R1 First Stage - Predoctoral Researcher (Circadian Rhythms and Ageing Laboratory)

The earth’s daily rotation causes profound, yet repetitive, changes to environmental conditions. In response, species from prokaryotes to humans have evolved circadian clocks to drive anticipatory daily rhythms in biological processes ranging in magnitude from DNA replication to sleep-wake cycles. However, cellular, tissue and systemic circadian rhythms exhibit a generalised decay during the ageing process that may contribute to the development of aged-related diseases and onset of frailty. In the Circadian Rhythms and Ageing laboratory, we aim to determine why this detrimental decay occurs and ask how we can correct or exploit these changes. To do so, we apply cutting edge in vivo, in vitro and in silico tools to provide unique, clinically relevant perspectives on the ageing of the bodies circadian system.

Age is cancers primary risk factor and a significant determinant of how this often-devastating disease presents and progresses. Concurrently, circadian inputs from the body are known to drive daily rhythms in tumour microenvironment composition, metastasis seeding and treatment response, whilst disruption of physiological circadian rhythms is itself an established tumour promoter. However, whether the ageing of the bodies circadian system reshapes the initiation and development of cancer remains unknown. To address this question, the selected candidates develop a European Research Council-funded project that asks how ageing of the circadian system impinges upon the biology of cancer. In particular, this project will look to address three key questions:

Does ageing of the body and its circadian rhythm system change the tumourigenic potency of circadian rhythm disruption?

Are the circadian rhythms of an established tumour altered by ageing of the host and its circadian system?

If cancer circadian biology is rewired by ageing, can we identify where this change originates from?

To tackle these questions, the selected candidates will combine cutting-edge models of ageing and cancer with targeted circadian rhythm disruption and circadian-omics to reveal the as-yet-uncharacterised interaction between an emerging hallmark of ageing, circadian rhythm decay, and the most common of age-related diseases, cancer. If successful, the knowledge generated by this project will provide a roadmap for identifying interventions that diminish cancer risk later in life, and contribute to refining and expanding the burgeoning field of cancer chronotherapy.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Design, perform and optimise experiments related to the project.

Analyse and interpret resulting data sets.

Prepare and deliver presentations of project data for internal and external audiences.

Write and edit scientific reports and research papers.

Work together with bioinformatic and clinical collaborators to dynamise and advance the project.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related topic

Fluent in spoken and written English (minimum English proficiency level: C1)

Highly self-motivated, autonomous and articulate

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

A minimum of six months prior wet-lab experience

Desirable:

Experience working with mice or murine samples

A working knowledge of bioinformatic techniques

Labour conditions:

Working hours: Full-time (37,5hours per week)

Starting date: September, 2026

Gross annual salary: Remuneration will be determined by experience, skills and responsibilities and aligned with the Collective Agreement pay scale.

Contract type: Technical and scientific activities contract linked to project activities

Duration: 4 years

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.

Flexible 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: 22-07-2026

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 lopd@vhir.org. DPO: dpd@ticsalutsocial.cat. More information: www.vhir.org

Data Protection Authority: APDCAT