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 /ph3Offer Description /h3pbDeciphering the neurotoxic mechanisms of chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) in progressive multiple sclerosis and identification of therapeutic compounds blocking its pathogenic effects /b /ppVHIR is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to apply for a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and join the Clinical Neuroimmunology Research Group. /ppThe 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. /ppThe 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. /ppThe 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. /ppProgressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are characterised by chronic neurodegeneration leading to irreversible neurological disability. Current therapeutic options for progressive MS remain limited and only partially effective, highlighting the urgent need for neuroprotective strategies targeting mechanisms of neuronal damage. /ppOur group identified chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) as one of the most important prognostic biomarkers associated with disease progression and long-term disability in MS patients. Additional studies performed by our group demonstrated that CHI3L1 exerts direct neurotoxic effects in both murine neurons and human neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from MS patients.



These findings suggest that CHI3L1 is not only a biomarker of disease progression but also a potential therapeutic target. /ppThe project aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying CHI3L1-mediated neurotoxicity in human neuronal models and to identify compounds capable of neutralising its pathogenic effects. The work will combine stem cell-derived neuronal cultures, molecular and cellular biology, advanced imaging, transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, and drug screening strategies. /ppThis research has strong translational potential, as the identification of compounds blocking CHI3L1 activity may open the door to future clinical trials in patients with progressive MS. /ppbObjective /b /ppMain objectives of the project: /pulliTo identify intracellular mediators and signalling pathways involved in CHI3L1-induced neuronal toxicity. /liliTo identify neuronal receptors mediating the pathogenic effects of CHI3L1. /liliTo generate and characterise human iPSC-derived neuronal models. /liliTo identify approved drugs and/or small molecules capable of blocking CHI3L1 activity or preventing its binding to neuronal receptors. /liliTo validate candidate compounds in human neuronal cultures as potential therapeutic strategies for progressive MS. /li /ulpbOur Group /b /ppThe Clinical Neuroimmunology group at VHIR is dedicated to translational clinical-basic research in MS, with a particular focus on neurodegeneration, biomarkers, neuroinflammation, and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for progressive forms of the disease. The group has strong expertise in: /pulliHuman iPSC generation and differentiation. /liliNeuronal and glial cell cultures. /liliAdvanced molecular and imaging techniques. /liliTranslational multiple sclerosis research. /li /ulpbMain responsibilities and duties: /b /pulliCollaborate with experts in stem cell biology and neuronal differentiation, proteomics and mass spectrometry, bioinformatics and systems biology, drug discovery and virtual screening, as well as neuroimmunology and progressive MS. /liliApplicants must hold a PhD degree or have successfully defended their thesis before the call deadline (09/09/2026) /liliApplicants 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. /liliPrevious experience in neurodegeneration and/or MS research. Experience in translational neuroscience research. /li /ulpbExperience and knowledge: /b /ppbRequired: /b /pulliApplicants 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). /liliStrong hands-on experience in human stem cell culture, particularly iPSCs. /liliExperience differentiating iPSCs into neuronal lineages. /liliExperience in neuronal cell culture and cellular functional assays. /liliExperience in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including immunocytochemistry, qPCR, and western blot. /liliExperience in microscopy and image analysis. /liliExperience with transcriptomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, or single-cell approaches. /liliAbility to work independently and within multidisciplinary collaborative teams. /liliExperience with drug screening or small molecule validation. /liliScientific productivity demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. /li /ulh3Additional Information /h3pSelection process /ppbDeadline to apply: /b /ppAdditional comments /ppVHIR 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. /ppInformation on Personal Data Protection: /ppData 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 /p pData Protection Authority: APDCAT /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 VHIR-MSCA-.004_Postdoctoral Fellowship (Clinical Neuroimmunology) (España)
🏢 Fundacio Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca
📍 España