Predoctoral fellowships candidate - Liver Metabolism and Disorders Laboratory

We are seeking two candidates for predoctoral fellowships (funded by the research group, equivalent to an FPI grant) in the Liver Metabolism and Disorders Laboratory at the Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS)/University of Santiago de Compostela.

Using both experimental and computational approaches (RNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq, or single-cell RNA-Seq), our laboratory aims to deconstruct the mechanistic basis for the control of gene expression in pathological and developmental contexts, from the level of individual genes to entire genomes. Under the supervision of Dr. Marta Varela Rey, the candidate will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic cellular responses to chronic liver diseases of various etiologies, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cholestatic liver disease, as well as the hepatic regenerative response after liver resection or the development of cholangiocarcinoma.

https://cimus.usc.gal/group/liver-metabolism-and-disorders-laboratory

Relevant publications from the group:

1. Woodhoo A, Varela-Rey M. Transient steatosis reprograms MDMs for liver repair. Nat Metab. 2026 Mar 11. doi: 10.1038/s42255-026-01479-y.

2. Capelo-Diz A, Lachiondo-Ortega S, Fernández-Ramos D, Cañas-Martín J, et al, Varela-Rey M. Hepatic levels of S-adenosylmethionine regulate the adaptive response to fasting. Cell Metab. 2023 Aug 8;35(8):1373-1389.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.07.002.

3. Ayuso-García P, Sánchez-Rueda A, et al, Varela-Rey M & Woodhoo A. Neddylation orchestrates the complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional program that drives Schwann cell myelination. Sci Adv. 2024 Apr 12;10(15):eadm7600. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adm7600.

4. Novoa E, et al, Varela-Rey M, Gonzalez-Rellan MJ, Gracia-Sancho J, Iruzubieta P, Schwaninger M, Nogueiras R. Lack of PCK1 in hepatic stellate cells causes liver fibrosis by fueling tricarboxylic acid cycle and increasing glycolysis. Cell Metab. 2026 Feb 23:S1550-4131(26)00016-1.

5. Goikoetxea-Usandizaga N, et al, Varela-Rey M & Martínez-Chantar ML. Mitochondrial bioenergetics boost macrophage activation, promoting liver regeneration in metabolically compromised animals. Hepatology. 2022 Mar;75(3):550-566. doi: 10.1002/hep.32149.

REQUIREMENTS

- Minimum grade point average of 8.0