Description
UCH-CEU is seeking excellent postdoctoral researchers interested in applying for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF 2026).
Hosting Research Group
Oral health plays an important role in the general health and well-being of the population. The most common oral health problems worldwide include dental caries, oral mucosal lesions, and oropharyngeal candidiasis and gingivitis. Infectious diseases due to microbial colonization play a significant role in the clinical setting. The oral microflora is composed of over 400 species. The interactions between these species and with the oral immune system are important for maintaining good oral health and preventing oral pathologies. When infected, our choice of therapeutic agents affects the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Our research aims harmonize with antimicrobial stewardship objectives through research into the use of adjuvants to reduce treatment doses. Our group has three main areas of investigation:
- Characterization of natural compounds as adjuvants for antimicrobial therapy
- Determination of the effects of nutritional choices on oral microflora in disease and health
- Dental black plaque: characterization and therapeutic approaches
Scientific keywords
Antimicrobial resistance; phytotherapy; stimulants; adjuvant; priority pathogens
Relevant publications and projects
- Aliaghazadeh B, Pascual-Ortiz M, Martínez A, Veses V, Sheth CC. Unveiling the synergistic effect of icariin and azole drugs on Candida albicans. Front Oral Health. 2025 Feb 13;6:1517210. doi: 10.3389/froh.2025.1517210. PMID: 40017613; PMCID: PMC11866482.
- Al-Shareef A, González-Martínez R, Cortell-Ballester I, Jovani-Sancho M, Sheth CC, Veses V. Current perspective on dental black stain of bacterial origin: A narrative review. Eur J Oral Sci. 2025 Feb 24:e70007. doi: 10.1111/eos.70007. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39994703.
- Peris, M.C.; Martínez, A.; Ortíz, M.P.; Sheth, C.C.; Veses, V. Icariin in Combination with Amoxycillin-Clavulanate and Ampicillin, but Not Vancomycin, Increases Antibiotic Sensitivity and Growth Inhibition against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics 2022, 11, 233. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020233
- Hsu H, Sheth CC, Veses V. Herbal Extracts with Antifungal Activity against Candida albicans: A Systematic Review. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2021;21(1):90-117. doi: 10.2174/1389557520666200628032116. PMID: 32600229.
- Veses V, González-Torres P, Carbonetto B, Del Mar Jovani-Sancho M, González-Martínez R, Cortell-Ballester I, Sheth CC. Dental black plaque: metagenomic characterization and comparative analysis with white-plaque. Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 29;10(1):15962. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-72460-2. PMID: 32994464; PMCID: PMC7525459.
Research Project Description
Our laboratory is at the forefront of research on antimicrobial resistance, focusing on innovative solutions to combat bacterial and fungal infections. We invite postdoctoral candidates from around the world to join our dynamic team and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat, transforming treatable infections into serious health risks.
Our project aims to explore the potential of flavonoids, natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables, as co-adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and antifungals. Flavonoids like icariin and quercetin have shown promising antibacterial and antifungal properties, which could revolutionize treatment strategies and reduce the required doses of existing drugs. The objectives include:
- enhancing antibiotic sensitivity by investigating the synergistic effects of selected plant flavonoids with antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus, a major pathogen responsible for hospital-acquired infections,
- improving antifungal efficacy by evaluating the combination of selected plant flavonoids with antifungals against Candida albicans, a common fungal pathogen,
- conducting RNA-seq analysis to understand the molecular mechanisms by which these compounds enhance antimicrobial sensitivity.
Join us to collaborate with experts in microbiology, pharmacology, and molecular biology, work in an advanced laboratory setting, contribute to solutions that address a critical global health issue, and grow professionally through opportunities for publications, conference presentations, and networking. Be part of a team that is making a difference in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Apply today and help us pave the way for innovative treatments that can save lives.
Research Area
Life Sciences (LIF)
Application profiles
Dynamic postdoctoral candidates (max. 8 years after defense)
Applications from persons with a PhD in the following areas: Microbiology, Immunology or Allied Health (Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry) are welcomed
Strong background in microbial cell culture and laboratory experience will receive priority.
An expression of interest shall be sent to veronica.veses@uchceu.es (Attn.: Dr Veronica Veses), before 15/06/2026
Your file should contain the following elements:
- A short CV (Max. 2 pages).
- A short statement explaining why CEU would be the best host institution for your research.
- Two letters of reference.
For MSCA-PF 26 call, at the deadline for the submission of proposals (09/09/2026) candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activities in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the abovementioned deadline.
Those files received before 15th of June will be considered for MSCA-PF 2026 call. Applications received after this date, will be considered for other calls after discussion with the candidate.