The VHIR Clinical Neuroimmunology Research Group / Cemcat is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our team and undertake a PhD thesis.

Further information about our research group can be found at:

· VHIR Clinical Neuroimmunology Research Group: https://vhir.vallhebron.com/ca/recerca/neuroimmunologia-clinica

· Cemcat : https://www.cem-cat.org

The successful candidate will work on the project “Deciphering the Pathogenic Mechanisms of EBV-Infected B Cells in Multiple Sclerosis (DECODE-MS)”.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to undertake a PhD project aimed at understanding the mechanisms by which Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) may contribute to the development and onset of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The successful candidate will apply to the “Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026” and, if awarded the fellowship, will investigate the pathogenic role of EBV-infected B cells, with particular emphasis on the earliest stages of the disease.

The project combines immunological,



molecular and cellular approaches with advanced human experimental models to improve our understanding of EBV-driven mechanisms involved in multiple sclerosis.

Main responsibilities and duties:
- Perform the phenotypic and molecular characterisation of EBV-infected B cells isolated from peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples.
- Carry out cellular and molecular biology experiments, including B-cell isolation and culture, flow cytometry and molecular analyses.
- Generate and characterise spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell lines (SLCLs) and investigate their functional and pathogenic properties.
- Investigate products derived from EBV-infected B cells, including antibodies and extracellular vesicles, and assess their effects in human experimental models.
- Analyse and interpret experimental data.
- Present research findings at group meetings, scientific conferences and other scientific events.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and research publications.

Educati

📌 PhD Researcher (Barcelona)
🏢 Vall D’Hebron Institute Of Research
📍 Barcelona