Postdoctoral Researcher – Mechanobiology of Human Microphysiological Systems

INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory; Braga; Presencial; EUR 34 000 - 42 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Relocation support

Private health insurance

30 working days of annual leave

Free nursery service at INL premises

Education fees support for dependents

Diplomatic privileges

Resumo da oferta

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga invites applications for a Postdoctoral researcher on the ERC project FORTIFy. The role focuses on developing nanosystems to interact with cellular mechanosensors, combining 3D tendon models and tendon-on-chip platforms to study mechanobiology and immunomodulatory signatures.

The successful candidate will lead advanced stem cell and tissue engineering work, mentor students, and contribute to publications and proposals in regenerative

Qualificações

• PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology or closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with stem cell biology including iPSCs.
• Strong background in gene editing and engineered cell lines.
• Molecular biology skills: qPCR, RT‑PCR, Western blotting, cloning.
• Experience with transcriptomics/genomics data interpretation.

Responsabilidades

• Culture and manipulate primary and stem cells, especially iPSCs, assessing responses by cellular/molecular biology techniques.
• Establish and characterise human iPSC-derived cell models, including 3D cultures, organoids and organ-on-chip.
• Apply multimodal imaging, genomics and proteomics to study mechanobiological mechanisms.
• Plan and perform R&D activities, develop methods, analyze data, and present results within the ERC project.
• Write progress reports, participate in group meetings, publish findings and present at conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and support senior researchers on multiple projects.
• Mentor graduate students and research assistants, coordinating group activities.

Conhecimentos

iPSC biology

Mechanobiology

Tissue engineering

Gene editing

Molecular biology

Genomics/transcriptomics

Formação académica

PhD in Cellular & Molecular Biology or related field

Ferramentas

Benchling

SnapGene

Geneious

R

Python

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Group/Unit: Domigues Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 12 months*

*possible extension up to 36 months, depending on performance

Open Date for Applications: May 22nd, 2026

Closing Date for Applications: June 15th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Overview

The Domingues Research Group is dedicated to advancing nanobiomaterials, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine, with a focus on developing advanced materials and platforms that interface with living systems and human health. By integrating smart biomaterials, synthetic biology, tissue engineering concepts, and nanoscale biointerfaces, the group aims to create next generation nanotherapies, microphysiological systems, and bioengineered grafts for regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on musculoskeletal and soft tissue disorders.

The selected candidate will work as a postdoctoral researcher under the ERC project – FORTIFy. This groundbreaking project involves developing and applying advanced nanosystems capable of selectively interacting with and activating cellular mechanosensors, offering unprecedented insights into cellular mechanobiology.

In combination with state-of-the-art multicellular 3D tendon models ("tendon-on-chip"), this will provide a powerful system to investigate the complex mechanobiology of tendons. Particular focus will be given to neurotendinous crosstalk and its immunomodulatory signatures, opening new avenues in regenerative medicine and mechanotherapeutics.

Become part of a collaborative team pushing the frontiers of tendon biology and bioengineering.

Job Duties

• Culture and manipulate different types of primary and stem cells, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and assess their responses by cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Establish and characterise human iPSC‑derived cell models, including 3D cultures, organoids and organ‑on‑chip for musculoskeletal disease research.
• Apply advanced methodologies integrating multimodal imaging, genomics and proteomics datasets to investigate mechanobiological mechanisms in complex biological systems.
• Plan and perform R&D activities, develop experimental methods, analyse data and present results within the framework of the project.
• Write progress reports, participate in group meetings, publish research findings in scientific journals and present at relevant international conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and research proposals, as well as participate in other projects where the senior researchers are involved.
• Mentor graduate (M.Sc. and Ph.D. level) students and research assistants, actively assisting the coordination of group activities.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, Tissue Engineering or a closely related field.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Extensive hands‑on research experience during PhD and/or postdoctoral training in stem cell biology, mechanobiology, bioengineering, molecular/cellular biology, genetic engineering or related biological fields.
• Strong hands‑on experience in culturing, maintaining and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Experience with gene editing approaches for the generation and characterisation of engineered cell lines.
• Consolidated experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, RT‑PCR, Western blotting, cloning and vector design).
• Familiarity with genomic/transcriptomic technologies (e.g., RNA‑seq, scRNA‑seq) and related data interpretation.
• Experience with cell‑based assays, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry.

Other Valued Skills

• Previous research experience in mechanobiology, immunology, neurobiology, or related fields involving cellular responses to microenvironmental cues.
• Candidates with strong expertise in iPSC biology and a demonstrated ability to work across interdisciplinary research environments.
• Experience with 3D cell culture, organoids, organ‑on‑chip systems, or tissue engineering models.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools relevant to gene editing and transcriptomics (e.g., Benchling, SnapGene, Geneious, R, Python).
• Proven track record in publication and in scientific outreach.

Personal Skills

• Ability to work as part of an international team, but with a high degree of autonomy as well.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading comprehension).
• Strong scientific writing skills.
• Ability to develop research concepts and plans.
• Management and problem‑solving skills.
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges.
• Private health insurance.
• Family allowances (according to family situation).
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability).
• Support for education fees of dependent children.
• Relocation support.
• 30 working days of annual leave.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.