The Translational Molecular Pathology Laboratory at
the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is seeking a highly
motivated candidate to join our team and undertake a PhD thesis
within the Intercellular Communication Research Line. The
successful candidate will apply to the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026
and, if awarded the fellowship, will investigate how cancer cells
communicate with surrounding stromal cells to adapt to therapeutic
stress. The project will focus on the emerging phenomenon of
intercellular mitochondrial transfer and its regulation by Connexin
43 (Cx43), a major mediator of cell-cell communication in cancer.
The project will use quantitative mitochondrial-tracing approaches,
including a recently established HiBiT-based platform, live-cell
imaging, CRISPR-engineered cancer models and tumour–stromal
co-culture systems to determine how mitochondrial exchange affects
tumour-cell metabolism, stress adaptation and chemotherapy
response. The work will initially exploit well-established breast
cancer models, with opportunities to investigate whether the
mechanisms identified are conserved in other tumour types,
including lung and pancreatic cancer. Main responsibilities and
duties: Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments using
cancer and stromal cell models, including CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic
approaches to investigate Cx43-dependent mechanisms. Establish and
characterise tumour–stromal co-culture and 3D models. Apply
HiBiT-based and fluorescence-based mitochondrial-tracing
approaches, together with live-cell and confocal imaging, to
quantify intercellular mitochondrial transfer. Investigate the
relationship between mitochondrial transfer, cellular stress
responses and chemotherapy resistance, and critically analyse and
interpret the resulting experimental data. Present research
findings at group meetings, scientific conferences and other
scientific events. Contribute to the preparation of scientific
manuscripts and research publications. Education and
qualifications: Required: University degree (Bachelor’s) in
Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a
related field in the life or health sciences. Official university
Master’s degree providing access to a PhD programme, meeting the
eligibility requirements of the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026
Minimum average grade of 8.5/10 in both the Bachelor’s and Master’s
degrees and a good command of written and spoken English.
Desirable: Working knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan, useful for




day-to-day integration at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital
Authorship of scientific publications. Experience and knowledge:
Required: Previous research experience in molecular biology, cell
biology, cancer biology or a related field (e.g. through Bachelor’s
or Master’s thesis work). Strong critical-thinking and
problem-solving skills, with a genuine interest in quantitative and
mechanistic approaches to cancer biology. Good organisational
skills, capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in
a multidisciplinary environment, and a proactive, rigorous and
responsible approach to scientific research. Desirable: Practical
experience with mammalian cell culture and standard
molecular/cellular biology techniques (e.g. fluorescence
microscopy, flow cytometry, image analysis or CRISPR/Cas9).
Experience with mitochondrial biology, tumour–stromal interactions,
extracellular vesicles, intercellular communication or
therapy-resistance models. Labour conditions: Working hours :
Full-time (37,5 hours per week). Starting date : Between November
and December 2026, in line with the incorporation window of the
Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026 (up to March 2027 for non-EU
candidates). Gross annual salary : According to the conditions
established in the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026. Contract type :
Temporary contract Duration: 4-year predoctoral contract under the
Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026 fellowship (Estatut del Personal
Investigador en Formació, EPIF). 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 . Versátil working hours . 23 days of annual
leave plus 9 personal days . Flexible remuneration programme ,
including meal vouchers,



health insurance, transport and more.
Corporate benefits platform , offering significant discounts on
travel, culture, technology, gastronomy, sports and more. 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: 24-09-2026 How We
Hire: Pre-selection: Candidates are shortlisted based on their
skills, qualifications, and relevant experience as outlined in
their CVs. Interviews: Meetings may be held with Talent Acquisition
and/or the hiring manager. Practical assessment: Depending on the
role, candidates may complete a case study, technical task,
presentation, or written exercise, on-site or remotely. Checks:
Education, references, and other job-related verifications may be
carried out. Job offer: The selected candidate receives a formal
job offer upon successful completion of the process. 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 organization,
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: www.vhir.org Data Protection Authority:
APDCAT

📌 Predoctoral Researcher (Translational Molecular PathologyResearch Group) (Cataluña)
🏢 VHIR
📍 Cataluña