Training Researcher in Cellular Reprogramming for Prevention of Aging and Related Diseases

Eurecat Nutrition and Health Unit generates knowledge and provides scientific and technical resources to investigate the health effects of products in use. These capabilities enable the validation of new medical devices, as well as biomaterials, and assess the applicability and functionality of the biosensor in preclinical models (rodents or in vitro) and human volunteers. In vitro studies are conducted on cell cultures, ex vivo systems, and organoids for product screening, biological efficacy assessment, and molecular mechanism description. Additionally, expertise is offered in the formulation and design processes of the biological components underlying a biosensor.

Eurecat Nutrition and Health Unit, in collaboration with the University of Barcelona, offers the opportunity to carry out a doctoral thesis in the field of cellular reprogramming to prevent age-related diseases.

For many years we were very passive towards aging. We thought aging is natural and happens to everyone, so there is nothing to be done. But we can look at aging differently. We can consider it a disease itself, and in turn, all the age-related diseases as the symptoms of aging. When aging is viewed as a pathological process, we can look at the pathophysiological mechanisms to find targetable mechanisms of action that slow the rate of ageing, and its symptoms: diseases. This is extremely valuable, because with the growing elderly population, we need the shift in the focus from disease treatment to disease prevention. We need solutions to ensure healthy aging.

This thesis wants to generate new biological models and to provide different mixtures of metabolic compounds supporting biological rejuvenation postponing disease manifestation in cognitive decline models. With that we will upscale Nutrition and Health Unit in the unexplored field of the junction between metabolism (affected by microbiome and mitochondria) function and genome. It will generate the tools that allow to validate studies and interventions in the field of aging: cognitive decline screening platform, longevity, and health span screening platform.

The thesis tackles aging and cognitive decline, proposing metabolic compounds for rejuvenation, going deeper in the unexplored nexus of metabolism, microbiome, mitochondria, and genome, offering tools for studying and intervening in aging.

Functions and Responsibilities:

• The PhD candidate will develop and apply cutting-edge molecular biology techniques in advanced in vitro models (organoids), lower organisms (fruit flies), and in vivo models (rodents) to test various anti-aging treatments.
• Participate and lead scientific publications: write scientific papers drafts and deliver the PhD thesis.

Studies and Knowledge:

• Official master's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology that enables access to a doctoral program in the field of biomedicine.

Soft Skills:

• Communication
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Time Management

Languages:

• Proficiency in English
• High level of Catalan and/or Spanish is considered a plus