Job Description

Development of an in vitro diagnostic triage test for patients at risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer based on protein biomarkers in cervical fluids

VHIR is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to apply for a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and join the Biomedical Gynaecology 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

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the fourth most common cancer in women, and its incidence is increasing. Despite the importance of early diagnosis for patient survival, there is no accurate and non-invasive strategy for early triage or screening of EC. Diagnosis relies on imaging and invasive biopsies, affecting more than 35M women presenting symptoms -86% postmenopausal and 14% premenopausal- and patients with hereditary risk -Lynch Syndrome- who have annual surveillance. Only 10% of those will have EC.

Objective

This project builds on our previous projects, and aims to advance the development of a non-invasive triage test based on protein biomarkers in cervical fluids for the accurate detection of atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and EC across high‑risk populations. We will advance the development, preanalytical and analytical validation of the test using the recently developed key reagents, and assess its performance in symptomatic pre- and postmenopausal women prior and after imaging techniques, and Lynch Syndrome carriers. In parallel, we will investigate the proteomic landscape of EC progression using a transgenic mouse model, and cervical fluids from AEH patients, to elucidate tumour progression mechanisms and AEH biomarkers, with the ultimate goal to advance our triage test for EC prevention. This project is expected to transform EC diagnosis, improving patient care, quality of life, EC survival, and healthcare efficiency.

Our Group

The Group of Biomedical Research in Gynaecology (GineLab), integrated into the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), is a consolidated, multidisciplinary core consisting of 37 professionals who operate under a "two-way translational research" philosophy: from the patient to the laboratory and back to the clinic. The group is co-directed by Dr. Antonio Gil-Moreno, who leads the clinical strategy, and Dr. Eva Colás, who is responsible for translational research and innovation.

Their activity is centred on resolving clinical needs in women’s health through two main pillars: early non-invasive diagnosis and precision oncology. The research is structured into three primary vertical work lines:

• Endometrial Cancer: This research line is a pioneer in molecular diagnosis using gynaecological fluids (such as cervical fluid), employing proteomics to develop non-invasive triage tests aimed at avoiding unnecessary biopsies.

• Ovarian Cancer: This research line focuses on precision oncology and therapy optimisation. To this end, they utilise the GynePDX platform, a biobank featuring over 174 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and organoids, which is used for preclinical "clinical trials" of targeted therapies.

• Endometriosis: This research line integrates molecular classification and tissue proteomic characterisation with the development of a non-invasive diagnostic test based on protein biomarkers in cervical fluids, while simultaneously investigating angiogenic biomarkers to improve recurrence risk prediction.

Innovation and Clinical Translation GineLab stands at the forefront of clinical innovation through a robust portfolio of active patents and the creation of its own femtech spin-off, MiMARK Diagnostics S.L. (founded in 2021). This spin-off has secured approximately €8M in funding, including a prestigious €2.5M EIC Accelerator grant, to bring non-invasive in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests to the global healthcare market.

International Leadership and Strategic Collaborations: The group holds a prominent position in the international scientific community:

• Consortia Coordination: GineLab coordinates the European CytoMARK consortium (ERA PerMed), integrating proteomic markers and clinical data across five countries.

• Accreditations: The clinical headquarters at VHH maintains ESGO Accreditation as a Centre of Excellence for the surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer.

• Strategic Alliances: The group maintains high-level collaborations with institutions such as the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the Luxembourg Institute of Health, and numerous European and US universities.

• Scientific Governance: Members hold leadership roles in the European Network for Individualised Treatment of Endometrial Cancer (ENITEC), the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), and the national Spain-GOG network.

Social Impact and Talent Development Beyond technical excellence, the group drives social change through the ENDO-HIT program, a pioneer citizen-science initiative that raises endometriosis awareness in schools and empowers women regarding their reproductive health. Furthermore, GineLab is a proven engine for academic development, having supervised 6 PhD theses with honours since 2022 and maintaining a robust internal training program that attracts international talent from across Europe.

Main responsibilities and duties:

Education and qualifications:

Required:

• Applicants must hold a PhD degree or have successfully defended their thesis before the call deadline (09/09/2026)

• Applicants must comply with the mobility rule, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work/studies) in the host country for more than 12 months during the 36 months prior to the call deadline.

• Fluency in English

• First author in publications

• Passionate, proactive, willing to learn and committed

Experience and knowledge:

Required:

• Applicants must have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience by the call deadline. This means candidates are generally eligible if they obtained their PhD on or after 10/09/2018 (possible extensions may apply, e.g. parental leave or long-term illness).

• Previous experience in a translational research group

• Experience in mass spectrometry and immunoassay, including experimental work and data analysis

Desirable:

Deadline to apply: 31-07-2026

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 organisation, 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 can be found here
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT