Job offer

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 40.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A postdoctoral researcher position is available at the European Commission to study cancer biology, focusing on the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in drug perfusion and therapeutic responses. The role involves high-quality experimental design, execution, and collaboration within a well-funded research team. Successful candidates will have a PhD in a related field and expertise in molecular biology and microscopy, and will contribute to innovative cancer research projects in a multidisciplinary setting.

Formación

• Experience in molecular cell biology and microscopy based techniques.
• Ability to independently plan and execute high-quality experiments.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Responsabilidades

• Design and perform experiments to study the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts.
• Supervise team members and assist in ongoing research projects.
• Generate and contribute to scientific reports and manuscripts.

Conocimientos

Molecular cell biology

Microscopy techniques

Cancer biology

Educación

PhD in Cancer Biology or related field

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company Spanish National Research Council - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) Department Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnologia de Cantabria (IBBTEC) Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 30 Jun 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jul 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number 101045756 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Project: Modulating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to normalize aberrant vascularization in tumors, and increase drug perfusion and anti-cancer drug efficacy. Funded by ERC CoG ( doi.org/10.3030/101045756 )

Research Team: We are a team of 9 researchers (PI, 4 postdocs, 1 technician, 1 bioinformatician, 2 PhD students), well-funded (AEI, ERC-CoG, AECC) and with clinical collaborations (Hospital Valdecilla, INCLIVA). We are based at IBBTEC, Santander, Spain ( https://web.unican.es/ibbtec/r/FernandoCalvoLab ).

Research Interests: The TME Team investigates the multicellular context of solid tumours to understand the mechanisms regulating cancer progression, dissemination and response to therapy. Using a comprehensive approach (cellular/animal models, molecular and functional characterization of models & clinical samples, bioinformatics), we investigate the mechanisms that induce tumour-promoting behaviors in otherwise normal cells, with a particular focus in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs).

Project description: This is a subproject within our ERC grant where we investigate how CAFs influence drug perfusion and therapeutic responses. We employ microfluidic organ-on-chip devices to mimic emergent vasculogenesis ( PMID: 37566656 ), and to delineate the cellular and molecular determinants that influence aberrant vasculogenesis and drug perfusion in cancer, and the impact of CAFs in these processes. We have abundant information regarding different aspects of the project. The candidate will design and perform the relevant analyses to validate key findings and finalize the project, as well as delineating follow up studies within the lab´s interests. Other projects within the lab include investigating how CAF heterogeneity influence therapeutic responses, including single-cell RNAseq analyses; studying the interplay CAF:immune cells; and molecular deconstruction of mechanisms affecting CAF behaviour and approaches to target them. This is a great opportunity for motivated researchers to consolidate their trajectory and develop their independence. We will support the candidate in future calls and contribute to his/her professional and scientific development (independent applications, supervision of MSc/PhD students, etc).

Candidate profile: We are looking for a motivated candidate with initiative and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment. The candidate must have previous experience in molecular cell biology and be proficient in microscopy-based techniques (i.e. time-lapse, confocal, super-resolution). The candidate is expected to lead the project, design and execute high quality experiments, write scientific reports, assist in the supervision of the team and participate in ongoing research projects.

Specific tasks: (1) generate microfluidic devices to monitor emergent vasculogenesis (see figures on the left and PMID: 37566656 ) ; (2) advanced microscopy-based analysis of structures (life-cell imaging, 3D); (3) advanced cell culture (HUVECs/CAFs, 2D/3D) and functional characterization (angiogenesis, ECM remodeling); (4) molecular characterization (RNA, WB, secretome); (4) generate reports and actively contribute to manuscripts.

Requirements: (i) a PhD in related subject (e.g. cancer biology, angiogenesis); (ii) wet-lab and microcopy-based experience; (iii) Spanish/EU citizenship. Candidates will be evaluated based on scientific excellence (publication record with leading role), creative-thinking, expertise in related research techniques, knowledge of cancer biology, experience in international institutions, and oral & written communication skills (English).

Application: Interested candidates that met the requirements, please send a motivation letter (describing previous research, interests, and interest in joining our team), a career summary document (describing relevant highlights i.e. articles, funding, international stays, career plan), and CV to Fernando Calvo ( [e-mail] , Subject “ Job Offer May 2025 ”). Those with reference letters can send them. Documents should be sent in English. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a videoconference interview. The selected candidate will have to be registered in the CSIC Employment App to formalize the contract.

Starting date: Summer 2025. The position will remain open until filled. Duration: 2.5 year with possible extension. Process: interviews and selection will be performed upon reception of applications until the position is filled.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Documented experience inmolecular cell biologymethods including primary cell culture and genetic modifications; assays to monitor cell behavior (invasion, proliferation, death, interaction); DNA/RNA purification, Western blotting, RT-qPCR, etc.
• Documented experience inadvanced microscopy-basedmethods including confocal/superresolution, timelapse, and associated structure-, intensity- and interaction-based analyses.
• A good knowledge of cancer biology and tumor microenvironment.
• A good track record of publishing peer-reviewed academic papers.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, develop, and carry out high-quality, rigorous research.
• Demonstrated ability to manage resources and time efficiently, report research findings, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with the ability to convey scientific results effectively.
• Ability to work efficiently both independently and as a member of a team.
• Creativity and critical thinking to troubleshoot experimental challenges and devise new approaches.

DESIRABLE

• Experience in 3D co-culture systems with artificial ECMs, previous experience in CAF or angiogenesis studies.

Specific Requirements

Work duties:

The postdoctoral researcher will be involved in the characterization of the interplay between CAFs and endothelial cells employing cell biology approaches including advanced co-culture microfluidic devices and other conventional approaches for cellular and molecular characterization. The researcher will maintain selected cell lines and genetically modify them; generate PDMS -based devices containing CAFs and endothelial cells and monitor their behavior employing microscopy-based approaches; and analyze results and interpret findings. The researcher is expected to plan and carry out experiments independently with ad hoc supervision, critically analyze data, be capable of troubleshooting, contribute to figure preparation and manuscript writing, and participate in national and international conferences to present research from the project.

The position is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2.5 years with possible extension.

Eligibility criteria

PhD in Cancer Biology or a related field, obtained within the last 7 years at the time of hiring (candidates with PhDs awarded over 5 years ago due to career breaks will also be considered, but this must be noted in the CV or cover letter). Highly qualified candidates currently completing their PhD are encouraged to apply.

Selection process

How to apply?

Interested candidates that met the requirements, please send your application as a single PDF to Fernando Calvo ( [e-mail] , Subject “Job Offer May 2025”). The application must contain:

• CV (maximum of 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Motivation letter (maximum of 2 pages) outlining a general description of past research experience, future research interests, methodological knowhow, why you are interested in this position, relevant highlights (i.e. articles, funding, international stays) and contact information for three references including main supervisors
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered

Documents should be sent in English.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a videoconference interview. The selected candidate will have to be registered in the CSIC Employment App to formalize the contract.

Process:interviews and selection will be performed upon reception of applications until the position is filled.

Starting date:Summer 2025. The position will remain open until filled.