Organisation/Company University of Santiago de Compostela Department CIMUS Biomedical Research Institute Research Field Neurosciences » Neurobiology Biological sciences » Biology Medical sciences » Health sciences Medical sciences » Cancer research Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 30 Apr 2026 - 15:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 May 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
The Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS)/University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) is looking for candidates to apply for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in the framework of the Marie-Sklodowska Curie Programme 2026.
2 positions are offered in the Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Laboratory (Supervisor: Prof. Ashwin Woodhoo), and the Liver Metabolism and Disorders Laboratory (Supervisor: Prof. Marta Varela Rey).
Who are we?
Using both experimental and computational approaches, our laboratory aims to uncover the mechanistic basis of gene expression control in developmental and pathological contexts, from individual genes to whole genomes. We investigate multiple layers of gene expression regulation, including transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms, with a particular focus on nerve disorders and liver disease.
Selected candidates will join a multidisciplinary team comprising computational, molecular, and cellular biologists.
The laboratory is funded by the European Commission (ERC Consolidator Grant) and the Spanish Ministry of Science, as well as private foundations (AECC).
The myelin sheath is essential for neuronal function and health: myelinating glial cells speed up propagation of axonal potentials, fuel the energetic demands and regulate the ionic environment of neurons. Lesions to the myelin sheath thus result in devastating neurological disorders that include multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. On the other hand, Schwann cell plasticity i.e. their ability to breakdown myelin and subsequent de‑differentiation, can actually be beneficial in other situations, namely in peripheral nerve regeneration. Peripheral nerves have a striking ability to regenerate after injury, whereby axons can grow readily back to their targets, redundant myelin is removed and new myelin formed around regenerated axons, with the result that nerve tissue that is broadly normal in structure and function, is restored in a surprisingly short time.
There is emerging evidence, enabled by modern techniques, that ribosomes, typically viewed as invariant, passive molecular machines, may instead be heterogeneous in composition, with particular ribosomal components having a ‘specialized’ regulatory capacity for preferential translation of specific mRNAs. In this project (MyeRIBO, financed by an ERC Consolidator grant) we propose that translation control by specialized ribosomes is a novel layer of regulation that shapes the proteome of the myelinating glial cell during myelination and in nerve repair. The candidate, in collaboration with leading European groups, will exploit advances in cryo-EM and quantitative proteomics analyses to discover the nature and diversity of ribosomes in myelinating cells, employ genome-wide ribosome profiling to obtain mechanistic insights into selective mRNA translation by heterogeneous ribosomes, and generate genetic mouse models to determine the functional consequences of this specialization for myelination in vivo. MyeRIBO will push further the boundaries of our current understanding of the molecular control of myelination, which could have a profound impact for understanding neural development and myelin disorders.
Background Project 2 (Marta Varela Rey):
The liver is one of the most vital and functionally diverse organs in the human body. It serves as a metabolic hub, regulating numerous physiological processes essential for systemic homeostasis. These include energy metabolism, nutrient storage, detoxification, protein synthesis, immune surveillance, and bile production. However, the liver is also a frequent target of various pathologies—ranging from metabolic disorders to chronic inflammation and cancer. A unique hallmark of this organ is its exceptional capacity to regenerate, a property that holds enormous therapeutic promise. Ongoing research is rapidly advancing our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of liver physiology and pathology, paving the way for the development of diagnostic biomarkers, targeted therapies, and regenerative strategies aimed at preserving and restoring liver function. The selected candidate will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic cellular responses to chronic liver diseases of diverse etiologies, including non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cholestatic liver disease, as well as liver regenerative responses following hepatic resection and the development of cholangiocarcinoma.
1. Woodhoo A, Varela‑Rey M. Transient steatosis reprograms MDMs for liver repair. Nature Metabolism. 2026 Mar 11. doi: 10.1038/s42255-026-01479-y.
