International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Staff Researcher – Toxicology assessment of nanomaterials using complex in vitro models

Job Reference: Ref.10.24.61

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: 24 months*

*contract may be extended to 48 months upon project approval

Open Date for Applications: November 25th, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: December 15th, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #nanotoxicology #invitromodels #nanosafety #electrochemicalsensors #multisensingdevices #organ-on-a-chip #nanocharacterisation

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 are looking for a qualified Staff Researcher to join our team under the projects iCare, Learn and NEP. The Staff Researcher will also work under UPRISE project once it has been approved.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Lead the nanotoxicology tasks related to European, National and Industry projects that are commissioned to the Nanosafety Group;
• Develop, characterise and standardise multiple cell culture models related to lung and airways;
• Integrate the developed multiple cell culture models into organ-on-a-chip platforms;
• Standardise the settings for multisensing devices;
• Integrate the multisensing devices into in vitro settings, including multiple well plates (6, 12, 24 and 96 well plates) and into organ-on-a-chip devices, such as Skin-on-a-chip and Blood-brain-barrier-on-a-chip;
• Participate in the preparation of European Projects;
• Lead the writing of Iberian projects;
• Write and lead the writing of scientific papers;
• Lead Master and PhD students.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Toxicology or other related areas.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience with human cell culture;
• At least 10 years of experience working with in vitro models, including single cell type submerged cultures, multiple cell cultures, air-liquid interface models and 3D cell culture models;
• Over 5 years of experience in the assessment of safety of nanoparticles (e.g., effects on cellular metabolism, membrane disruption, cytotoxicity);
• Previous experience with nanotoxicology and nano-characterisation.

Other Valued Skills (if applicable)

• Previous experience in the preparation of electrochemical-multisensing devices will be preferred;
• Previous experience working under GLP principles;
• Certification as toxicologist at international level such as ERT or ABT is a plus;
• Previous experience supervising Master and PhD students;
• Track record of acquisition of funding such as Postdoctoral Fellow Grants, participation in European and/or Iberian Grants.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem Solving ability;
• Customer orientation;
• Ability to work independently and as team player;
• Good communication skills;
• Organised;
• Leadership;
• High standards in presenting data to all levels of audience.

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 1 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.