ph3Inducing CD8+T cell Tissue Resident Phenotypes /h3 pMucosal Immunology against Infection (MIM), 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 Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA‑PF). /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. The programme aims to strengthen researchers’ careers through excellent science, international collaboration and interdisciplinary experience, while fostering integration in both academic and non‑academic environments. /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 h3Background /h3 pCD8⁺ resident memory T cells (CD8+TRM) permanently reside within tissues, where they continuously survey the local microenvironment and provide rapid protection against invading pathogens and malignant cells. Beyond their effector functions, CD8+TRM play key roles in maintaining tissue immune homeostasis. The differentiation of memory precursors into CD8+TRM is shaped by instructive cues derived from both secondary lymphoid organs and peripheral tissue niches. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms governing CD8+TRM development, establishment, and regulation in mucosal tissues will be critical to harnessing these cells for the elimination of persistent antigens and for enhancing vaccine‑induced immune responses. /p h3Objective /h3 pThe primary objective of this proposal is to identify mechanisms that are key for ultimately inducing a CD8+TRM response to migrate and establish for long‑term protection in multiple peripheral tissues and mucosa. Understanding how to best engage innate immunity at mucosal sites and how to induce long‑term CD8+TRM in these sites will be key for adjuvant and vaccine formulation or to potentiate these responses to eliminate persistent antigens located in these tissues. /p h3Our Group /h3 pThe Mucosal Immunology against Infection (MIM) group is led by Dr. Meritxell Genescà, a senior researcher at the Infectious Disease department of the Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR). The main lines of research are:



/p ul liTissue HIV reservoir and new elimination strategies /li liSTI and co‑infections /li liAdjuvants and biomarkers of mucosal immunity /li liTissue explant models to study host‑pathogen interactions and immunity. /li /ul h3Main responsibilities and duties /h3 ul liConduct high‑quality research aligned with project and lab objectives, including rigorous data collection, analysis, and literature review. /li liCollaborate with senior researchers in designing experiments, developing research protocols, and contributing to publications, reports, and grant proposals. /li liPresent research findings within the team and at scientific conferences or seminars. /li liProvide guidance to junior researchers or graduate students and supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students when applicable. /li liEngage in continuous professional development and work with the technology transfer office to identify potential inventions and understand IP processes. /li /ul h3Education and qualifications /h3 h3Required /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 liSolid academic training in cellular and molecular immunology. /li liFluency in English (spoken and written). /li /ul h3Desirable /h3 ul liPhD with a strong focus on tissue immunity, mucosal immunology, host‑pathogen interactions, or infectious diseases. /li liPrior exposure to translational or clinically oriented research environments. /li liCompetitive publication record appropriate to career stage. /li /ul h3Experience and knowledge /h3 h3Required /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 liHands‑on experience with immunological techniques (e.g. flow cytometry, multiparametric phenotyping, cell culture, functional immune assays).



/li liExperience working with primary human samples and/or tissue material. /li liStrong experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation skills. /li liAbility to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment. /li liMotivation to conduct rigorous, hypothesis‑driven research at the interface of basic and translational science. /li liGood analytical, writing and communicating skills. /li /ul h3Desirable /h3 ul liExperience collaborating with clinicians or working within multidisciplinary consortia. /li liInterest in mentoring students and contributing to lab and institutional scientific activities. /li liKnowledge of infectious diseases, viral immunology, or co‑infection biology. /li liExperience in data analyses, bioinformatics and statistics. /li /ul pWorking conditions, remuneration, contract type and start date will be established according to the applicable MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship conditions and VHIR regulations. /p 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 pDeadline to apply: 31‑07‑2026 /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 /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 VHIR-MSCA-.013_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Mucosal Immunology against Infection) (Barcelona)
🏢 Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR) - Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca
📍 Barcelona