GIMM is recruiting for a Research Fellow! Ref.ª GIMM/BI/35- 2026

Fundação GIMM; Portugal; On-site; EUR 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) in Lisbon invites applications for a research fellowship focused on HOXA9 in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The project covers in vitro and in vivo studies, with a strong emphasis on molecular biology, cell culture, and advanced cytometry techniques.

The successful candidate will join the Signaling in Cancer Laboratory under Prof. João Barata, contribute to experimental planning, data interpretation, and manuscript preparation while

Qualifications

• MSc in Biomedicine or related field required.
• MSc training in Oncobiology or Cancer Biology valued.
• Certification in animal experimentation mandatory.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and cell culture preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR and qRT-PCR; conduct Western blot analysis.
• Conduct conventional and spectral flow cytometry analyses.
• Transduce mouse and/or human cells and culture B-ALL primary samples and cell lines.
• Work with in vivo mouse models and perform genotyping (PCR).
• Contribute to data interpretation, maintain meticulous records, and assist with project tasks.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular biology

RT-PCR

Flow cytometry

Western blot

Mice handling

English proficiency

Teamwork

Organization

Education

MSc in Biomedicine

MSc in Cancer Biology/Oncology

Animal experimentation certification

Job description

Organisation/Company Fundação GIMM Department João Barata Research Field Other Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 17 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon) Country Portugal Type of Contract Not Applicable Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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): 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 a rea 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 24th 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.

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.

The successful candidate will be a highly organized, motivated and pro-active person that will participate in the different experiences needed to evaluate and characterize the role of HOXA9 in B -ALL, being also involved in tasks such as the following:

• Molecular biology techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, RT -PCR, qRT -PCR, cloning, Western blot);
• Conventional and Spectral Flow Cytometry analysis;
• 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;

Requirements

Research Field Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants must hold the following requirements:

• MSc degree in Biomedicine, Biomedical Research, or a related field (mandatory);
• MSc training or experience in Oncobiology, Cancer Biology, Oncology, or related fields (particularly valued);
• Knowledge of cell signalling pathways;
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, preferably with human suspension cells;
• Experience in in vitro drug susceptibility assays;
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, RT -PCR/qRT -PCR, and Western blot;
• Experience in conventional and spectral flow cytometry;
• Certification in laboratory animal experimentation, particularly for mice (mandatory);
• Experience in mouse handling and routine procedures, including intravenous (IV) injections for transplantation and blood sample collection;
• High sense of responsibility, organization, and methodological rigor;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Additional Information

Predicted start date, duration and renewal conditions: The fellowship contract is predicted to start in the December 2026, for a period of 12 months on an exclusive basis, eventually renewable until the maximum stipulated in applicable regulations, not exceeding the eligibility period of the project.

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

Fellowship financial conditions: The fellow will benefit from a 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. The fellow will also benefit from a personal accident insurance to execute the proposed research activities as well as the 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.

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 fundam ental aspect of the essence of GI MM, 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.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine Country Portugal State/Province Lisbon City Lisbon Postal Code 1649-028 Street Av. Professor Egas Moniz - Edifício Egas Moniz Geofield