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Beyond Gap Junctions: Connexins as Orchestrators of Tumor–Stroma Communication

We are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral researcher to develop an independent Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship project at the interface of cancer cell communication, metabolism, and tumor microenvironment biology.

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

Connexin 43 (Cx43) presents a long-standing paradox in cancer: it can act as either a tumour suppressor or a tumour promoter depending on context. Beyond its classical role as a gap junction protein, Cx43 regulates tunnelling nanotube (TNT) formation, mitochondrial transfer, and extracellular vesicle (EV) signalling. Its alternatively translated isoform GJA1-20k further controls actin remodelling and mitochondrial dynamics, suggesting that connexins play a broader role in coordinating communication between tumour cells and their microenvironment.

This project will test the hypothesis that Cx43 acts as a master regulator of intercellular communication, linking these pathways to tumour plasticity and therapeutic resistance across breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer.

Objective

The aim is to define how connexin-regulated tumour-stroma communication drives cancer progression and therapy resistance. Possible research directions include: (1) how Cx43 and GJA1-20k regulate TNT formation and organelle transfer; (2) non-canonical mitochondrial exchange pathways including annular gap junctions; (3) Cx43 control of EV biogenesis and signalling; and (4) how these pathways collectively regulate metabolic adaptation and therapy resistance. The project will be developed together with the fellow based on their expertise and interests.

Our Group

The Intercellular Communication Group, led by Trond Aasen, studies connexin-regulated tumour progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance in breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. We combine mechanistic cell biology with advanced imaging and functional cancer models. Recent tools include dual-colour HiBiT-based mitochondrial tracing systems for quantifying intercellular organelle transfer. This is a growing field with real room for discovery.

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

Desirable:

• Strong publication record.

• International research experience

• Experience with fellowship writing is a plus

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).

• Strong experimental background in mammalian cell biology

• Experience in molecular cloning and cell engineering

Desirable:

• Experience in one or more of the following:

• Mitochondrial biology, cancer metabolism, extracellular vesicles, tunneling nanotubes, live-cell imaging, CRISPR editing, omics or bioinformatics. Experience in fluorescence microscopy/confocal imaging

• Demonstrated ability to drive independent research

• Strong written and oral communication skills

Working conditions, remuneration, contract type and start date will be established according to the applicable MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship conditions and VHIR regulations.

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.

• 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: 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 [email protected]. DPO: [email protected]. More information can be found here.
Data Protection Authority: APDCAT