Job Reference: Ref
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
Open Date for Applications: January 26th, 2026
Closing Date for Applications: February 15th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)
Key words: #magneticnanoactuators #molecularimprinting #mechanobiology #biophysics #bioengineering
Overview
The Domingues Research Group is dedicated to advancing nanobiomaterials, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine, with a focus on developing advanced materials and platforms that interface with living systems and human health. By integrating smart biomaterials, synthetic biology, tissue engineering concepts, and nanoscale biointerfaces, the group aims to create next generation nanotherapies, microphysiological systems, and bioengineered grafts for regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on musculoskeletal and soft tissue disorders.
We are looking for a qualified Assistant Researcher to join our team in the development of cell nanoactuators to control cell mechanobiology under the project WI-PI - Wireless platform of abiotic nanoactuators to probe PIEZO receptors mechanobiology, funded by FCT with the code PTDC.
SR&TD project specifications: INL participates in the WI-PI funded by National Funds through the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT):
Name of the project: WI-PI - Wireless platform of abiotic nanoactuators to probe PIEZO receptors mechanobiology
Reference number: PTDC
Description: Wi-Pi intendeds to develop a new wireless platform of abiotic nanoactuators to probe PIEZO receptors mechanobiology. For this, it will apply molecularly imprinting nanoparticles functionalised with and advanced magnetic nanomaterial to produce synthetic antibodies targeting region-specific sites of PIEZOs ultrastructure for their effective wireless magnetomechanical activation. This platform will be applied to uncover the mechanotransduction effects of these receptors in tendon derived cells and to assess its potential as therapeutic targets.
Scientific Area: Nanotechnology
Description of the functions and key primary responsibilities:
The successful candidate will work on the tasks of the SR&TD project, and will be assigned the following working plan:
Synthesis and characterisation of magnetic nanomaterials with different physicochemical properties
Synthesis and characterisation of molecularly imprinted polymeric (MIP) nano/microparticles.
Predicting force transmission using finite element modelling (FEM) to simulate how MIPs physically interface with cell receptors and how much mechanical stress they exert during magnetic actuation.
Use molecular dynamics to simulate in silico the molecular imprinting process and the specificity of the MIPs for their targets.
Producing and characterising biopolymer hydrogels to be used for cell culture and encapsulation.
Culturing and manipulating different types of cells and bioengineered tissue constructs, and assessing their mechanobiology responses by cellular and molecular biology techniques.
Specific Eligibility Conditions:
Candidates must meet the following conditions, as they are required by the nature of the duties the candidate will be required to perform:
MSc Degree in the field of Nanoscience, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Soft Matter Physics, Bioengineering, Computational Biophysics, Physics or related areas.
Proficiency and autonomy in the use of tools like COMSOL (for biomechanics/FEM) or Python (for biophysical simulations).
Relevant experience in the synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials, preferably magnetic nanoparticles and MIPs.
Experience in culture and manipulation of human cell lines, stem cells or tissue engineered constructs.
Background in mechanobiology is an advantage.
Expertise in cellular and molecular biology characterization techniques (e.g. qPCR, Western blot, ICC/IHC, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, ELISA, multiplex immunoassay).
Ability to work both as part of an international team and autonomously.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading comprehension).
The call describes the requirements in terms of qualifications and professional experience deemed appropriate for the position. If a candidate has additional qualifications and professional experience, they can only be recruited at the job category and profile specified.
Applications that do not meet these conditions will not be considered.
Supervision: The work plan will be developed at the INL under the scientific guidance of Dr. Rui Domingues. The successful candidate will be integrated in the Domingues Research Group.
Selection Committee:
The selection of candidates will be carried out by a Selection Committee consisting of the following persons:
Dr. Rui Domingues
Dr. Simão Teixeira
Dr. Sara Abalde
Catarina Gomes – People & Culture
Duration of the contract
The total duration of the employment contract shall be 12 months and may be renewed based on the performance of the individual. In any case the contract cannot exceed the duration of the project. The expected starting date is March 2026.
General Eligibility conditions, required qualifications and expertise:
Candidates must comply with the following requirements:
Hold a MSc Degree within the field of the selected vacancy;
Be a Portuguese citizen, a European Union citizen, a non-European Union Citizen, or a stateless person with a scientific and professional curriculum that demonstrates an appropriate profile for the activity to be performed;
Fluency in English is required.
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 recommendation letter;
e) Recognition of academic degrees (only academic degrees awarded by non-Portuguese higher education institutions)*.
* The selected candidate(s) with an academic degree granted by a non-Portuguese higher education institution must present, for hiring purposes, the certificate of recognition of that degree(s), issued by the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education or by a Portuguese Public Higher Education Institution. Please consult the website of the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education:
Online application instructions:
The application is made online by clicking the "Apply" button below;
The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
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.
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