PhD holder researcher in Health Sciences

Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto (i3S); Portugal; Presencial; EUR 30 000 - 40 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

A leading health research institute in Portugal is seeking a PhD holder researcher for the NAVIGATOR project aimed at understanding CTNNA1 variants and their implications in hereditary cancers. The role involves innovative research approaches and collaboration with clinical teams. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field, advanced knowledge of molecular genetics, and proficiency in Portuguese and English. A competitive remuneration of €2,351.53 per month is offered with a contract of 12 months, extendable based on project needs.

Qualificações

• PhD required at the start of the contract.
• Strong motivation for the project topic required.
• Two Reference Letters are mandatory.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct research related to the NAVIGATOR project.
• Utilize methodologies such as CRISPR/Cas9.
• Analyze genomic and transcriptomic data.

Conhecimentos

Proficiency in Portuguese and English (spoken and written)

Advanced knowledge of molecular genetics

Experience with in vitro and in vivo models

Experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques

Formação académica

PhD in Biotechnology or related fields

Ferramentas

CRISPR technology

Genomic analysis

Transcriptomic analysis

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Offer Description

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

Internal code: Researcher/COMPETE2030_NAVIGATOR/i3S/1909/2025

A call is opened for the position of a PhD holder, for an unfixed term work contract to carry out research duties within the project "Navigating into CTNNA1-Associated Predisposition: Uncovering Disease-Causing Variants and Therapeutic Targets", with the reference COMPETE2030-FEDER-00685300, Operation No. 15746, funded by COMPETE2030 and national funds (FCT) under Notice no. MPr-2023-12.

Scientific Area: Health Sciences

1. Project summary and work plan

The NAVIGATOR project aims to fill critical gaps in scientific and clinical knowledge regarding variants of the CTNNA1 gene, whose loss of function is associated with Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) and, potentially, with other types of cancer and diseases. While the role of the CDH1 gene is relatively well characterized, the risk spectrum, variant classification, and clinical recommendations for carriers of CTNNA1 variants remain undefined, resulting in diagnostic delays, lack of clinical consensus, and high mortality in advanced stages of the disease.

To address this challenge, NAVIGATOR brings together the world’s largest cohort of CTNNA1 variant carriers, with clinical and molecular data from more than 2000 individuals across different countries. This unprecedented scale will enable deeper genotype-phenotype correlation, distinction between truncating variants (PTC) and non-truncating variants (NON-PTC), and a better understanding of risk associated with different organs, including the stomach, breast, and others yet to be identified. The project aims to establish robust criteria for variant classification as well as clearer and more effective clinical recommendations for genetic counseling, surveillance, and prophylactic strategies.

The work plan integrates cutting-edge methodologies ranging from cellular models (minigenes and CRISPR/Cas9) to animal models (humanized transgenic Drosophila), allowing the dissection of molecular mechanisms underlying CTNNA1 loss of function. Tumors associated with these variants will also be characterized through genomic and transcriptomic studies, complemented by synthetic lethality assays and drug screening in patient-derived tumoroids and in the innovative “stomach-on-a-chip” model. This multidisciplinary approach will allow the identification of therapeutic vulnerabilities specific to CTNNA1-associated cancers, offering alternatives beyond conventional treatment options.

By combining basic, clinical, and translational research, NAVIGATOR aims to create the essential tools to: (1) attribute causality to CTNNA1 variants, (2) define the spectrum of associated diseases, (3) develop targeted and cost-effective clinical recommendations for carriers, and (4) open new therapeutic opportunities. By integrating international experts, reference hospitals, and research centers, the project ensures that results are rapidly translated into clinical practice, directly benefiting patients and families carrying these variants.

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

Chairman: Carla Oliveira; Other Members: Liliana Sousa, Sara Pereira; Substitutes: Ricardo Amorim, Daniel Ferreira.

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 PhD holders with reduced post-doctoral experience or without a post-doctoral scientific curriculum.

6. Obligatory requirements for admission

Mandatory requirements

• PhD in Biotechnology applied to Health Sciences or related fields, with the doctoral degree required at the start of the contract;
• Proficiency in Portuguese and English, spoken and written;
• Advanced knowledge of molecular genetics of rare hereditary tumor predisposition syndromes;
• Proven experience working with in vitro models (stem cells and immortalized cells) and in vivo models (Drosophila);
• Solid experience in cell culture, molecular biology, protein expression techniques, CRISPR technology, genomic and transcriptomic analysis, as well as drug testing assays;
• Professional or research experience in a clinical environment and interaction with clinical teams;
• Strong motivation for the project topic, demonstrated in the motivation letter;
• Immediate availability to start the contract;
• Two Reference Letters.

Preferential

• Master’s degree in areas relevant to the project, preferably in Oncology, with a minimum final grade of 18 out of 20;
• Minimum of two publications in high-impact (Q1) peer-reviewed international scientific journals, in areas relevant to the project;
• International experience, including oral presentations at national and international conferences, distinctions and awards, as well as participation in conference organization;
• Ability to describe healthcare processes and discuss the expected care pathway of a patient with a specific condition.

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 (60%): Relevant experience in the field of application, considering the requirements defined above;
• Scientific and technological output;
• Participation in research projects involving clinical teams;
• Awards and honors;
• Interview – facultative (10%).

If the jury decides to obtain further clarifications and additional information about the curricular elements presented, up to the three highest-ranked candidates—based on their curriculum and motivation letter—may be invited 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 certificate or diploma (may be replaced by a sworn statement confirming eligibility at the start of the contract);
• Detailed curriculum vitae;
• Other documents relevant for the assessment of qualifications in a related scientific field.

The submission of applications is digital, in pdf format, from 19/09/2025 to 02/10/2025, in the following link:

The anticipated start date of the contract is 01/11/2025 and is subject to budget availability. The expected duration of the contract will be 12 months, eventually extendable, and cannot in any case extend beyond the project's end date, currently set for 29/06/2028.

10. 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.

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.