Predoctoral Researcher (Translational Molecular Pathology Research Group)

The Translational Molecular Pathology Laboratory at the Vall d’Hebron 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 tumour–stromal 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.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• 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 tumour–stromal 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.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• University degree (Bachelor’s) in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a related field in the life or health sciences.
• Official university Master’s 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 Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and a good command of written and spoken English.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan, useful for day-to-day integration at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital
• Authorship of scientific publications.

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Previous research experience in molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology or a related field (e.g. through Bachelor’s or Master’s 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.

Desirable:

• 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, tumour–stromal interactions, extracellular vesicles, intercellular communication or therapy-resistance models.

Labour conditions:

• Working hours: Full-time (37,5 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).

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.
• 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”: 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.
• 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: 24-09-2026

How We Hire:

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 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: www.vhir.org
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT