International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Research Fellow–Formulation with natural products from the sea for pharma and cosmetic applications

Job Reference: Ref.03.24.15/1

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Bañobre Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 24 months

Open Date for Applications: September 30th, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: October 20th, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #nanostructures #nanocomposites #formulationchemistry #biopolymers #biomedicalapplications #cosmeticapplications

Overview

The Bañobre Research Group focuses on the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches towards an early and unequivocal diagnosis and treatment of cancer, inflammatory and neurological diseases.

We are looking for an experience post-doctoral researcher to develop and participate in collaborative projects, in the area of health products, whose main responsibility would be to develop novel functional formulations from natural products derived from overlooked marine sources, and use existing technologies for their characterisation leading to the in vitro validation of the tailored nanostructures and established procedures.

The tasks will be developed under the EU funded project PROMISEANG, with the aim to develop new protein and non-protein products from marine sources. As part of this project it will be developed new prototypes in the area of pharma and/or cosmetics.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Synthesis and physico-chemical characterisation of nanostructures and nanocomposites;
• Characterisation and assessment of nanostructures and nanocomposites performance, and their in vitro validation, as well as their targeted surface;
• Join ongoing projects and participate in project planning and strategic decision making;
• Produce technical and scientific documentation;
• Collaborate in supervision tasks within the research team.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Food Science or related technical fields.

Experience

• Experience in at least 2 of the following fields: polymer science, hydrogels, nanogels, nanocomposites formulation with natural products and/or cosmetic products formulation;
• Experience in biopolymers (i.e., natural, carbohydrate based), natural lipids and sea-derived products (e.g., pigments, essential oils);
• Experience on the biomedical and/or cosmetic applications

Technical Skills

• Formulation chemistry (e.g., colloid, nanocomposites, lipid-based formulations, polymer-based formulations, emulsions, micro and nanoemulsions);
• Polymer modification/characterisation;
• Hydrogel/nanogels preparation;
• Bioactive encapsulation (nano) systems;
• Physico-chemical characterisation (i.e., morphological, structural, magnetic);
• Targeted surface functionalisation of nanostructures.

Other Qualifications

• Practical expertise in magnetic resonance and imaging and magnetic hyperthermia will be positively evaluated;
• Experience in other imaging-based medical diagnosis and therapy technologies will also be valued;
• High quality publications in international journals

Personal Skills

• Creative thinking;
• Ability to work independently and as team player;
• Excellent organisational, communication and reporting skills;
• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem Solving ability;
• Customer orientation.

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

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;
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.