Overview The earth’s daily rotation causes profound, yet repetitive, changes to environmental conditions. In response, species from prokaryotes to humans have evolved circadian clocks to drive anticipatory daily rhythms in biological processes ranging in magnitude from DNA replication to sleep‑wake cycles.

However, cellular, tissue and systemic circadian rhythms exhibit a generalised decay during the ageing process that may contribute to the development of age‑related diseases and onset of frailty.

In the

Circadian Rhythms and Ageing laboratory , we aim to determine why this detrimental decay occurs and ask how we can correct or exploit these changes. To do so, we apply cutting‑edge in vivo, in vitro and in silico tools to provide unique, clinically relevant perspectives on the ageing of the body’s circadian system.

Age is cancer’s primary risk factor and a significant determinant of how this often‑devastating disease presents and progresses. Circadian inputs from the body are known to drive daily rhythms in tumour microenvironment composition, metastasis seeding and treatment response, whilst disruption of physiological circadian rhythms is itself an established tumour promoter. Whether the ageing of the body’s circadian system reshapes the initiation and development of cancer remains unknown.

Key Questions

Does ageing of the body and its circadian rhythm system change the tumourigenic potency of circadian rhythm disruption?

Are the circadian rhythms of an established tumour altered by ageing of the host and its circadian system?





If cancer circadian biology is rewired by ageing, can we identify where this change originates from?

Main Responsibilities and Duties

Design, perform and optimise experiments related to the project.

Analyse and interpret resulting data sets.

Prepare and deliver presentations of project data for internal and external audiences.

Write and edit scientific reports and research papers.

Work together with bioinformatic and clinical collaborators to dynamise and advance the project.

Education and Qualifications

Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related topic.

Fluent in spoken and written English (minimum proficiency level: C1).

Highly self‑motivated, autonomous and articulate.

Experience and Knowledge

Required

A minimum of six months prior wet‑lab experience.

Desirable

Experience working with mice or murine samples.

Desirable

A working knowledge of bioinformatic techniques.

Labour Conditions

Working hours: Full‑time (37.5 hours per week).

Starting date: September 2026.

Gross annual salary: Remuneration will be determined by experience, skills and responsibilities and aligned with the Collective Agreement pay scale.

Contract type:



Technical and scientific activities contract linked to project activities.

Duration: 4 years.

Benefits

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).

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.

Adaptable 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”: a wellbeing programme focused on physical, mental and social thriving, organised around four pillars – Feel Well, Feel Connected, Feel Empowered, Feel Welcomed.

International mobility support (Welcome Services) to facilitate relocation to Barcelona.

Deadline to Apply 27-07-2026

Equal Opportunity 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.

📌 First Stage - Predoctoral Researcher (Circadian Rhythms and Ageing Laboratory) (Madrid)
🏢 Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) - Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca
📍 Madrid