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 pbBeyond Gap Junctions: Connexins as Orchestrators of Tumor–Stroma Communication /b /p pWe are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to develop an independent Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship project at the interface of cancer cell communication, metabolism, and tumor microenvironment biology. /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 pConnexin 43 (Cx43) presents a long-standing paradox in cancer: it can act as either a tumour suppressor or a tumour promoter depending on context. Beyond its classical role as a gap junction protein, Cx43 regulates tunnelling nanotube (TNT) formation, mitochondrial transfer, and extracellular vesicle (EV) signalling. Its alternatively translated isoform GJA1-20k further controls actin remodelling and mitochondrial dynamics, suggesting that connexins play a broader role in coordinating communication between tumour cells and their microenvironment. /p pThis project will test the hypothesis that Cx43 acts as a master regulator of intercellular communication, linking these pathways to tumour plasticity and therapeutic resistance across breast, lung,



and pancreatic cancer. /p pbObjective /b /p pThe aim is to define how connexin-regulated tumour-stroma communication drives cancer progression and therapy resistance. Possible research directions include: (1) how Cx43 and GJA1-20k regulate TNT formation and organelle transfer; (2) non-canonical mitochondrial exchange pathways including annular gap junctions; (3) Cx43 control of EV biogenesis and signalling; and (4) how these pathways collectively regulate metabolic adaptation and therapy resistance. The project will be developed together with the fellow based on their expertise and interests. /p pbOur Group /b /p pThe Intercellular Communication Group, led by Trond Aasen, studies connexin-regulated tumour progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance in breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. We combine mechanistic cell biology with advanced imaging and functional cancer models. Recent tools include dual-colour HiBiT-based mitochondrial tracing systems for quantifying intercellular organelle transfer. This is a growing field with real room for discovery. /p pbMain responsibilities and duties: /b /p ul liYou will define your own questions, develop your own ideas, and build your scientific identity. Mentoring and support for the MSCA application are part of the deal, but scientific ownership is yours. /li liThe fellow will have access to advanced live-cell and super-resolution imaging, cell engineering platforms, and well-established cancer models, as well as active collaborations with Marc Liesa (mitochondrial metabolism and redox biology) and Henrique Girão (EV biology and connexin signalling). /li liThe goal is to provide the successful candidate with both scientific freedom and strong mentorship, supporting not only the MSCA application but also the longer‑term transition toward research leadership. /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 liFluency in English /li liFirst author in publications /li liPassionate, proactive, willing to learn and committed /li liStrong publication record. /li liInternational research experience /li liExperience with fellowship writing is a plus /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 experimental background in mammalian cell biology /li liExperience in molecular cloning and cell engineering /li liExperience in one or more of the following: /li liMitochondrial biology, cancer metabolism, extracellular vesicles, tunneling nanotubes, live-cell imaging, CRISPR editing, omics or bioinformatics. Experience in fluorescence microscopy/confocal imaging /li liDemonstrated ability to drive independent research /li liStrong written and oral communication skills /li /ul h3Additional Information /h3 pSelection process /p pbDeadline to apply: /b /p pAdditional comments /p pVHIR embraces Equality and Diversity. /p pAs 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: 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. Data Protection Authority: APDCAT /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 VHIR-MSCA-.010_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Intercellular Communication) (España)
🏢 Fundacio Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca
📍 España