CALL FOR A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

GIMM; Lisboa; Híbrido; EUR 14 000 - 17 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Stipend 1359.64€ per month

Resumo da oferta

Gulim Caliber? Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) invites applications for a Research Fellowship in the Signaling in Cancer Laboratory, led by Prof. João Barata. The project explores HOXA9 in B-ALL, with a focus on tumor suppressor roles.

Open to non-academic degree candidates, open call closes soon, starting July 2026 for 12 months. Salary stipend and insurance provided. Candidates must hold an MSc in biomedicine or related fields, with priority for oncobiology and cancer

Qualificações

• MSc degree in biomedicine or related field is mandatory.

Responsabilidades

• Molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, Western blot).
• Flow Cytometry analysis.
• Production and handling of viral supernatants.
• Transduction of mouse and/or human cells.
• Cell culture of B-ALL samples and cell lines (human/mouse).
• In vivo work with animal models.
• Mouse genotyping (DNA extraction and PCR).

Conhecimentos

MSc in biomedicine

Oncobiology focus

English proficiency

Independence

Team collaboration

Formação académica

MSc in biomedicine

MSc in oncology/oncobiology (valued)

Ferramentas

DNA/RNA extraction

qRT-PCR

RT-PCR

Western blot

Flow Cytometry

Cell culture (mouse/human)

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Open Call for CALL FOR A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) opens a call for one research fellowship under the project “Exploring the role of HOXA9 in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: beyond the canons” funded by national funds through the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), under project reference 2023.17735.ICDT, and by the European Union through the Lisbon Regional Programme 2021–2027 (LISBOA2030-FEDER-00687100), co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).

Scientific Area(s)

Scientific Area(s): Oncobiology, Cancer

Fellowship recipients / Admission requirements

Any National, foreign and stateless candidate(s) that fulfill the necessary conditions to be enrolled in a non-academic degree course (in area related to the work plan) can apply. Are considered “Non-academic degree courses” the ones referred in paragraph e) of number 3 of article 4 of Decree-Law nr 74/2006, from 24 th March , in its current version, as long as they are developed in association and cooperation between a higher education institution and at least one R&D Unit in accordance with the provisions of paragraph e) of Article 3 of FCT Fellowship Regulation.

Applicant requirements

• MSc degree holder in the area of biomedicine or biomedical research (mandatory);
• MSc degree holder with a focus on Oncobiology, Cancer Biology, Oncology or related fields (particularly valued);
• High sense of responsibility, organization and method;
• Ability to work independently but also with team spirit;
• Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written;
• Although not mandatory, cumulative experience in the following will be highly valued:
• Signal transduction pathways;
• Mammalian cell culture, preferably human cells in suspension;
• Molecular biology techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, RT-PCR, Western blot);
• Production and handling of viral supernatants, and infection of human or mouse cells;
• Flow Cytometry;

Work Plan and Objectives

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is an aggressive blood cancer. HOXA9, a known oncogene, is overexpressed in acute leukemias, including some B-ALL cases. Based on exciting preliminary data, we will, however, explore the paradigm-shifting hypothesis that HOXA9 acts as tumor suppressor in most B-ALL subtypes, using B-ALL mouse models (e.g., see Almeida et al. Nat Commun 2021) and culture of mouse and human leukemic cells. In doing so, we will provide novel insights into the genesis of B-ALL and identify and test new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Candidate responsibilities

• Molecular biology techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, Western blot);
• Flow Cytometry analysis;
• Production and handling of viral supernatants;
• Transduction of mouse and/or human cells;
• Cell culture of B-ALL primary samples and cell lines, whether human or mouse;
• In vivo work with animal models;
• Mouse genotyping (DNA extraction and PCR) and colony management;

Administrative duties

• Preparation of broad-use lab solutions.
• Maintenance of the overall organization and operation of the lab.
• Management of the inventory and reagents database.
• Processing orders and liasing with suppliers.
• Administrative and secretarial support to the Principal Investigator (PI).

Predicted start date, duration and renewal conditions

The fellowship contract is predicted to start inJuly 2026, for a period of 12 months.

Workplace and Scientific orientation

The research activities will be developed at Signaling in Cancer Laboratory Coordinated by Prof. Doctor João Barata and under his supervision.

Non-discrimination and equal access policy

GIMM undertakes to ensure compliance with the principles of non-discrimination and equality and to that extent, provides that no candidate can be privileged, benefited, harmed or deprived of any right or exempted from any duty due in particular ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, economic status, education, social origin or condition, genetic heritage, reduced working capacity, disability, chronic disease, nationality, ethnic origin or race, place of origin, language, religion, political or ideological convictions and trade union membership.

International environment and experience

Diversity is a fundamental aspect of the essence of GIMM, where researchers and non-researchers of different nationalities, backgrounds and areas of study work together, promoting the exchange of experiences and interactions, contributing to the personal and professional development of each person and to the existence of an international, inclusive and stimulating environment.

Research Fellows Support Centre

The Research Fellows Support Centre works everyday from 09:00AM to 11:00AM at People & Culture Unit Office.

Fellowship financial conditions

• Monthly stipend in the amount of 1359.64€ in accordance with the defined in FCT. The amount will be paid by wire transfer at the end of each month.
• Personal accident insurance to execute the proposed research activities.
• Right to Social Security through Voluntary Social Insurance regimen, if wanted, under the terms of Código dos Regimes Contributivos do Sistema Previdencial de Segurança Social, and the contributions costs will be supported by the research project.

Application documents

• Motivation Letter;
• Detailed CV;
• MSc degree certificate;
• Candidate’s declaration of honor indicating previous fellowships, if any, its typology and duration.

The non-compliance with these requirements determines the immediate rejection of the application.

Jury evaluation and selection

Applications will be evaluated by Doctors João Taborda Barata (FMUL/GIMM), Carolina Peixoto (GIMM) and Rita Fragoso (GIMM).

Selection methods

First phase: Curriculum Analysis (60%) and Motivation Letter (10%). The Curriculum will be analyzed qualitatively, and in what concerns its content and relevance for the tasks to be performed, namely: executed and/or published scientific work, with special emphasis on areas related to the work plan (20%); research experience and relevant knowledge in the area of the proposed work plan as described in the candidate profile (40%). The letter of motivation will be evaluated in what concerns the motivation and adequacy for the activities to be performed (5%), and command of the English language (5%).

Second stage: The jury will select for the interview (evaluation: 30%) 5 candidates who obtained in the first phase the highest ranking, with a minimum of 50%. If less than 5 candidates obtained a minimum rating of 50% those with at least 50% will all be interviewed. No interviews will be conducted if none of the candidates achieves a score of at least 50% in the first phase.

Deadlines and application process

The call will be open from June 1st until June 16th 2026.

Notification of results

Within 90 days after the termination of the applications submission deadline, both admitted and excluded candidates list and final classification list shall be communicated to all admitted candidates through email.

Preliminary Hearing and Final Decision Deadline

After notification, all candidates have 10 working days to respond. Panel’s final decisions are pronounced within a period of 90 days, from application deadline.

Fellowship contracting

The Fellowship is granted through the signature of a contract between GIMM and the selected fellow and after the fellow send the following mandatory documents: copy of identification document (in case of non-European citizens is mandatory the work visa / valid resident permit), document proving the required academic degree and the document proving the enrollment in a non-academic degree course.

Academic degrees obtained abroad

Applicants with academic degrees obtained abroad will be required to present a certificate of recognition in accordance with the applicable regulation. This document is mandatory only in the contracting phase.

Activity Report

For each Fellowship period an Activity Report must be prepared by the fellow as well as the Report by the supervisor.