MSCA Postdoc fellow opportunity - Cardio & Renal metabolic diseas

What we offer

Project title: Determinants of atherosclerosis in populations with medium to low cardiovascular risk.

Background: Atheromatous cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of mortality and disability, accounting for one in three deaths despite more than six decades of research into traditional and emerging cardiovascular risk factors.

Because atheromatosis progresses silently for years before symptoms arise, detecting subclinical disease has become a cornerstone of modern cardiovascular prevention. Current predictive tools such as Framingham, SCORE2, and REGICOR are useful for population stratification but frequently underestimate true vascular risk, particularly in low-to-moderate risk individuals.

Recent studies have revealed a high prevalence of subclinical atheromatosis and discordance between risk-factor burden and vascular disease, highlighting the need for new diagnostic approaches based on direct vascular assessment and biomarker discovery.

The ILERVAS Study (Lleida Vascular Study, from Ilerda-the ancient Latin name of Lleida-and Vascular) was conceived to fill this gap through large-scale, population-based screening integrated with primary care. ILERVAS aims to redefine cardiovascular prevention, shifting from risk-factor management to the early identification and treatment of subclinical vascular disease in real-world middle-aged Mediterranean populations. Fellows will work in line with this project.

Objectives:

1. Determine the prevalence and distribution of subclinical atheromatosis in asymptomatic middle-aged adults using multiterritorial vascular ultrasound.

2. Characterize cardiometabolic risk profiles by integrating biochemical,genetic, imaging, and lifestyle data from the ILERVAS cohort (>8,000 participants).

3. Identify novel biomarkers and pathophysiological pathways linking metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and vascular injury.

4. Assess the impact of traditional and non-traditional risk factors (e.g., sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, insulin resistance, diet, physical inactivity) on the development of atheromatosis.

5. Develop and validate predictive models of cardiovascular risk incorporating imaging, omics, and artificial intelligence algorithms.

6. Monitor the natural history of subclinical vascular disease, evaluating its progression and association with incident cardiovascular events.

7. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness and health impact of mobile-unit–based screening programs for the early detection and prevention of chronic disease.

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Candidate requirements:

• PhD holder in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, or relevant field.

• 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.

Valuable skills:
▸ Prior working experience with cohort studies.

Application process:

Please send a copy of your CV, a cover letter and relevant testimonials to the following email address:

Josemanuel.valdivielso@udl.cat & talent@irblleida.cat

Application deadline:01/08/2026