Looking for MSCA PF 2026 candidates: Universidad de Sevilla (Spain) - Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Immunology

Brief description of the Centre/Research Group 

Professor Antonio Carrillo Vico is a Full Professor of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology at the University of Seville and a Senior Investigator at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS). With over 25 years of research experience, his career is marked by a profound interest in the bidirectional communication between the neuroendocrine and immune systems. He has an H-index of 36 and has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals. Prof. Carrillo Vico has participated in 29 competitive research projects and has a proven track record in mentoring, having supervised numerous PhD theses and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have successfully transitioned to independent academic positions. The group is a multidisciplinary team based at IBiS, one of Spain’s premier biomedical research centers, located within the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital complex. This strategic location facilitates a unique translational research environment, where basic scientists work alongside clinicians. The group’s research is organized into two highly innovative pillars: 1.      Neuroinflammation: Focusing on the molecular mechanisms of melatonin as a therapeutic tool in multiple sclerosis by using the EAE animal model and human samples. 2.       Bioactive Peptides and Metabolic Health: Investigating the molecular pathophysiology of bioactive peptides in the context of obesity and metabolic diseases. This line employs advanced omics and lipidomic profiling to decode the gut-liver-brain axis and the role of the microbiome.

Project description

We are seeking ambitious candidates to lead innovative projects within two primary scientific pillars: 1. Molecular Mechanisms of Neuro-immunomodulation: pleiotropic effects of melatonin as a master regulator of neuro-immune crosstalk. Our research delves into the molecular mechanisms by which melatonin modulates the T helper/Treg balance, as well as providing direct neuroprotection. Potential projects will focus on: •       Molecular Signaling: investigating how melatonin acts on T-cell polarisation and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. •     Synergistic Potentiation: exploring the molecular basis of melatonin’s synergy with glucocorticoids to enhance anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective pathways, as recently published in the Journal of Autoimmunity. •    Identification of the molecular targets that underlie melatonin´s protective action of melatonin on the immunopathological control of multiple sclerosis via single-cell RNA
sequencing analysis.   2. Bioactive Peptides and Metabolic Diseases: identification and characterization of plant-derived protein hydrolysates and their interaction with fundamental metabolic pathways by using integrative approaches to understand the bioactivity of these peptides at the celular and systemic levels.  • Enzymatic & Receptor Modulation: identification of modulatory capacity of bioactive peptides on key metabolic targets through peptidomics and in silico validation (molecular docking and dynamics). •       Adiposopathy & The Gut-Liver-Brain Axis: decoding the molecular cascades by which biopeptides ameliorate insulin resistance and MASLD through the modulation of gut dysbiosis and adipose tissue inflammation. •  Lipidomics & Metabolic Flux: to assess how specific peptide reconfigure liver lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation and oxidative status.

Evaluation panel:

Life Sciences (LIF)

 IMPORTANT: Applicants should check their elegibility to apply to the MSCA PF 2026 Call: 

• Any nationality (European Fellowship) / European national or long-term resident of a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country (Global Fellowship)

• Be in a possession of a doctoral degree (PhD)

• Have a maximum of 8 years full-time equivalent experience in research, measured from the date of award of the doctoral degree

• Comply with the mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain (for European Postdoctoral Fellowships), or in the country of the host organisation for the outgoing phase (for Global Postdoctoral Fellowships) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.

 For a correct evaluation of your candidature, please send the documents below to Professor Antonio Carrillo Vico (vico@us.es)

• CV

• Recommendation letter

If you are ultimately selected to submit your application alongside Professor Antonio Carrillo Vico, you will be able to benefit from the Coaching and Advising Programme offered by the International Projects Office at USE, providing additional resources and a proposal review service to the MSCA PF 2026 candidates.