Open Call for Expression of Interest – Postdoctoral researcher

Reference GIMM/CT/23-2026

The GIMM – Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine is a pioneering Portuguese private research foundation with an ambitious vision for fundamental scientific exploration and its profound impact on global health and well-being. Founded in 2023, GIMM is the result of the merge of two leading research institutes: Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM) and Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) and dedicates to unraveling the fundamental mysteries of life and aims to be at the forefront of transdisciplinary research. 

What GIMM seeks: At this moment, GIMM is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Laboratory coordinated by Claus Azzalin, under the research project “GENOME-PRUNING: Programmed genome pruning as a mechanism of long-term resilience in post-mitotic tissue”funded by Core Funding.

Key responsibilities

• Establishment of human post-mitotic myofibers and neuron cultures;
• Analysis of genome stability and activation of inflammatory pathways in the aforementioned systems;
• Analysis of telomere stability and telomere transcription in the aforementioned systems.

Profile of Candidate

• PhD in cell biology, genetics or related fields;
• Proven experience in cell biology and molecular biology applied to mammalian cultured cells;
• Proven experience in high-end microscopy and image analysis, with experience in live cell imaging considered as a plus;
• Experience and deep interest in genome stability maintenance, telomere biology, innate immunity and aging;
• At least one first author paper published in a peer-reviewed journal;
• Proficiency in English, spoken and written;
• Forward thinking, can-do, proactive attitude and career oriented;
• International scientific experience.

Application Process: Applications must be formally submitted by sending the documents listed below in PDF format to the GIMM People & Culture team at positions@gimm.pt, indicating the position reference in the subject line.

The following documents are mandatory for the application to be considered complete:

1. Motivation letter in English;
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English;
3. PhD degree certificate;
4. Name and contact details of at least two academic referees;
5. Any other documents the candidate considers relevant to demonstrate their scientific track record.

Note: Candidates whose applications are incorrectly submitted or who fail to provide proof of the requirements established in this call within the specified deadlines will be excluded from the recruitment process. The Selection Committee reserves the right to request supporting documentation from any candidate, whenever deemed necessary, to verify the information provided in their application.

First Phase: Curriculum Analysis (50%) and Motivation Letter (30%).

The Curriculum will be qualitatively assessed in terms of its content and relevance to the tasks to be performed, namely:

• research experience and relevant knowledge in the area of the proposed work plan, as described in the candidate profile (20%);
• published scientific work, with particular emphasis on areas related to the proposed work plan (20%);
• international scientific experience (10%).

The Motivation Letter will be evaluated based on the candidate’s motivation and interest in the activities to be carried out and in the field of research (25%), as well as written communication skills in the English language (5%).

Candidates who obtain a minimum final score of 75% in the first phase will be admitted to the second phase.

Second Phase: Interview (20%)

The interview will assess the candidate’s scientific background, motivation, suitability for the proposed activities, and communication skills.
Only candidates meeting the minimum score threshold in the first phase will be invited to the interview stage.

Only candidates who achieve a final overall score of at least 90% will be offered the position.

Download the Job Offer