Research assistant under DL 124/99 - Tier 1 - Index 140

Universidade de Coimbra; Portugal; On-site; EUR 27,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Coimbra, through GeneT (Gene Therapy Center of Excellence) and CiBB, invites applications for a Master-holding Research Assistant. The role focuses on the production, purification, and quality control of nucleic acids for advanced therapies, within a multidisciplinary translational research environment.

Selected candidate will contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and dissemination through scientific reports, with a full-time, up to two-year contract under

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• Experience with core molecular biology techniques (e.g., bacterial culture, restriction digestion, gel electrophoresis).
• Proven experience in laboratory research and experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Support production, purification, analytical characterization and QA of nucleic acids for gene therapy applications.
• Develop and optimize nucleic acid workflows and SOPs.
• Maintain laboratory records and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to project deliverables and scientific reports.

Skills

Proficiency in English

Hands-on molecular biology

Independent & multidisciplinary work

Education

Master's degree in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

DNA/RNA production & purification

Chromatographic purification

Nucleic acid extraction

SOP writing & documentation

Job description

Organisation/Company Universidade de Coimbra Department GeneT, CNC-UC | CiBB Research Field Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 19 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon) Country Portugal Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Reference Number GA 101059981 (GeneT) Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? Yes

Offer Description

Position

Description

The University of Coimbra, through GeneT (Gene Therapy Center of Excellence) and CNC-UC (Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology) of CiBB (Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology), is opening one Research Assistant position in the field of Gene Therapy, focused on the production, purification, and quality control of nucleic acids.

The position is embedded within the GeneT project ecosystem, offering the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary and highly collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge translational research at the interface of molecular biology, bioprocess development, and clinical applications, supporting the advancement of innovative gene therapies.

Summary

The University of Coimbra has an open call for one Master-holding position of Research Assistant under DL 124/99 - Tier 1 - Index 140[2.1][2.2], to be integrated in the GeneT research institute at CiBB.

GeneT, located in Coimbra, results from a funded project between the University of Coimbra (Portugal), the University of Sheffield (UK), and University Eastern Finland (Finland), funded by the European Union within the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence action (DOI: 10.3030/101059981). GeneT acts as an (inter)national enabler of Gene Therapy research, innovation, manufacturing, and clinical trials located in the Center Region of Portugal, in Coimbra. It operates within a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment dedicated to gene therapy research, innovation, and translation, fostering strong collaborations at both national and international levels.

Scientific Area: Gene Therapy

Objectives/Responsibilities

The recruited Research Assistant will support the implementation of research and technological activities related with the production, purification, analytical characterisation and quality control of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) for advanced therapeutic applications.

• Production and preparation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), including DNA template preparation and RNA synthesis.
• Purification of nucleic acids using chromatographic and other appropriate methodologies.
• Analytical characterisation and quality control of nucleic acids, including assessment of concentration, purity, integrity and relevant contaminants.
• Development and optimisation of nucleic acid production, purification and analytical workflows.
• Establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation, supporting process reproducibility and future scale-up.

Additional responsibilities:

• Design and execution of experimental plans.
• Data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of results through scientific publications and technical reports.
• Management of laboratory records, reagents and consumables.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and project partners.
• Contribution to project deliverables and reporting activities.

This call aims to strengthen the research capacity of the GeneT Ecosystem and to secure an in-house supply of high-quality pDNA for viral vector and RNA production, contributing to the development of innovative, safe, and effective therapies.

Skills / Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field;

Solid background in at least one of the following:

• Plasmid DNA production and purification
• Chromatographic purification of biomolecules, particularly anion-exchange chromatography
• Analytical characterisation and quality control of nucleic acids, including endotoxin testing
• Nucleic acid and protein extraction from biological samples

• Proven experience in laboratory research and experimental design
• Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques (e.g., bacterial culture, restriction digestion, agarose gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification)
• Ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Experience in the enzymatic linearisation and purification of plasmid DNA templates
• Experience in the development and optimisation of analytical methods for nucleic acids (e.g., kinetic endotoxin assays)
• Experience with automated nucleic acid and protein extraction methods
• Experience in writing SOPs and technical documentation

The successful candidate will be hired by the University of Coimbra under a full-time work contract of up to two years.

Selection methods

The selection includes Curricular Evaluation (CE; 60%) and Interview (I; 40%)

Selection criteria

The Curricular Evaluation (CE) will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula CE = 80%CV + 20%ML, where

CV: Curriculum Vitae (R&D experience; outputs; suitability of the candidate’s profile for the position and for the mission of GeneT and CinTech 2.0; and other relevant experience, achievements and skills related to the functions) = 80%

The Interview (I), to which only candidates scoring above the 50 % threshold in the CE evaluation will be invited, will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula

I = 80%TC + 20%MI, where

TC: Demonstrable knowledge and R&D competencies in the production, purification, and quality control of nucleic acids for gene therapy applications; suitability of the candidate’s profile for the position and for the mission of GeneT and CinTech 2.0 = 80%

MI: Motivation and interest for the position = 20%

Selection Panel:

Laetitia da Silva Gaspar (GeneT, CNC‑UC, University of Coimbra, Portugal) President

Ana Santos Carvalho (GeneT, CNC‑UC, University of Coimbra, Portugal)

Rui Nobre (GeneT, CNC‑UC, University of Coimbra, Portugal)

About us: GeneT integrates CiBB that includes CNC‑UC and the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR). CiBB is located at the University of Coimbra (UC) and is an Associate Laboratory, a status of excellence granted by the Portuguese National Science & Technology funding agency (FCT). CiBB, with around 320 researchers, fosters high-level and vibrant biomedical and biotechnology research, featuring a strategic research line on Innovative Therapies with a core research group devoted to Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapies, from which the project GeneT has spawned. GeneT research groups will benefit from CiBB state-of-the-art research infrastructures (e.g., animal facility, advanced microscopy, viral vector production unit, etc), professional support offices (e.g., Pre‑and Post‑award Grant offices, Technology Transfer office, Science Communication, etc), Clinical Trial Unit, and administrative support.

The GeneT is committed to diversity and supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age, or sexual identity.

Beyond the academic realm, the city of Coimbra offers an exceptional quality of life. Nestled amidst breath-taking landscapes and steeped in history (UC is World Heritage), it is a harmonious blend of old‑world charm and modern comfort, a very affordable European city, safe and with an inviting atmosphere to live, work and raise a family, with excellent weather all year round and a 45-minute drive to the beach.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Universidade de Coimbra – CiBB (GeneT, CNC‑UC) Country Portugal State/Province Coimbra City Coimbra Postal Code 3004-507 Street Rua Larga - Polo I Geofield