진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Inducing CD8+T cell Tissue Resident Phenotypes

The Mucosal Immunology against Infection (MIM), Research Group at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral researcher interested in developing competitive applications for the next Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF).

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

CD8⁺ resident memory T cells (CD8+TRM) permanently reside within tissues, where they continuously survey the local microenvironment and provide rapid protection against invading pathogens and malignant cells. Beyond their effector functions, CD8+TRM play key roles in maintaining tissue immune homeostasis. The differentiation of memory precursors into CD8+TRM is shaped by instructive cues derived from both secondary lymphoid organs and peripheral tissue niches. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms governing CD8+TRM development, establishment, and regulation in mucosal tissues will be critical to harnessing these cells for the elimination of persistent antigens and for enhancing vaccine-induced immune responses.

Objective

The primary objective of this proposal is to identify mechanisms that are key for ultimately inducing a CD8+TRM response to migrate and establish for long-term protection in multiple peripheral tissues and mucosa. Understanding how to best engage innate immunity at mucosal sites and how induce long-term CD8+TRM in these sites will be key for adjuvant and vaccine formulation or to potentiate these responses to eliminate persistent antigens located in these tissues.

Our Group

The Mucosal Immunology against Infection (MIM), is led by Dr. Meritxell Genescà, a senior researcher at the Infectious Disease dept. of the Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR). The main lines of research are:

• • Tissue HIV reservoir and new elimination strategies
• • STI and co-infections
• • Adjuvants and biomarkers of mucosal immunity
• • Tissue explant models to study host-pathogen interactions and immunity.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• • Conduct high‑quality research aligned with project and lab objectives, including rigorous data collection, analysis, and literature review.
• • Collaborate with senior researchers in designing experiments, developing research protocols, and contributing to publications, reports, and grant proposals.
• • Present research findings within the team and at scientific conferences or seminars.
• • Provide guidance to junior researchers or graduate students and supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students when applicable.
• • Engage in continuous professional development and work with the technology transfer office to identify potential inventions and understand IP processes.