Research Fellowship (MSc) – Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals

iBET; Portugal; On-site; EUR 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

iBET is offering a Master’s Research Fellowship in Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals within the Agenda VIIAFOOD project. The role focuses on bioactivity characterization of compounds from foods using 3D cell models and advanced analytics, plus human intervention study design to assess functional foods.

The position runs for six months and may be renewed according to project needs, with a target start date of January 1, 2026. Collaboration and scientific reporting are key parts of the role.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with a minimum grade of 17 in the scientific areas mentioned.
• Experience in animal cell culture techniques;
• Experience in toxicity assays using cell lines;
• Experience in bioactivity studies using 3D cell models;
• Experience in advanced analytical methodologies including metabolomic analysis;
• Experience in the design of human intervention studies with functional foods;
• Critical thinking, strong organizational skills, and ability to work in a team;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both in English and Portuguese

Responsibilities

• Execute research activities within the VIIAFOOD agenda focusing on bioactivity characterization of bioactives from foods and new natural ingredients using 3D cell models and advanced analytical tools;
• Design human intervention studies to evaluate the efficacy of functional foods;
• Prepare scientific reports and actively participate in periodic meetings;
• Contribute to general laboratory tasks and foster continuous improvement.

Skills

Cell culture

Toxicity assays

3D cell models

Human intervention study design

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal communication (EN/PT)

Education

Master’s degree (min grade 17)

Tools

Metabolomics analysis

Advanced analytical methods

Job description

Research Fellowship (MSc) – Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals

iBET, has an open position for a master’s Research Fellowship within the scope of within the integrated project “Agenda VIIAFOOD – Plataforma para a Valorização, Industrialização e Inovação commercial para o Agroalimentar”, framed in the notice nº 02/C05-i01/2022, financed by the Program for Recovery and Resilience (PRR) through CE

• Master’s degree with a minimum grade of 17 in the scientific areas mentioned
• Experience in animal cell culture techniques;
• Experience in toxicity assays using cell lines;
• Experience in bioactivity studies using 3D cell models;
• Experience in advanced analytical methodologies including metabolomic analysis;
• Experience in the design of human intervention studies with functional foods;
• Critical thinking, strong organizational skills, and ability to work in a team;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both in English and Portuguese

The main responsibilities include executing research activities within the scope of the VIIAFOOD Agenda, focusing on the bioactivity characterization of bioactives compounds from foods and new natural ingredients using 3D cell models and advanced analytical tools, design of human intervention studies to evaluate the efficacy of functional foods, preparing scientific reports, and actively participating in periodic meetings. Additionally, the role requires contributing to general laboratory tasks while fostering a culture of achievement and continuous improvement.

The fellowship will have a duration of 6 months, eventually renewed until the end of project, without prejudice of the maximum limits foreseen by law. The expected starting date is 1 of January of 2026.

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