Development of an in vitro diagnostic triage test for
patients at risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer
based on protein biomarkers in cervical fluids VHIR is seeking an
outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to apply
for a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and join the
Biomedical Gynaecology Research Group. Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Actions – Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) The 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. 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. The 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 . Full eligibility details: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
2026 Background Endometrial cancer (EC) is the fourth most common
cancer in women, and its incidence is increasing. Despite the
importance of early diagnosis for patient survival, there is no
accurate and non-invasive strategy for early triage or screening of
EC. Diagnosis relies on imaging and invasive biopsies, affecting
more than 35M women presenting symptoms -86% postmenopausal and 14%
premenopausal- and patients with hereditary risk -Lynch Syndrome-
who have annual surveillance. Only 10% of those will have EC.
Objective This project builds on our previous projects, and aims to
advance the development of a non-invasive triage test based on
protein biomarkers in cervical fluids for the accurate detection of
atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and EC across high‑risk
populations. We will advance the development, preanalytical and
analytical validation of the test using the recently developed key
reagents, and assess its performance in symptomatic pre- and
postmenopausal women prior and after imaging techniques, and Lynch
Syndrome carriers. In parallel, we will investigate the proteomic
landscape of EC progression using a transgenic mouse model, and
cervical fluids from AEH patients, to elucidate tumour progression
mechanisms and AEH biomarkers, with the ultimate goal to advance
our triage test for EC prevention. This project is expected to
transform EC diagnosis, improving patient care, quality of life, EC
survival, and healthcare efficiency. Our Group The Group of
Biomedical Research in Gynaecology (GineLab) , integrated into the
Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), is a consolidated,
multidisciplinary core consisting of 37 professionals who operate
under a "two-way translational research" philosophy: from the
patient to the laboratory and back to the clinic. The group is
co-directed by Dr. Antonio Gil-Moreno, who leads the clinical
strategy, and Dr. Eva Colás, who is responsible for translational
research and innovation. Their activity is centred on resolving
clinical needs in women’s health through two main pillars: early
non-invasive diagnosis and precision oncology. The research is




structured into three primary vertical work lines: Endometrial
Cancer: This research line is a pioneer in molecular diagnosis
using gynaecological fluids (such as cervical fluid), employing
proteomics to develop non-invasive triage tests aimed at avoiding
unnecessary biopsies. Ovarian Cancer: This research line focuses on
precision oncology and therapy optimisation. To this end, they
utilise the GynePDX platform, a biobank featuring over 174
patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and organoids, which is used
for preclinical "clinical trials" of targeted therapies.
Endometriosis: This research line integrates molecular
classification and tissue proteomic characterisation with the
development of a non-invasive diagnostic test based on protein
biomarkers in cervical fluids, while simultaneously investigating
angiogenic biomarkers to improve recurrence risk prediction.
Innovation and Clinical Translation GineLab stands at the forefront
of clinical innovation through a robust portfolio of active patents
and the creation of its own femtech spin-off, MiMARK Diagnostics
S.L. (founded in 2021). This spin-off has secured approximately €8M
in funding, including a prestigious €2.5M EIC Accelerator grant, to
bring non-invasive in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests to the general
healthcare market. International Leadership and Strategic
Collaborations: The group holds a prominent position in the
international scientific community: Consortia Coordination: GineLab
coordinates the European CytoMARK consortium (ERA PerMed),
integrating proteomic markers and clinical data across five
countries. Accreditations: The clinical headquarters at VHH
maintains ESGO Accreditation as a Centre of Excellence for the
surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer. Strategic
Alliances: The group maintains high-level collaborations with
institutions such as the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the
Luxembourg Institute of Health, and numerous European and US
universities. Scientific Governance: Members hold leadership roles
in the European Network for Individualised Treatment of Endometrial
Cancer (ENITEC), the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology
(ESGO), and the national Spain-GOG network. Social Impact and
Talent Development : Beyond technical excellence, the group drives
social change through the ENDO-HIT program, a pioneer
citizen-science initiative that raises endometriosis awareness in
schools and empowers women regarding their reproductive health.
Furthermore, GineLab is a proven engine for academic development,
having supervised 6 PhD theses with honours since 2022 and
maintaining a robust internal training program that attracts
international talent from across Europe. Main responsibilities and
duties: Participate in translational research projects to improve
endometrial cancer and endometriosis diagnosis through biomarker
research. Collaborate with other projects of the group, by
promoting fruitful discussions or by helping in experimental work.
Participate in general activities of the group. Support the
principal researcher in managerial activities. Education and




qualifications: Required: Applicants must hold a PhD degree or have
successfully defended their thesis before the call deadline
(09/09/2026) Applicants 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. Fluency in English First
author in publications Passionate, proactive, willing to learn and
committed Experience and knowledge: Required: Applicants 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). Previous
experience in a translational research group Experience in mass
spectrometry and immunoassay, including experimental work and data
analysis Desirable: Previous experience with handling of complex
human samples Previous postdoc experience Efficient in manuscript
drafting Working conditions, remuneration, contract type and start
date will be established according to the applicable MSCA
Postdoctoral Fellowship conditions and VHIR regulations. What can
we offer? 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), the largest hospital in Barcelona and
the largest within the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS) . A
dynamic scientific environment of excellence , where cutting-edge
biomedical projects are continuously developed. Continuous learning
and career development pathways . Healthy 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.
International 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. Deadline to apply: 31-07-2026 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 organisation,
regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual
orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age,
functional diversity or ethnicity. Information 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 [email protected] . DPO: [email protected] . More
information can be found here . Data Protection Authority:
APDCAT

📌 VHIR-MSCA-.009_Postdoctoral Fellowship (BiomedicalGynaecology) (Cataluña)
🏢 VHIR
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