MSCA Postdoc fellow opportunity - Sleep and Chronobiology

Title: Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Older Adults with Overweight or Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) affects over 70% of individuals aged ≥65 in Spain. The aging population, rising obesity rates, which is OSA's primary risk factor, and increased life expectancy will contribute to a substantial rise in OSA cases individuals aged ≥65 in Spain.

However, there is no conclusive evidence on the optimal management of OSA in older adults. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the gold standard, but adherence decreases with age. Clinical trials on CPAP effectiveness in this group are limited, as most exclude individuals over 70.

Newer treatments targeting obesity have overlooked older adults, leaving uncertainty about their effectiveness and safety for this population. To address this gap, this proposal aims to determine the first-line treatment for newly diagnosed OSA patients aged 65 or older with overweight or obesity.

Objective:

1. Determine the first-line treatment for patients aged 65 or older with newly diagnosed OSA and overweight or obesity.

2. Evaluate the effectiveness of two different interventions --one targeting lifestyle modifications and the other involving pharmacological treatment with tirzepatide --compared to standard CPAP therapy in reducing the apnoea-hypopnea index.

Methodology: Randomised, multicentre, prospective trial. Participants (n=345) will be randomly assigned to one of three interventions: i) the standard treatment with CPAP, ii) the interdisciplinary intervention focused on lifestyle modification, and iii) the pharmacological treatment with tirzepatide.

Patient follow-up will take place over a 6-month period, with scheduled evaluations at baseline, 2-, and 6 months. The primary outcome will be the change in OSA severity.

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Candidate requirements:

• Background in: Medicine, biology, biochemistry, or related health sciences.

• Mobility rule: Must not have lived in SPAIN for more than 12 months in the past 36 months. (Before the call deadline 09-September-2026)

• Junior profile: Research experience should not exceed more than 8 years, since graduation from the PhD.

Application process:

To extend your expression of interest, please share your CV along with a cover letter to: atarga@irblleida.cat & talent@irblleida.cat.

Deadline: 20-July-2026

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For any inquiry, please contact: International@irblleida.cat