VHIR-MSCA-PF-2026.006_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Neurodegenerative Disorders)
12 hours ago
Madrid
NEURO-immune and GATEway-mediated mechanisms to counteract Parkinson’s Disease (NEUROGATE-PD) VHIR is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and join the Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Group. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) The Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA‑PF) are part of the Horizon Europe programme and support post‑doctoral researchers in developing an original research and innovation project through international mobility. The programme aims to strengthen researchers’ careers through excellent science, international collaboration and interdisciplinary experience, while fostering integration in both academic and non‑academic environments. The MSCA‑PF call is highly competitive and represents an excellent opportunity to attract international talent and support researchers in consolidating their scientific careers through an ambitious mobility‑based fellowship. The 2026 call closes on 09/09/2026 (17:00 Brussels time). For candidates applying to a European Postdoctoral Fellowship, the fellowship duration is from 12 to 24 months . Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest‑growing neurodegenerative disorder, affecting over 10 million people worldwide. Current treatments remain symptomatic and do not prevent disease progression. Although historically defined by dopaminergic neuron loss and α‑synuclein aggregation, PD is now recognised as a multi‑system disorder. Non‑motor symptoms such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, mood alterations, and sleep disturbances often precede motor symptoms, highlighting the gut–brain axis as a bidirectional communication network relevant for PD pathogenesis. Within this axis, microbiota composition, barrier integrity and immune signalling contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Aging impairs both barrier function and immune homeostasis, and in PD these alterations are exacerbated, increasing permeability, immune cell infiltration, chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration. The relative contribution of aging versus environmental factors (e.g., infections, pollutants) and the therapeutic opportunities derived from restoring these functions remain unclear. To address these gaps, this project will integrate clinical research, experimental models and mechanistic studies in a multidisciplinary and international framework, aiming to uncover mechanisms linking barrier dysfunction to neurodegeneration and to develop regenerative strategies targeting these interfaces. This approach will advance our understanding of brain–body communication, identify biomarkers and open new therapeutic avenues for PD and other age‑related diseases. Objective NEUROGATE-PD aims to understand the principles of barrier‑mediated brain–body interactions in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The project will address key knowledge gaps essential for future biomarker discovery and therapeutic development aimed at preventing neurodegeneration through restoration of barrier function. It will also investigate the impact of lifestyle factors (e.g., nutrition, microbiota, environmental pollutants) on barrier integrity and how these factors influence PD onset and progression using relevant clinical cohorts and humanised experimental models. Main research lines Clinical and biomarker research: biomarker discovery (risk, diagnosis, prognosis), disease stratification, early pathophysiology understanding with a gender perspective integrated. Translational innovation and therapeutics: focus on gut–brain communication and neuroimmune modulation, studying enteric α‑synuclein pathogenicity, dietary interventions, targeting bacterial neurotoxins. Social innovation: development of participatory initiatives involving patients and stakeholders to improve quality of life and promote societal impact. Main responsibilities and duties Investigate inter‑organ communication mechanisms in PD to identify novel pathogenic pathways, biomarkers and disease‑modifying strategies. Analyse human samples and clinical data. Conduct mechanistic studies in rodent and cellular models. Work within a multidisciplinary environment within the Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group at VHIR, involving expertise in neurology, biomedicine, biotechnology, chemistry and bioinformatics. Participate in seminars, international collaborations, conferences and short research stays. Education and qualifications – Required Hold a PhD degree or have successfully defended the thesis before 09/09/2026. Comply with the mobility rule: not have resided or carried out the main activity in the host country for more than 12 months during 36 months before 09/09/2026. Basic communication skills in English: good spoken and written fluency. Experience and knowledge of basic laboratory histological techniques (e.g., stereological cell analysis, IHC, IF, confocal microscopy) and molecular techniques (ELISA, RT‑qPCR, WB, Dot Blot, Flow Cytometry). Certification and experience working with animal models and animal experimentation techniques (stereotaxic injection of AAV, behavioural tests, oral gavage, ip/iv/sc administration). Education and qualifications – Desirable Previous knowledge in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Parkinson’s Disease. Experience processing human and animal samples (brain tissue and biofluids). Experience in software for image and data analysis (OlyVIA, ImageJ, GraphPad, Stata, R). Experience and knowledge – Required Maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience by 09/09/2026 (typical eligibility if PhD obtained on or after 10/09/2018, with possible extensions). At least 3 years of experience working with preclinical rodent models. Proactive, dynamic and outstanding organisational skills. Strong sense of responsibility, initiative, self‑motivation and social skills as key personal abilities. Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment. Experience and knowledge – Desirable Previous experience with Neurosciences, Immunology or Microbiology. Main author of scientific publications in indexed journals. Mobility and research experience abroad. Working conditions, remuneration, contract type and start date Will be established according to the applicable MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship conditions and VHIR regulations. What can we offer? Incorporation into the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), a public sector institution that promotes and develops biomedical research, innovation and teaching at Vall d’Hebron 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. Healthy offering – “Feel Good, Feel VHIR”: VHIR’s wellbeing programme offers a variety of activities to help staff thrive – physically, mentally and socially – through four pillars: Feel Well, Feel Connected, Feel Empowered, Feel Welcomed. International mobility support (Welcome Services): assistance with arrival in Barcelona, city information, guidance on required procedures, access to the International Welcome Desk, family support and accommodation assistance. Deadline to apply 31‑07‑2026 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 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 organisation, 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 d’Hebron 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 lopd@vhir.org. DPO: dpd@ticsalutsocial.cat. More information can be found here. Data Protection Authority: APDCAT. #J-18808-Ljbffr
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