The Human Nutrition Unit (HNU, www.nutriciohumana.com/), from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, at the Rovira i Virgili University (URV, Reus, Tarragona), and the Institute of Health Pere Virgili (IISPV) are currently looking for a pre-doctoral student who applies for a University grant in the field of Nutrition Biology.
The HNU is an interdisciplinary community lead by Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó that works mainly on Nutrition and the prevention of cardiometabolic and aging-related diseases. Our team has hosted many randomized clinical trials in the context of the beneficial effect of specific food groups (e.g., nuts) and is one of the centers where PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) took place. Importantly, the HNU is the current coordinator center of the PREDIMED-Plus trial (www.predimedplus.com/). We have also explored the effects of the Mediterranean diet on male fertility, and the beneficial effects of certain foods/patterns in aging processes and their derangements. Therefore, we have focused on gene expression, DNA methylation and telomere length, in in vivo and/or in vitro specimens.
Currently, we are conducting the LED-Fertyl study, which is a cross-sectional and multicenter study. The main objective of this project is to identify and quantify the dietary determinants and other lifestyle factors that are associated with semen quality by analyzing their implication on body weight, insulin resistance, oxidation / inflammation, the consequences at the DNA level and cellular aging contributing to the risk of male infertility.
The post is within the research cluster Nutrition and aging related diseases, located at Medicine and Health science Campus in Reus.
In order to complete our team, our research group is seeking a highly motivated candidate to start his/her PhD.
Considering the current worldwide status; the candidate will be incorporated into one of our ongoing or pending projects. Their tasks will be those related with the laboratory work but also, he/she will participate in the recruitment and follow-up of the subjects in randomized clinical trials and/or prospective cohort studies.
Your responsibilities
The successful candidate will develop independent research leading to a PhD in the field of Nutrition and aging related diseases.
What the position offers you
We offer a stimulating and diverse work environment, with dedicated support for developing an academic career. Members of our research group become part of international networks and benefit from opportunities to attend conferences and workshops around the world.
Qualifications
The successful candidate is expected:
The following are considered assets, but not requirements:
Your application
Applicants must fill the form below with their personal data and upload the following documents before December 30th 2021.
You should merge all the documents required in the same PDF file except for the CV that can be upload separately.
Interviews will take place via Teams.