Auxiliary Researcher with PhD

Organisation/Company Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (i3S) Research Field Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Ph
D Positions Country Portugal Application Deadline 6 Nov 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon) Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 24 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? European Union / Next Generation EU Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

NOTICE OF OPENING OF AN INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR THE SELECTION OF A Ph
D HOLDER RESEARCHER UNDER DECREE-LAW NO. 57/2016

Internal code: Researcher/COMPETE2030/i3S/2410/2025

Project summary and work plan

The development of new treatments for osteosarcoma (OS) is hindered by limited knowledge of its biology and the lack of biologically relevant tools to test the efficacy of new approaches. This project aims to develop advanced 3D in vitro models and on‑chip tools not only to elucidate the mechanisms of OS progression, particularly regarding the impact of metabolism and its relationship with immunity, but also to develop and test new targeted treatment strategies.

Responsibilities

• Developing advanced in‑vitro models of OS
• Studying metabolism in 3D OS models using metastatic and non‑metastatic cells
• Immunomodulating the tumour microenvironment with a focus on macrophages
• Optimizing in‑vitro invasion studies using a tumour‑ and lung‑on‑chip model, under stimulation/inhibition of metabolic pathways and/or distinct immune phenotypes

Applicable Portuguese legislation

Decree No. 57/2016, of August 29 – Legal Framework for Scientific Employment (RJEC) – in its current version. Portuguese Labour Code, in its current wording.

Workplace

i3S – Rua de Alfredo Allen, 208, Porto, research group Nanomedicines and Translational Drug Delivery

Professional category and monthly remuneration

Assistant Researcher €3. 501, 28, corresponding to index 195 of the Tabela Remuneratória Única, whose application is intended for Ph
D holders with post‑doctoral experience.

Obligatory requirements for admission

• Candidates with a Ph
  D in Biomedical Sciences/Biomedical Engineering or related fields
• Motivation Letter in English
• Relevant publications in the fields of tissue engineering, nanomedicine, advanced in‑vitro cancer models, particularly bone tumours
• Solid experience in:
  • development of advanced in‑vitro cancer models
  • immunomodulation in inflammatory and/or cancer contexts
  • development of immunomodulatory strategies
• Fluency in English (spoken and written)
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Contacts of two references – these will only be contacted during the interview stage
• Immediate availability to start the contract

• Hands‑on experience in:
  • 3D multicellular tumour models
  • Tumour‑on‑chip
• Participation in science communication initiatives
• Proven experience in securing competitive research funding and leading projects
• Proven experience in supervising Master's and Ph
  D students (as supervisor and/or co‑supervisor)

Evaluation of the applications and publication of the results

The evaluation of the scientific and curricular background of the candidates should focus on the activity of the last five years that the candidate considers most relevant. The five‑year period may be extended by the jury, at the candidate’s request, when justified by suspension of scientific activity for socially protected reasons, namely for reasons of parental leave, prolonged serious illness, and other situations of unavailability for work that are legally protected. Weight of the different curricular valuation criteria: a) Detailed CV and experience as detailed in point 6(d) (70%); b) Motivation Letter in English (20 %); c) Interview – facultative (10 %). If the jury decides to obtain further clarifications and additional information about the curricular elements presented, the three best classified on the basis of the curriculum and motivation letter may be called for an interview. Candidates who submit their application incorrectly or fail to meet the required qualifications for this competition will be excluded from admission. The jury reserves the right to request any candidate, in case of doubt, to provide supporting documents for their statements. False statements made by candidates will be sanctioned in accordance with the law. The jury will draw up minutes of its meetings, which can be consulted at the candidate’s request within 10 working days after the selection results are released. The jury deliberates by means of a reasoned vote according to the evaluation criteria, with no abstentions allowed, and draws up a list of excluded and admitted candidates, ordered by respective classification. All candidates are notified of the selection results by email. After notification, candidates have 10 working days to comment. In the 90 days following the deadline for submission of applications, the jury’s final decision is communicated to the candidates. Subsequently the institute Director, who is also responsible for the final decision of hiring, will ratify the decision of the jury. This call is intended exclusively to fill the indicated position on offer and may be cancelled before the final ranking list of candidates is ratified by the Director. Accordingly, the position will no longer be available.

Submission of applications

• Ph
  D degree in / Copy of certificate or diploma
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation Letter in English
• Other documentation relevant for the evaluation of qualifications in a related scientific area
• Contacts of two references – these will only be contacted during the interview stage

The submission of applications is digital, in pdf format, from 24/10/2025 to 06/11/2025, in the following link: [link placeholder]

Start and duration of the contract

The anticipated start date of the contract is 01/01/2026 and is subject to budget availability. The expected duration of the contract will be 6 months, eventually extendable.

Non‑discrimination and equal access policy

i3S actively promotes a policy of non‑discrimination and equal access. No applicant shall be privileged, benefited, prejudiced, or deprived of any right or exempted from any duty on the basis of ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family situation, economic situation, education, origin or social condition, genetic heritage, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin or race, territory of origin, language, religion, political or ideological beliefs, or trade union membership. Within the framework of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, i3S adopts the Open, Transparent and Merit‑based (OTM‑R) principles for the recruitment of researchers, with the aim of conducting fair and transparent recruitment processes, bringing equal opportunities to all candidates.

Applicants with disabilities

Under the terms of Decree‑Law 29/2001, of February 3, the candidate with a disability is given preference in equal ranking, which takes precedence over any other legal preference. Candidates must declare under oath their de