Immune and molecular biomarkers in a clinical trial of
probiotic therapy in multiple sclerosis: a translational approach
VHIR 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.
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 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic
inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous
system, characterised by demyelination and immune dysregulation.
Emerging evidence highlights the role of gut microbiota as a key
environmental factor influencing MS pathogenesis, through its
interaction with the immune system. Dysbiosis has been consistently
described in MS patients and is associated with pro-inflammatory
immune responses. Preclinical studies, including those performed by
our group, demonstrate that probiotic administration can modulate
immune responses, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve disease
severity in experimental models. However, the mechanisms underlying
these effects in humans remain insufficiently understood,
particularly at the level of immunological and molecular biomarkers
, which are critical for translating microbiota-based interventions
into clinical practice. Objective The overall aim of this project
is to characterise the immunological and molecular mechanisms
underlying the therapeutic effects of probiotic administration in
patients with MS. Specific objectives include: To assess the impact
of probiotic treatment on immune cell subsets. To quantify changes
in serum biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration and
inflammation. To evaluate metabolic biomarkers (short-chain fatty
acids) linked to microbiota activity. To characterise changes in
gut microbiota composition and explore its association with immune




and molecular responses to treatment. To integrate these data with
clinical and imaging outcomes to identify biomarkers of treatment
response. Our Group The researcher will join the Clinical
Neuroimmunology Group at VHIR/Cemcat, led by Carmen Espejo Ruiz, an
experienced investigator in MS pathogenesis, immunology, and
biomarker discovery. The group has strong expertise in:
Experimental model of MS (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
[EAE]). Translational immunology and biomarker identification.
Clinical trials in MS, with access to large patient cohorts and
biobanked samples. The project benefits from a highly collaborative
ecosystem including: Clinical Trials Unit at Cemcat. VHIR
technological platforms (flow cytometry, SIMOA, statistics unit,
biobank). External collaborations for microbiota sequencing and
metabolomics. Main responsibilities and duties: The postdoctoral
researcher will lead the laboratory-based biomarker
characterisation within an ongoing randomised, double-blind,
placebo-controlled clinical trial in MS. The fellow will be
responsible for: Immunophenotyping using multi-parameter flow
cytometry. Quantification of molecular biomarkers (SIMOA, ELLA).
Integration and interpretation of biomarker data. Microbiota
analysis will be performed through external collaboration, allowing
the fellow to focus on high-impact translational immunology and
biomarker discovery. The project is embedded in a multidisciplinary
environment combining clinical neurology, immunology, and advanced
biomarker platforms at VHIR. 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. Strong background in immunology and
translational research. Excellent command of English (spoken and
written). Desirable: Experience in neuroimmunology or multiple
sclerosis research. Training in biomarker development. 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). Hands-on experience in flow
cytometry and immune profiling. Experience in handling human
biological samples (PBMCs, serum). Data analysis and interpretation
skills. Desirable: Experience with SIMOA/ELLA or similar biomarker
platforms. Experience integrating multi-modal datasets (clinical +
molecular). 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-.007_Postdoctoral Fellowship (ClinicalNeuroimmunology) (Cataluña)
🏢 VHIR
📍 Cataluña