Post-Doctoral Position - Immunophysiology Lab

Champalimaud Foundation; Lisboa; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon invites applications for a Post-Doctoral position in the Immunophysiology Lab to advance the project on Crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system via interoception. The successful candidate will join an international team, use state-of-the-art platforms, and contribute to immunology and neuroscience research with translational potential.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Biology or related fields and have strong experience in cellular/molecular biology,

Qualifications

• PhD in Biology or life sciences.
• Hands-on experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Apply immunology and neuroscience techniques to study interoception-related cancer–nervous system interactions.
• Collaborate within an international, multidisciplinary team to advance the project goals.

Skills

Flow cytometry

Genetically modified mice

Molecular biology techniques

Cancer Immunology

Cancer Neuroscience

Circuit Neurosciences

Translational research

Education

PhD in Biology or related field

Tools

Genetic tools

Confocal microscopy

Flow cytometry software

Job description

Post-Doctoral Position - Immunophysiology Lab

Champalimaud Foundation (Fundação D. Anna de Sommer Champalimaud e Dr. Carlos Montez Champalimaud), a private, non‑profit research institution in Lisbon, Portugal, is looking for Post-Doctoral to join our team at the Champalimaud Research Program, within the scope of the research project entitled “Crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system via interoception" - Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) with reference “CGC - InteroCANCEption”.

The selected candidate will:

The Immunophysiology group is welcoming post-doctoral applicants with expertise in several disciplines including, but not limited to Immunology, Neuroscience (behavior and circuit neuroscience), Metabolism, Cancer and Biological circuits. We are particularly interested in candidates previously working on cellular and molecular networks underlying tissue health and disease. An international competitive salary (plus benefits) will be offered based on the candidate experience.

Appointed post-doctoral scientists will be based at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, a highly interactive and innovative scientific environment. The Champalimaud Foundation includes a vast set of Research laboratories and a Clinical Center where disruptive Scientific activities take place. The Centre’s world‑class facilities for research include, amongst others, platforms for advanced light microscopy, flow‑cytometry, Genetic tools, ultra‑high field magnetic resonance imaging, and facilities for a range of model organisms. The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is situated on the waterfront in central Lisbon.

English is the official language of the Centre. Lisbon has a sunny Atlantic‑Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture, convenient housing options and is considered one of the world’s safest cities.

Employer: Champalimaud Foundation
Number and type of fellowships or contracts to be awarded: 1 fellowship
Application closing date: Until selection
Expected position starting date: January 2027
Required Education Level: Doctoral

Requirements

Research Field: Neurosciences
Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, life sciences

Essential skills:

• Expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques
• Extensive experience with genetically modified mouse models
• Hands‑on expertise in flow cytometry, cell transplantation, and high‑resolution confocal microscopy analysis
• Demonstrated research background in core focus areas, with emphasis on Cancer Immunology, Cancer Neuroscience, and Circuit Neurosciences

Desirable skills that will also be considered:

• Strong collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary, international research team
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a track record of presenting complex scientific data clearly
• High degree of scientific adaptability, problem‑solving capacity, and resilience in driving independent research initiatives

• Competitive remuneration package commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
• Full immersion into a research excellence ecosystem with highly motivated researchers, supported by state‑of‑the‑art technology and continuous development opportunities.
• Maximum allowable duration of the contract, including respective renewals, or initial duration: 12 months with the possibility of renewal, until the end of the project.

Eligibility criteria

National, Foreign or Stateless candidate(s) who hold a PhD degree in Biology Areas or other related scientific areas and a scientific and professional curriculum that reveals a profile appropriate to the activity to be developed.

In case of PhD degrees awarded by foreign higher education institutions, the degree must comply with the provisions of Decree‑Law No. 341/2007, of 12th of October, and all formalities established therein must be fulfilled by the deadline for application submission.

Selection process

Candidates will be screened to determine eligibility based on minimum qualifications listed in call.

Candidates meeting minimum requirements will be scored according to the required application materials:

• CV 70% weighting
• Motivation letter 20%
• Interview 10% (in case of a tie)

If provided, and if shortlisted, candidates’ referees may be contacted and may count towards evaluation.

Evaluation Committee members

Application materials

• CV and letter of motivation indicating 2 references (one single pdf document)
• Proof of qualifications (certificates) may be required at a later date for the formalization of the contract agreement. Degrees obtained abroad may need to be formally recognized in Portugal.

Notification of results

All candidates will receive a receipt of acknowledgment within 7-10 business days. The highest scoring candidate will be notified by email or telephone. All other candidates will be notified solely by email of the final outcome of the recruitment process.

After being notified, candidates will have 10 working days to present a claim for redress by email ( [e-mail] ). If no claim is received by the Champalimaud Foundation, the Evaluation Committee ́s decision will become definitive.

About Us

Research is at the heart of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, a modern research and clinical facility situated on the waterfront in Lisbon, Portugal. The goal of Champalimaud Research (CR) is to perform world‑leading fundamental and translational research. Current research work is focused on the fields of neuroscience, physiology and cancer. Champalimaud Research comprises a team of over 400 scientists from around the world. English is the official language of the Centre. Lisbon’s sunny Atlantic Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture and high quality of life make this a great place to live and work.

Relevant Institutional Information

In line with our community guidelines and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and Gender Equality Plan, no candidate may be privileged, favored, prejudiced or deprived of any right or excluded from any duty on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, chronic illness, language, nationality, territory of origin, family status (marital, pregnancy and maternity, having or not having dependents), socioeconomic situation, education, religion, political or ideological beliefs, trade union membership, or on any other grounds which are irrelevant to decision‑making.

Legal Notices

The present call has the sole purpose of filling the indicated research position. This call may be canceled at any time on or before the jury’s evaluation of all eligible candidates and the recruitment process shall be concluded on the day of the full execution of the contract between the Champalimaud Foundation and the selected candidate.