MSCA PF opportunity – Chromosome Biology in Cancer and Genome Instability Syndromes

Project title: Maintaining Genome Integrity in Cancer and Genome Instability Syndromes.

Preamble: Genome instability is a hallmark of cancer and the underlying cause of a growing number of rare disorders collectively known as genome instability syndromes. The host laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms that preserve genome integrity during DNA replication, chromosome segregation and DNA repair, with particular expertise in the SMC5/6 complex and post-translational regulatory pathways.

Objectives:

1. Study mechanisms that ensure faithful chromosome duplication and segregation.

2. Investigate the causes and consequences of replication stress.

3. Understand how genome instability contributes to cancer and genome instability syndromes.

4. Explore the role of chromosome maintenance complexes and post-translational regulatory pathways in genome maintenance.

The opportunity:

We seek outstanding postdoctoral candidates interested in developing innovative projects aimed at understanding how genome maintenance mechanisms protect against human disease. Proposed projects may address fundamental and translational questions related to chromosome biology, replication stress, DNA repair, SUMO- and ubiquitin-mediated signalling, and the molecular basis of cancer and genome instability syndromes.

Candidates will benefit from an excellent and internationally connected research environment with expertise in molecular genetics, cell biology, proteomics and genomics. The fellowship will provide interdisciplinary training opportunities and foster the development of independent research careers at the interface between fundamental mechanisms of genome maintenance and their implications for cancer and rare genetic diseases.

Candidate requirements:

PhD. Holder in: Molecular Biology Cell Biology Genetics Genome Stability DNA Repair Cancer Biology Rare Diseases Biochemistry Genomics Related disciplines.

With prior experience working with molecular and cellular biology techniques, genome editing (CRISPR/Cas), cell culture, microscopy, functional genomics and/or proteomics, and bioinformatics (desirable).

Along with MSCA PF requirements (mobility rule and academic experience should be under 8 years after PhD graduation.

Application process:

Make sure to send an email at: jordi.torres@udl.cat AND talent@irblleida.cat

Attaching a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (including publication list), motivation letter, brief statement of research interests and potential project idea , along with contact details of two referees.

DEADLINE for Expression of interest submission: 01/08/2026