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Postdoctoral Researcher – Development and Integration of Microfluidic Modules for Menstrual Fluid Sample Preparation, Cellular Isolation and DNA Recovery

Job Reference: Ref.59.25.442

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Diéguez Research Group

Supervisor: Carlos Honrado

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 24 months

Open Date for Applications: October 24, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: November 16, 2025, 23:00 (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #microfluidics #flowcontrol #systemintegration #cellsorting #dnacapture #electronics

The Diéguez Research Group (Medical Devices) focuses on the development of advanced technologies for impactful applications in the life sciences. We are currently seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to the fight against Endometriosis by leading the development of a microfluidic platform for the processing of menstrual fluid samples.

The successful candidate will join the SENSOPAD project, funded by the EU HORIZON programme (Grant Agreement ID: 101130516), which aims to drastically reduce the average diagnosis time for endometriosis – from eight years to just a few days. This transformative goal will enable earlier intervention, mitigate symptom progression, improve infertility care, and streamline patient pathways within healthcare systems.

As part of the team, the successful candidate will play a key role in advancing the project by designing and optimizing an automated benchtop system capable of processing menstrual fluid, performing cell sorting, and recovering DNA for downstream analysis. This “sample-in, DNA-out” approach will enable the clinical assessment of menstrual fluid as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for endometriosis.

• Design, optimise, fabricate and integrate microfluidic devices for cell isolation and DNA recovery
• Implement microfluidic systems with controllable and automatable flow‑controls
• Develop integrated systems capable of performing full menstrual fluid sample processing (i.e., sample preparation, sorting of cells and extraction of DNA – “sample‑in, DNA‑out” approach)
• Design and implement electronic systems capable of automating sample processing for a benchtop setup
• Participate in research planning and experimental design activities
• Contribute to the group’s core activities
• Contribute to the dissemination of scientific results in high‑quality journals and by participating in national and international conferences
• Contribute to project reports and documentation

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, or other applied sciences engineering areas

• Microfluidic devices and systems, including designing, fabrication, implementation and optimisation
• Integration of microfluidic devices in larger systems and platforms
• Experience with complex fluidic control and automation of microfluidic systems

• Knowledge in microcontroller and electronic system design is highly valued
• Experience with cell (or particle) sorting is a plus
• Experience with DNA capture and recovery is a plus
• Capability to use rapid prototyping tools to accelerate system development and optimisation (e.g., 3D printing, laser‑cutting, CNC machining)
• Programming skills in a variety of languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, Arduino) is highly advantageous
• Knowledge and experience working with biological samples (e.g., blood), cell samples and biological assays is a plus
• Knowledge and experience in working with surface functionalisation is a plus
• Knowledge regarding FET sensors in microfluidics is a plus

• “Hands‑on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting deadlines
• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to problem‑solving
• Capacity to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary and international team
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with capability to liaise with collaborators with different backgrounds
• Skilled in communicating across disciplines and engaging with collaborators from diverse scientific backgrounds
• Excellent data management practices, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and integrity
• Willingness to support and mentor junior researchers and students

• Competitive salary
• 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

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Academic and/or Professional diplomas

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in PDF format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

A. Applications eligibility check: This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment: The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s): The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite. The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination: The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions.

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communication with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

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.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.