3. Ayuso‑García P, Sánchez‑Rueda A, et al, Varela‑Rey M & Woodhoo A. Neddylation orchestrates the complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional program that drives Schwann cell myelination. Science Advances. 2024 Apr 12;10(15):eadm7600. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adm7600.
4. Novoa E, et al, Varela‑Rey M, Gonzalez‑Rellan MJ, Gracia‑Sancho J, Iruzubieta P, Schwaninger M, Nogueiras R. Lack of PCK1 in hepatic stellate cells causes liver fibrosis by fueling tricarboxylic acid cycle and increasing glycolysis. Cell Metabolism. 2026 Feb 23:S1550-4131(26)00016-1.
Where to apply
E‑mail
Requirements
Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
To be eligible for the call 2026 of the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships you:
* Need to hold a PhD degree in biomedical sciences‑related subject. Your thesis must be defended before September 9, 2026.
* Must have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience from the date of defense of your PhD and until September 9, 2026. Career breaks (parental leave, military service, work outside research, etc.) do not count towards the amount of research experience.
Must not have resided or worked in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the September 9, 2026.
Specific Requirements
* Minimum scientific output: At least one peer‑reviewed publication (published or accepted), of which at least one must demonstrate a significant contribution by the applicant (e.g. as first or corresponding author).
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Neurosciences » Neurobiology Medical sciences » Cancer research Medical sciences » Health sciences Years of Research Experience 4 - 10
Additional Information
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships enhance the creative and innovative potential of researchers holding a PhD and who wish to acquire new skills through advanced training, international, interdisciplinary and inter‑sectoral mobility. MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships will be open to excellent researchers of any nationality.
The scheme also encourages researchers to work on research and innovation projects in the non‑academic sector and is open to researchers wishing to reintegrate in Europe, to those who are displaced by conflict, as well as to researchers with high potential who are seeking to restart their careers in research.
Fellowships will be provided to excellent researchers, undertaking international mobility either to or between EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, as well as to non‑associated Third Countries. Applications will be made jointly by the researcher and a beneficiary in the academic or non‑academic sector.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility criteria
Before applying, please make sure you checked the eligibility criteria to apply to the Post‑doctoral Fellowship Call 2026:
* For EUROPEAN Fellowship: You must be postdoctoral researchers / have successfully defended your thesis at the date of the MSCA PF call deadline (September 9th, 2026). The successful defence must be unconditional (no further requirements/corrections that need to be addressed) and take place before the call deadline.
* You must have a maximum of 8 years full‑time equivalent experience in research (from date of PhD award). Years of experience outside research and career breaks (e.g. due to parental leave) will not count towards the amount of research experience.
* You must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in SPAIN for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.
Selection process
Selection process
Interested candidates are kindly requested to send by email (), before May 31, 2026, the following documents:
* CV including list of publications (max. 3 pages) – at least one publication as first author (or shared first authorship) is required to be considered for the fellowship.
* Motivation letter (max. 1 page): tell us about your research interests and career plans. Why would these three principal investigators be a good match for you? What can you bring to their groups?
Please indicate in the subject line: REF: MSCA PF 2026 fellowship.
The identified candidate will be contacted to prepare the joint application between June until September 9th, 2026.
Additional comments
Next steps
* Submit your application not later than May 31, 2026.
* Shortlisted pre‑candidates will be contacted by CIMUS Principal Investigators in May and June. The final decision, whether a candidate submits a proposal for the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA‑PF) is made by the Principal Investigators.
* If there is a match, you will write a proposal for the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA‑PF) together with the PI and with our support.
* If you are selected by a CIMUS Principal Investigator, the deadline for the submission of the MSCA‑PF proposal to the European Union is September 9, 2026.
The decision on the award of the MSCA‑PF is expected in February 2027 and the earliest fellowship start is expected to be April 2027. Note: Submission of a proposal and participation in the support activities do not guarantee a postdoctoral position at the CIMUS. An employment contract may only come to place in case of award of the MSCA‑PF by the European Commission.
Number of offers available
2
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