Postdoctoral Researcher – Mechanobiology of Multicellular Microphysiological Systems
Job Reference:Ref.31.25.448
Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)
Location: Braga, Portugal
Group/Unit: Domingues Research Group
Number of Vacancies:1
Employment Type: Full time
Contract Duration:12months*
*possible extension up to 48 months under the ERC project secured until 2030
Open Date for Applications:May 27th, 2025
Closing Date for Applications:June 15th, 2025, 23h00m
Key words:#mechanobiology #mechanotransduction #piezoreceptors #invitromodels #cellculture #molecularbiology #geneediting
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. 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:
* Manipulate and culture different types of primary and stem cells (including induced pluripotent stem cells) and tissue constructs, particularly at the genetic level, and assess their responses by cellular and molecular biology techniques;
* Establish and characterise human iPSC-derived cell models, including 3D cultures and organoids for musculoskeletal disease research;
* Leverage advanced methodologies to integrate multimodal imaging, genomics and proteomics data to dissect mechanobiology mechanisms of complex biological systems;
* Plan and perform R&D activities, develop experimental methods, analyse data and present 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;
* Contribute to grant writing and research proposals, as well as participate in other projects where the senior researchers are involved;
* Mentor graduate students (MSc and PhD level) and research assistants, actively assisting the coordination of group activities;
* Collaborate in setting up a new laboratory and research team.
MandatoryQualifications
Education
* PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or a closely related field.
Experience and Technical Skills
* At least 5 years of experience at post-graduate level (PhD student and/or postdoctoral researcher) in experimental research in bioengineering, genetic engineering and/or biology field(s);
* Proven expertise in gene editing techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9 and/or shRNA/siRNA-mediated methods;
* Strong hands-on experience in transfection methods (i.e., lipid-based, electroporation, viral vectors);
* Demonstrated ability to generate and characterise knock-out and knock-in cell lines, as well as reporter cell lines;
* Proficiency in culturing and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs);
* Consolidated experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, cloning and vector design);
* Experience with genomic technologies (e.g., scRNA-seq);
* Experience with cell-based assays, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry.
Other Valued Skills
* Research background working in interdisciplinary research environments (e.g., bioengineering, nanomedicine);
* Experience with 3D cell culture, organoids, or tissue engineering models;
* Experience in mechanobiology, immunology or neurobiology research is an advantage;
* Knowledge of bioinformatics tools relevant to gene editing and transcriptomics (e.g., Benchling,SnapGene, Geneious, R, Python);
* Proven track record in publication and in scientific outreach.
Personal Skills
* Ability to work both as part of an international team and with a high degree of autonomy;
* 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 thefollowingmandatory 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 inpdf 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.
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