PhD Researcher (Clinical Neuroimmunology)

The VHIR Neuroimmunology Research Group/Cemcat is seeking to recruit a talented candidate to join our team and undertake a PhD.

More information about our group can be found at:

The successful candidate will work on the following project: “Epigenetic Vitamin D Deficiency Blueprint in Multiple Sclerosis”.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in pursuing a PhD focused on understanding how environmental factors shape the epigenome and contribute to susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The selected candidate will apply for the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026 and, if successful, will undertake a research project at the interface of immunology, epigenetics, neurobiology and translational medicine. The project combines clinical and experimental approaches to identify novel mechanisms, therapeutic targets and biomarkers relevant to multiple sclerosis.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Perform epigenetic and gene expression analyses using samples from patients with multiple sclerosis and experimental mouse models.

• Conduct molecular and cellular biology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, chromatin profiling and immunological assays.

• Analyse and interpret omics datasets to identify epigenetic changes associated with vitamin D deficiency and multiple sclerosis.

• Contribute to the characterisation and monitoring of murine models.

• Present research findings at group meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and reports.

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Degree in health sciences.

• An official university master's degree qualifying the candidate for doctoral studies.

• A valid animal experimentation licence (Level C or D).

• A minimum grade of 8.5/10 in both the degree and master's degree.

• Fluency in Spanish and English (advanced level).

Experience and knowledge:

Desirable:

• Knowledge of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, including chromatin remodelling, histone modifications, DNA methylation and gene regulation.

• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based approaches.

• Experience working with animal models and handling biological samples.

• Experience in the analysis of genomic, transcriptomic or epigenomic datasets.

• Strong organisational skills, scientific curiosity and the ability to work independently as well as as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Labour conditions:

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

• Starting date : January – March 2027

• Gross annual salary : According to the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026

• Contract type : According to the Amics del VHIR PhD Call 2026

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: 24-08-2026

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.