ppOrganisation/Company Fundació Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca Department Research Department Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Jul 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Andorra) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No /p h3Offer Description /h3 pbExploring the Interplay of Chronic Stress and Antiphospholipid Autoantibodies on Trophoblast Function and the Induction of Preeclampsia /b /p pThe Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Group at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher interested in developing competitive applications for the next Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF). /p 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 b12 to 24 months /b. /p pPreeclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication characterised by hypertension and multi-organ dysfunction, representing a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity. Increasing evidence indicates that preeclampsia originates from defective embryo implantation and abnormal placentation during early pregnancy. Chronic psychological stress is known to disrupt neuroendocrine and immune homeostasis, while antiphospholipid autoantibodies (aPL) are strongly associated with obstetric complications, including preeclampsia. /p pDespite these associations, the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking chronic stress, autoimmunity, and placental dysfunction remain poorly understood.



Recent advances in human trophoblast organoid models provide a unique opportunity to study early placental development and maternal-fetal interactions in a physiologically relevant system. Understanding how stress hormones and aPL synergistically impair trophoblast function is essential to uncover novel pathogenic pathways involved in preeclampsia. /p pbObjective /b /p pThe main objective of this project is to determine whether the synergistic action of chronic stress and antiphospholipid autoantibodies disrupts trophoblast function and uterine immune regulation, leading to abnormal implantation, defective placentation, and the development of preeclampsia. /p pSpecifically, the project aims to: /p ul liAssess the effects of stress hormones and aPL on trophoblast and uterine NK cell function using human trophoblast organoid models. /li liIdentify molecular, transcriptomic, and proteomic alterations induced by stress and autoimmunity during early placentation. /li liValidate key pathogenic mechanisms in a preclinical mouse model of stress-and autoimmunity-induced preeclampsia. /li /ul pbOur Group /b /p pThe project will be hosted by the bSystemic Autoimmune Diseases Research Group /b at VHIR, and will be led by Francesc Miró Mur. The group has extensive expertise in autoimmune diseases, obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome, immune profiling, and translational research. The team has built large clinical cohorts, leads international collaborations, and has a strong publication record in high-impact journals. /p pThe group collaborates closely with clinicians and international research centres specialising in maternal-fetal medicine, placental biology, and immunology, providing a robust and interdisciplinary training environment for postdoctoral researchers. /p pbMain responsibilities and duties: /b /p ul liCollaborate closely with clinical and basic scientists /li liWork in experimental design, data analysis, dissemination of results, and preparation of competitive funding applications, including MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship /li liThe fellow will have access to state-of-the-art facilities,



including spectral flow cytometry, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics platforms, and advanced organoid culture systems. /li 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 liBackground in placental biology, autoimmunity, or maternal-foetal medicine. /li /ul pbExperience and knowledge: /b /p pbRequired: /b /p ul liApplicants must have a maximum of b8 years of postdoctoral research experience /b by the call deadline. This means candidates are generally eligible if they obtained their PhD bon or after 10/09/2018 /b (possible extensions may apply, e.g. parental leave or long-term illness). /li liStrong experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques. /li liDemonstrated ability to analyse and interpret complex biological data /li liExperience with organoid models, flow cytometry, multi-omics approaches, or animal models. /li liScientific writing experience and interest in competitive funding applications /li /ul h3Additional Information /h3 pSelection process /p pbDeadline to apply: /b /p pAdditional comments /p 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 pInformation on Personal Data Protection:br/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 . DPO: . More information can be found here .br/Data Protection Authority: APDCAT /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 VHIR-MSCA-.012_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Systemic Autoimmune Diseases) (España)
🏢 Fundacio Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca
📍 España