Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR) is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team and undertake a PhD thesis within the Intercellular Communication Research Line.
The successful candidate will apply to the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026 and if awarded the fellowship will investigate how cancer cells communicate with surrounding stromal cells to adapt to therapeutic stress. The project will focus on the emerging phenomenon of intercellular mitochondrial transfer and its regulation by Connexin 43 (Cx43) a major mediator of cell-cell communication in cancer.
The project will use quantitative mitochondrial-tracing approaches including a recently established HiBiT-based platform live-cell imaging CRISPR-engineered cancer models and tumourstromal co-culture systems to determine how mitochondrial exchange affects tumour-cell metabolism stress adaptation and chemotherapy response. The work will initially exploit well-established breast cancer models with opportunities to investigate whether the mechanisms identified are conserved in other tumour types including lung and pancreatic cancer.
Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments using cancer and stromal cell models including CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic approaches to investigate Cx43-dependent mechanisms.
Establish and characterise tumourstromal co-culture and 3D models.
Apply HiBiT-based and fluorescence-based mitochondrial-tracing approaches together with live-cell and confocal imaging to quantify intercellular mitochondrial transfer.
Investigate the relationship between mitochondrial transfer cellular stress responses and chemotherapy resistance and critically analyse and interpret the resulting experimental data.
Present research findings at group meetings scientific conferences and other scientific events.
Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and research publications.
University degree (Bachelors) in Biomedical Sciences Biology Biochemistry Biotechnology or a related field in the life or health sciences.
Official university Masters degree providing access to a PhD programme meeting the eligibility requirements of the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026
Minimum average grade of 8.5/10 in both the Bachelors and Masters degrees and a good command of written and spoken English.
Working knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan useful for day-to-day integration at Vall dHebron University Hospital
Authorship of scientific publications.
Previous research experience in molecular biology cell biology cancer biology or a related field (e.g. through Bachelors or Masters thesis work).
Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills with a genuine interest in quantitative and mechanistic approaches to cancer biology.
Good organisational skills capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and a proactive rigorous and responsible approach to scientific research.
Practical experience with mammalian cell culture and standard molecular/cellular biology techniques (e.g. fluorescence microscopy flow cytometry image analysis or CRISPR/Cas9).
Experience with mitochondrial biology tumourstromal interactions extracellular vesicles intercellular communication or therapy-resistance models.
Labour conditions:
Working hours: Full-time (375 hours per week).
Starting date: Between November and December 2026 in line with the incorporation window of the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026 (up to March 2027 for non-EU candidates).
Gross annual salary: According to the conditions established in the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026.
Contract type: Temporary contract
Duration: 4-year predoctoral contract under the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026 fellowship (Estatut del Personal Investigador en Formació EPIF).
Incorporation into the Vall dHebron Research Institute (VHIR) a public sector institution that promotes and develops biomedical research innovation and teaching at Vall dHebron University Hospital (HUVH) the largest hospital in Barcelona and the largest within the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS).
A dynamic scientific environment of excellence where cutting-edge biomedical projects are continuously developed.
Continuous learning and career development pathways.
Flexible working hours.
23 days of annual leave plus 9 personal days.
Flexible remuneration programme including meal vouchers health insurance transport and more.
Corporate benefits platform offering significant discounts on travel culture technology gastronomy sports and more.
Healthy offering Feel Good Feel VHIR: VHIRs wellbeing programme offers a variety of activities to help staff thrivephysically mentally and socially. Through four pillarsFeel Well Feel Connected Feel Empowered Feel Welcomedit fosters health growth and community.
International mobility support (Welcome Services): we aim to make your arrival in Barcelona smooth and pleasant by providing city information guidance on required procedures access to the International Welcome Desk family support and assistance with finding accommodation.
Deadline to apply:
Pre-selection: Candidates are shortlisted based on their skills qualifications and relevant experience as outlined in their CVs.
Interviews: Meetings may be held with Talent Acquisition and/or the hiring manager.
Practical assessment: Depending on the role candidates may complete a case study technical task presentation or written exercise on-site or remotely.
Checks: Education references and other job-related verifications may be carried out.
Job offer: The selected candidate receives a formal job offer upon successful completion of the process.
VHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. As reflected in our values we work toward ensuring inclusion and equal opportunity in recruitment hiring training and management for all staff within the organization regardless of gender civil status family status sexual orientation gender identity and expression religion age functional diversity or ethnicity.
Information on Personal Data Protection:
Data Controller: Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall dHebron Institut de Recerca -VHIR-. Purpose: Personnel selection. Legal Basis: Your consent. Data retention period: One year. If you are selected as long as the employment relationship is in force and legal responsibilities may arise. Data sharing: Does not occur except for communications necessary to fulfill the purpose and those required by law to public and private bodies. Rights: You can access rectify delete object to and limit the processing of data as well as request data portability where applicable by contacting . DPO: . More information:
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT
