International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Research Assistant – Biomedical Engineer specialised in 3D Bioprinting of Multicellular Microphysiological Systems

Job Reference: Ref.47.25.448

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Domingues Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 12 months*

*possible extension up to 36 months under the ERC project secured until 2030

Open Date for Applications: August 14th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: September 21st, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #bioprinting #invitromodels #cellculture #molecularbiology #tendononchip

Overview

The Domingues Research Group is a newly established group at INL, dedicated to advancing nanobiomaterials, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine. By integrating smart biomaterials, tissue engineering, and nanoscale biointerfaces, our new team aims to develop next-generation nanotherapies, microphysiological systems and bioengineered grafts for regenerative medicine, with a strong focus on musculoskeletal diseases.

The selected candidate will work as a Research Assistant under the ERC project – FORTIFy. This groundbreaking project involves developing and applying advanced nanosystems capable of selectively interacting with and activating cellular mechanosensors, offering unprecedented insights into cellular mechanobiology.

In combination with state-of-the-art multicellular 3D tendon models ("tendon-on-chip"), this will provide a powerful system to investigate the complex mechanobiology of tendons. Particular focus will be given to neurotendinous crosstalk and its immunomodulatory signatures, opening new avenues in regenerative medicine and mechanotherapeutics.

Become part of a collaborative team pushing the frontiers of tendon biology and bioengineering.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Culture and manipulate different types of primary and stem cells (including tendon derived stem cells) and tissue constructs;
• Isolate cells from tissue samples;
• Decellularization of tissue samples for hydrogel production;
• 3D Bioprint for the development of in vitro models for musculoskeletal disease research;
• Assess cells and construct responses by cellular and molecular biology techniques;
• Plan and perform R&D activities, developing experimental methods, analysing data and presenting results within the framework of the project;
• Write progress reports, participate in group meetings, publish research findings in scientific journals and present at relevant international conferences;
• Collaborate in setting up a new laboratory and research team, including responsibility for equipment setup and maintenance.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• MSc. Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.

Experience and Technical Skills

• At least 4 years of experience (including MSc) in experimental research in biomedical field, particularly in Biomaterials, 3D Bioprinting, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications;
• Consolidated experience in culture and manipulation of human cell lines, stem cells and tissue engineered constructs;
• Expertise in cells isolation from tissue samples;
• Expertise in tissue decellularization techniques for hydrogel production;
• Expertise in 3D Bioprinting technologies for the development of multicellular in vitro models;
• Expertise in cellular and molecular biology characterisation techniques (e.g., qPCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, multiplex immunoassay);
• Knowledge of biomaterial processing and evaluation, particularly responsive/adaptive hydrogels;
• Proficient in data analysis, statistical analysis, and modelling.

Other Valued Skills

• Research background working in interdisciplinary research environments (e.g., bioengineering, nanomedicine, chemistry);
• Experience with 3D cell culture, or tissue engineering models;
• International research track record.

Personal Skills

• Ability to work both as part of an international team and autonomously;
• Good oral and written communication skills;
• Strong scientific writing skills;
• Ability to develop research concepts and plans;
• Management and problem-solving skills.

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.