VHIR-MSCA-PF-2026.009_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Biomedical Gynaecology)
12 hours ago
Barcelona
ph3Development of an in vitro diagnostic triage test for patients at risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer based on protein biomarkers in cervical fluids /h3 pVHIR is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to apply for a Marie Sklodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and join the Biomedical Gynaecology Research Group. /p h3Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions – Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA‑PF) /h3 pThe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA‑PF) are part of the Horizon Europe programme and support postdoctoral researchers in developing an original research and innovation project through international mobility. /p pThe 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. /p pThe 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. /p pFull eligibility details: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 /p h3Background /h3 pEndometrial cancer (EC) is the fourth most common cancer in women, and its incidence is increasing. Despite the importance of early diagnosis for patient survival, there is no accurate and non‑invasive strategy for early triage or screening of EC. Diagnosis relies on imaging and invasive biopsies, affecting more than 35M women presenting symptoms – 86% postmenopausal and 14% premenopausal – and patients with hereditary risk – Lynch Syndrome – who have annual surveillance. Only 10% of those will have EC. /p h3Objective /h3 pThis project builds on our previous projects, and aims to advance the development of a non‑invasive triage test based on protein biomarkers in cervical fluids for the accurate detection of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and EC across high‑risk populations. We will advance the development, preanalytical and analytical validation of the test using the recently developed key reagents, and assess its performance in symptomatic pre‑ and postmenopausal women prior and after imaging techniques, and Lynch Syndrome carriers. In parallel, we will investigate the proteomic landscape of EC progression using a transgenic mouse model, and cervical fluids from AEH patients, to elucidate tumour progression mechanisms and AEH biomarkers, with the ultimate goal to advance our triage test for EC prevention. This project is expected to transform EC diagnosis, improving patient care, quality of life, EC survival, and healthcare efficiency. /p h3Our Group /h3 pThe Group of Biomedical Research in Gynaecology (GineLab), integrated into the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), is a consolidated, multidisciplinary core consisting of 37 professionals who operate under a "two‑way translational research" philosophy: from the patient to the laboratory and back to the clinic. The group is co‑directed by Dr. Antonio Gil‑Moreno, who leads the clinical strategy, and Dr. Eva Colás, who is responsible for translational research and innovation. /p pTheir activity is centred on resolving clinical needs in women’s health through two main pillars: early non‑invasive diagnosis and precision oncology. The research is structured into three primary vertical work lines: /p ul liEndometrial Cancer: This research line is a pioneer in molecular diagnosis using gynaecological fluids (such as cervical fluid), employing proteomics to develop non‑invasive triage tests aimed at avoiding unnecessary biopsies. /li liOvarian Cancer: This research line focuses on precision oncology and therapy optimisation. To this end, they utilise the GynePDX platform, a biobank featuring over 174 patient‑derived xenograft (PDX) models and organoids, which is used for preclinical "clinical trials" of targeted therapies. /li liEndometriosis: This research line integrates molecular classification and tissue proteomic characterisation with the development of a non‑invasive diagnostic test based on protein biomarkers in cervical fluids, while simultaneously investigating angiogenic biomarkers to improve recurrence risk prediction. /li /ul h3Innovation and Clinical Translation /h3 pGineLab stands at the forefront of clinical innovation through a robust portfolio of active patents and the creation of its own femtech spin‑off, MiMARK Diagnostics S.L. (founded in 2021). This spin‑off has secured approximately €8M in funding, including a prestigious €2.5M EIC Accelerator grant, to bring non‑invasive in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests to the global healthcare market. /p h3International Leadership and Strategic Collaborations /h3 pThe group holds a prominent position in the international scientific community: /p ul liConsortia Coordination: GineLab coordinates the European CytoMARK consortium (ERA PerMed), integrating proteomic markers and clinical data across five countries. /li liAccreditations: The clinical headquarters at VHH maintains ESGO Accreditation as a Centre of Excellence for the surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer. /li liStrategic Alliances: The group maintains high‑level collaborations with institutions such as the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the Luxembourg Institute of Health, and numerous European and US universities. /li liScientific Governance: Members hold leadership roles in the European Network for Individualised Treatment of Endometrial Cancer (ENITEC), the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), and the national Spain‑GOG network. /li /ul h3Social Impact and Talent Development /h3 pBeyond technical excellence, the group drives social change through the ENDO‑HIT program, a pioneer citizen‑science initiative that raises endometriosis awareness in schools and empowers women regarding their reproductive health. Furthermore, GineLab is a proven engine for academic development, having supervised 6 PhD theses with honours since 2022 and maintaining a robust internal training program that attracts international talent from across Europe. /p h3Main responsibilities and duties /h3 ul liParticipate in translational research projects to improve endometrial cancer and endometriosis diagnosis through biomarker research. /li liCollaborate with other projects of the group, by promoting fruitful discussions or by helping in experimental work. /li liParticipate in general activities of the group. /li liSupport the principal researcher in managerial activities. /li /ul h3Education and qualifications – Required /h3 ul liApplicants must hold a PhD degree or have successfully defended their thesis before the call deadline (09/09/2026). /li liApplicants must comply with the mobility rule, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/studies) in the host country for more than 12 months during the 36 months prior to the call deadline. /li liFluency in English. /li liFirst author in publications. /li liPassionate, proactive, willing to learn and committed. /li /ul h3Experience and knowledge – Required /h3 ul liApplicants must have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience by the call deadline. This means candidates are generally eligible if they obtained their PhD on or after 10/09/2018 (possible extensions may apply, e.g. parental leave or long‑term illness). /li liPrevious experience in a translational research group. /li liExperience in mass spectrometry and immunoassay, including experimental work and data analysis. /li /ul h3Experience and knowledge – Desirable /h3 ul liPrevious experience with handling of complex human samples. /li liPrevious postdoc experience. /li liEfficient in manuscript drafting. /li /ul h3What can we offer /h3 ul liIncorporation 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). /li liA dynamic scientific environment of excellence, where cutting‑edge biomedical projects are continuously developed. /li liContinuous learning and career development pathways. /li liHealthy 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—it fosters health, growth, and community. /li liInternational 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. /li /ul h3Deadline to apply /h3 h3Equality and diversity statement /h3 pVHIR 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. /p h3Personal data protection /h3 pData 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 DPO: More information can be found here. Data Protection Authority: APDCAT. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr