PhD Holder in Bioengineering

Offer Description

Internal code: Researcher/COMPETE2030_IMMUNOSECRET/i3S/2210/2025

A call is opened for the position of a Ph
D holder, for an unfixed term work contract to carry out research duties within the project "IMMUNOSECRET - Unveiling SECRET IMMUNOmodulatory targets in the Intervertebral Disc to Address Low Back Pain", with the reference COMPETE2030-FEDER-00738000, Operation No 16222, funded by COMPETE2030 and national funds (FCT), in the framework of the measure No MPr-2023-12.

Scientific Area: Bioengineering and Medical Biotechnology

1. Project summary and work plan

This project aims to understand the role of cellular subpopulations in intervertebral disc degeneration and explore immunomodulatory therapies for new therapeutic targets for low back pain. This project intends to hire a Ph
D researcher (less than 3 years post‑doctoral training) to perform the following tasks:

• Development and characterization of the structure and mechanical properties of hydrogels based on a decellularized matrix;
• Culture and evaluation of the inflammatory response of intervertebral disc cells in 3D models at the molecular or protein level;
• Laboratory supervision of undergraduate and master’s students involved in the project;
• Dissemination of results obtained at conferences and support in the preparation of research project applications.

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

3. Jury

4. Workplace

5. Professional category and monthly remuneration

Junior Researcher

€ 2. 351, 53, corresponding to index 33 of the Tabela Remuneratória Única, whose application is intended for Ph
D holders with reduced post‑doctoral experience or without a post‑doctoral scientific curriculum.

6. Obligatory requirements for admission

• Candidates with a Ph
  D in Biotechnology or related fields;
• At least one scientific article with original results as first author published in an indexed international scientific journal and in areas relevant to the project development;
• Solid and proven experience in:
  • tissue decellularization;
  • characterization of mechanical properties;
  • isolation and culture of primary cells, preferably from cartilage tissues;
  • immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and/or ELISA techniques;
• Proven experience collaborating in an international environment;
• Fluency in English (oral and written);
• Availability to begin the contract on January 1 2026.

7. 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

• Detailed CV (80 %):
• Research experience in areas relevant to the project (30 %);
• Experience supervising undergraduate and master’s students (30 %);
• Experience collaborating in an international environment (20 %);
• Interview – facultative (10 %).

To obtain clarification and additional information on the submitted curriculum elements, up to the top three candidates may be interviewed. The final ranking system for candidates is expressed on a scale of 0 to 100. Candidates who do not undergo an interview will receive a maximum score of 90.

If the jury decides to obtain further clarifications and additional information about the curricular elements presented, the 3 best candidates classified on the basis of the curriculum 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 canceled before the final ranking list of candidates is ratified by the Director. Accordingly, the position will no longer be available.

8. Submission of applications

Applications must include all the documents proving that they fulfill the admission requirements, namely:

• Copy of the doctoral certificate or diploma;
• Detailed curriculum vitae;
• Other documentation relevant for the evaluation of qualifications in a related scientific area.

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 12 months, which may be extended, and under no circumstances may it extend beyond the end date of the project, currently scheduled for 30/05/2028.

10. Non-discrimination and equal access policy

i3S actively promotes a policy of
- 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.

11. 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 degree of disability, the type of disability and the means of communication/expression to be used in the selection process, under the terms of the aforementioned decree.

Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Education Level Ph
D or equivalent

Specific Requirements

• Candidates with a Ph
  D in Biotechnology or related fields;
• At least one scientific article with original results as first author published in an indexed international scientific journal and in areas relevant to the project development;
• Solid and proven experience in:
  • tissue decellularization;
  • characterization of mechanical properties;
  • isolation and culture of primary cells, preferably from cartilage tissues;
  • immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and/or ELISA techniques;
• Proven experience collaborating in an international environment;
• Fluency in English (oral and written);
• Availability to begin the contract on January 1 2026.