PhD candidate

candidate with a background in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry or related disciplines . The selected candidate will receive support to apply for national and local predoctoral contracts (FPU, FI-Joan Oró, UdL-Banco Santander). We are particularly interested in candidates who wish to investigate cardiac fibrosis using cellular and animal models. The successful candidate will contribute to an ongoing, competitively funded research program investigating cardiac fibroblast adaptation to stresses that originate fibrosis and heart disfunction. Research Context The PhD will be embedded within the research project CardioAdapt : “Integrative discovery of adaptive fibroblast signaling underlying resilience in cardiac fibrosis and heart failure” funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICIU). The project investigates the response of cardiac fibroblasts to heart failure and metabolic stress conditions that lead to cardiac fibrosis. The project focuses on cell signaling pathways, mitochondrial stress and metabolic alterations, integrating cellular, animal, and human data with a strong emphasis on sex as a biological variable. The key pathways include DEPTOR–mTOR signaling and the mitochondrial nucleases ENDOG and EXOG . Candidate Requirements Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree (or be enrolled in a Master’s programme to be completed before the start date) in Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biology or related fields, eligible for admission at the PhD program in Health of Universitat de Lleida. A minimum average academic grade of 6.5/10 (Spanish scale) in the Bachelor’s degree is required. Candidates with foreign degrees must provide the official grade equivalence to the Spanish scale ( Declaración de equivalencia de nota media , Minsterio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades) Desirable skills: Laboratory experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture and/or animal experimentation. Good written and spoken English. Motivation for biomedical research and teamwork. Certification for laboratory animal experimentation according to applicable regulations, or willingness to obtain the required certification before participating in animal procedures. What We Offer Full support for the fellowship application, including preparation of the research proposal and alignment with the fellowship evaluation criteria. An opportunity to learn and develop your research skills by doing a doctorate in the cardiovascular field. Integration into an established and competitively funded research program. Opportunities to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis Academic mentoring, methodological training, and opportunities for scientific publications. Opportunities for collaboration with national and international researchers and institutions. A supportive research environment that values scientific rigor, collaboration, innovation, and societal impact. Application To apply, please send an email to daniel.sanchis@udl.cat and marta.llovera@udl.cat with the subject line “PhD application ” , attaching the following documents (preferably as a single PDF): Curriculum vitae Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s), including the average grade. Candidates with foreign degrees should include the official grade equivalence to the Spanish scale. A one-page motivation letter Names and contact details of two academic referees Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Contact Pr. Daniel Sanchis ( daniel.sanchis@udl.cat ) and Dr Marta Llovera ( marta.llovera@udl.cat ) Department of Basic Medical Sciences Universitat de Lleida