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CCMAR / BPD / 08 / 2024 | Pos-Doctoral Fellowship | Biology and Bioimaging | 1 Vacancy

The Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR) opens one (01) vacancy for a postdoctoral fellowship (BPD) in the scientific area of Biology and Bioimaging or related area, eligible to candidates of any nationality, including stateless persons and beneficiaries of the political refugee status, within the scope of the research project JDA ID 3193, named as EMBRC - JDA Atlas - “3D Multimodal Atlas : Sea Life from Micro to Macro” funded by the EMBRC – European Marine Biological Resource Centre.

Host and Contracting Institution: CCMAR

Work Plan, Tasks and Objectives:

The EMBRC-JDA 3D Multimodal Atlas project will develop cutting-edge imaging tools to create comprehensive 3D multimodal imaging atlases of marine organisms. The project will combine three imaging methods – 3D histology, lightsheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) – to gather complementary information. The project involves close collaboration with The Hellenic Centre for Marine Research – HCMR (Greece) and the University of the Basque Country – PiE UPV / EHU (Spain).

The Quantitative Bio-Imaging Lab at CCMAR is seeking a highly motivated and talented post-doctoral researcher to join our team in the field of advanced fluorescence microscopy. The successful candidate will be involved in cutting-edge research focused on applying novel fluorescence microscopy techniques and developing sample preparation protocols to address key questions in marine biology and biomedicine. The ideal candidate will have experience in histology, lightsheet fluorescence microscopy, and micro-CT, along with general laboratory support experience. Specifically, the post-doctoral fellow will:

• Optimise advanced fluorescence microscopy image acquisition protocols;
• Optimise sample preparation protocols for advanced fluorescence microscopy, including lightsheet microscopy;
• Design and conduct experiments using state-of-the-art bio-imaging equipment, including lightsheet microscopy;
• Process, analyse and interpret complex 3D and 4D imaging data;
• Perform a variety of routine laboratory tasks and procedures, including histological sample preparation, basic microscopy, prepare buffers and solution;
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to apply imaging techniques to various research projects;
• Conduct lab administrative duties, including imaging supplies management, prepare and maintain protocols, manuals and other documentation;
• Prepare and publish high-quality scientific papers;
• Present findings at international conferences and workshops;
• Participate in outreach activities;
• Contribute to grant applications.

Requirements for the application:

• PhD in Biology, bioengineering, physics, chemistry or related field, obtained in the three years prior to the date of submission of this application.
• Strong background and hands-on experience in advanced fluorescence microscopy;
• Strong background and hands-on experience in sample preparation, including tissue clearing, fluorescence immunolabeling, and histology;
• Experience with image processing and analysis software such as Zen, Arivis, Huygens, ImageJ or other software;
• A track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team;
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Proven hands-on experience in sample preparation for fluorescence microscopy, including tissue clearing and immunofluorescence labelling (40%)
• Proven working experience in advanced fluorescence microscopy (30%)
• Demonstrated experience with image processing and analysis software (20%)
• Academic path and merit, including published peer-review papers and conference proceedings, presentations at international conferences and participation in outreach activities (10%)

It is considered as an advantage:

• Expertise in histological procedures;
• Expertise in micro-CT sample preparation, image acquisition and processing;
• Experience in handling multi-modal imaging data;
• Practical skills in AI-based image processing and analysis methods;
• Experience with programming languages (MATLAB, Python, Fiji, and similar);
• Experience in generating custom scripts for image processing and analysis;
• Knowledge in marine biology and developmental biology;
• Experience with custom-built optical microscopy set-ups;
• Experience with microscope maintenance, including cleaning, alignment, and quality control;
• Working experience with marine organisms or zebrafish.

The selection committee reserves the right to contact and interview candidates if additional information or clarification of any curricular aspect is necessary. In case it takes place, the interview aims to evaluate in more detail the curricular items used to grade the candidate according to the list above.

In the event that no applicant has the necessary profile, the selection committee reserves the right to close the call without any recruitment. In the event that the selected person does not take up the position because of failure to comply with documentary requirements or any other reason, or later during the contract if they resign, the jury reserves the right, upon convenience and opportunity, to assign the post to the next applicant in accordance with the ranking positions based on the selectable reservation list that can be used up to 12 months from the date of the present announcement.

Fellowship conditions: The fellowship will have an initial duration of 12 months, possibly renewed for additional periods or until the end of the research project for a total maximum of 24 months and with an expected start date of November 2024. The fellowship must be carried out under an exclusivity regimen, according to the CCMAR fellowship regulations and the FCT fellowship regulation based on the Portuguese law 40 / 2004, of 18 of August (Scientific Research Fellowship holder statutes) amended by the Decree-Law 123 / 2019 of 28 of August. A maintenance allowance of 1801.00€ will be paid monthly, through bank transfer, and will be updated as stipulated by the Foundation for Science and Technology.

Application period: from 8th of October 2024 to 10th of November 2024 at 23:59 (Lisbon time, Portugal).

Application process and mandatory documents: Only complete applications submitted directly and obligatorily on the CCMAR website are accepted and must include the documents below indicated under penalty of exclusion:

• A letter of motivation (in English);
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (in English);
• Copy of the Doctoral Certificate;
• The email contact of up to 3 referees;
• List of up to 3 scientific achievements that best describe the candidate’s research activities, including their specific role in each.

The submission of an application without the documents / information required above determines the immediate rejection of the application.

Selection Committee: Doctor Teresa Correia, Project coordinator, Researcher and CCMAR member (President of the jury); Professor Deborah Power, Professor at UALG’s, Researcher and CCMAR member (Member of jury); Professor João Cardoso, Professor at UALG’s, Researcher and CCMAR member (Member of jury); Doctor Rute Félix, Senior postdoctoral research associate at CCMAR and CCMAR member (Substitute Member); Doctor Liliana Anjos, Senior research associate at CCMAR and CCMAR member (Substitute Member).

Notes: Hiring Documents: After the candidate is selected and for the hiring purpose the following documentation / information will be requested:

• Copy of the doctoral degree;
• Declaration of commitment stating the exclusivity regime;
• Civil, fiscal and social security Identification (if applicable);
• Account Number – IBAN.

Fellowship Agreement model: After the candidate selection and all information is received, a fellowship agreement will be signed in accordance with the model.

Fellowship holder Assessment: The activity developed by the fellowship holder will be evaluated by the supervisor, by applying the following criteria:

• Compliance with the activity plan and assiduity (30%)
• Technical and scientific performance (30%)
• Development of activity reports and participation in knowledge transfer activities (20%)
• Capacity to work independently whenever necessary, as well as part of a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team (20%)

Fellowship holder report: By the end of each fellowship period (if applicable) the fellowship holder must present a report.

The board of Directors reserves the right, due to a change in circumstances at the date of the present announcement, to cancel the present call without any recruitment.

Disabled candidates shall be preferred in a situation of equal ranking, and said preference supersedes any legal preferences. Candidates must declare, on their honour, their respective disability degree, type of disability and communication / expression means to be used during the selection period on their application form.

CCMAR endorses the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code).

CCMAR’s non-discrimination and equal access opportunities policy – No candidate can be privileged, benefited, jeopardised or be deprived of any right or exempt of any claim in regards to descendent, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, economic situation, origin, social economy, genetic heritage, disability, chronic disease, nationality, ethnicity, territory of origin, language, religion, politics, ideology or union membership.