Deciphering the neurotoxic mechanisms of chitinase
3-like 1 (CHI3L1) in progressive multiple sclerosis and
identification of therapeutic compounds blocking its pathogenic
effects 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 Progressive 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.
Our 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