Beyond Gap Junctions: Connexins as Orchestrators of
Tumor–Stroma Communication We 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.
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 Connexin 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. This 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. Objective The 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. Our Group The 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. Main responsibilities and
duties: You 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. The 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). The 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.
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 Desirable: Strong publication record.
International research experience Experience with fellowship
writing is a plus 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).
Strong experimental background in mammalian cell biology Experience
in molecular cloning and cell engineering Desirable: Experience in
one or more of the following: Mitochondrial biology, cancer
metabolism, extracellular vesicles, tunneling nanotubes,



live-cell
imaging, CRISPR editing, omics or bioinformatics. Experience in
fluorescence microscopy/confocal imaging Demonstrated ability to
drive independent research Strong written and oral communication
skills 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-.010_Postdoctoral Fellowship (IntercellularCommunication) (Cataluña)
🏢 VHIR
📍 Cataluña