International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Postdoctoral Researcher – Investigating How Environmental Chemicals affect C. elegans

Job Reference: Ref.71.25.445

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Alfaro-Moreno Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 12 months

Open Date for Applications: November 10th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: December 1st, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #C.elegans #biology #handling #culture #maintain #Neurobehaviour

#EnvironmentalToxicology #Nanotoxicology #BehaviouralAssays #Imaging #DataAnalysis

Overview

The Alfaro-Moreno Research Group is laboratory dedicated to excellence in scientific research on developing methods to assess the toxicity and safety of nanomaterials, with a broad approach evaluating from possible effects on humans to environmental effects. The goal of the group is to evaluate cytotoxic, genotoxic, inflammation, local and systemic effects and in silico analysis. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) to ensure the quality and integrity of our work.

We’re looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the group under the LEARN and iCare projects.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Design and conduct experiments to investigate how environmental chemicals and particles (micro/nanoparticles) affect survival, development, neural function and behaviour in C. elegans;
• Develop, optimise, and apply behavioural assays to assess locomotion, sensory phenotypes under toxicological exposure conditions;
• Employ imaging, microscopy, and quantitative analysis to assess neuronal health in fluorescent (GFP-labelled) C. elegans strains;
• Integrate neurobiological, toxicological, and molecular data to elucidate mechanisms of neurotoxicity;
• Collaborate with team members working on environmental exposure, and computational modelling;
• Prepare manuscripts, contribute to grant proposals, and present research findings at conferences.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacology, Environmental Health or related areas.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Proven experience in C. elegans genetics, behaviour, or neurobiology;
• Background in toxicology, environmental exposure assessment;
• Experience with behavioural tracking systems and imaging.

Other Valued Skills

• Experience handling genetically modified strains of C. elegans, in particular, neurodegeneration related ones;
• Experience with automated behavioural analysis, in particular WormLab platform;
• Experience in nanomaterial handling;
• Experience to obtain/purchase strains from CGC.

Personal Skills

• Analytical and critical thinking;
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities;
• Strong organisational and documentation skills;
• Motivation to work at the interface of neuroscience and environmental health.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

d)     At least one reference letter

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.