International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Postdoctoral Researcher – Medical Biotechnology, Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells

Job Reference: Ref.19.25.448

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: R. Domingues Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 24 months

Open Date for Applications: March 26th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: April 15th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #molecularimprinting #tissueregeneration #mechanotransduction #piezoreceptors #invitromodels

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 postdoctoral researcher under the ERC project – FORTIFy.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Plan and perform R&D activities, developing experimental methods, analysing data and presenting results within the framework of the project;
• Produce and characterise molecularly imprinted nano/microparticles, magnetically responsive nanoelements, hydrogels, and 3D printed constructs;
• Evaluate biomolecule/nanoparticle interactions by SPR or ITC;
• Culture and manipulate different types of cells and bioengineered tissue constructs, and assess their responses by cellular and molecular biology techniques;
• Write progress reports, participate in group meetings, publish research findings in scientific journals and present at relevant international conferences;
• Contribute to grant writing and research proposals, as well as participating in other projects where the senior researchers are involved;
• Mentor graduate (MSc and PhD level) students and research assistants, actively assisting the coordination of group activities;
• Collaborate in setting up a new laboratory and research team, including responsibility for equipment setup and maintenance.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, or a related field.

Experience and Technical Skills

• At least 5 years of experience at post-graduate level (i.e., PhD student or post-doctoral researcher) in experimental research in the biomedical field, particularly tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications and nanobiomaterials development;
• Expertise in synthesis of magnetic nanomaterials and molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles (MINPs), particularly by epitope imprinting for biomolecule recognition;
• Knowledge of physical and chemical characterisation techniques for nanoparticles/nanostructures (e.g., DLS/ELS, AFM, TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS);
• Knowledge of biointeraction analysis methods, namely affinity/kinetics binding characterisation, (i.e. surface plasmon resonance, quartz crystal microbalance, isothermal titration calorimetry);
• Consolidated experience in culture and manipulation of human cell lines, stem cells, tissue explants and tissue engineered constructs;
• Expertise in cellular and molecular biology characterisation techniques (e.g., qPCR, Western blot, ICC/IHC, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, ELISA, multiplex immunoassay);
• Knowledge of biomaterial processing and evaluation, particularly responsive/adaptive hydrogels;
• Data analysis, statistical analysis, and modelling.

Other Valued Skills

• Proficiency in bioinformatics for analysis of omics data;
• International research track record.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;

• Ability to work both as part of an international team and autonomously;
• Good oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to develop research concepts and plans;
• Organisational 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.