Open Call for A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship Reference GIMM/BI/35-2026

Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) opens a call for one research fellowship under the project “Exploring the role of HOXA9 in B -cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: beyond the canons” funded by national funds through the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), under project reference 2023.17735.ICDT, and by the European Union through the Lisbon Regional Programme 2021 –2027 (LISBOA2030 -FEDER -00687100), co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).

Scientific Area(s): Oncobiology, Cancer

Fellowship recipients / Admission requirements: Any National, foreign and stateless candidate(s) that fulfill the necessary conditions to be enrolled in a non -academic degree course (in a rea related to the work plan) can apply. Are considered “Non-academic degree courses” the ones referred in paragraph e)of number 3 of article 4 of Decree-Law nr 74/2006, from 24th March, in its current version, as long as they are developed in association and cooperation between a higher education institution and at least one R&D Unit in accordance with the provisions of paragraph e) of Article 3 of FCT Fellowship Regulation.

Applicants must hold the following requirements:
− MSc degree in Biomedicine, Biomedical Research, or a related field (mandatory);
− MSc training or experience in Oncobiology, Cancer Biology, Oncology, or related fields (particularly valued);
− Knowledge of cell signalling pathways;
− Experience in mammalian cell culture, preferably with human suspension cells;
− Experience in in vitro drug susceptibility assays;
− Experience with molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, RT -PCR/qRT -PCR, and Western blot;
− Experience in conventional and spectral flow cytometry;
− Certification in laboratory animal experimentation, particularly for mice (mandatory);
− Experience in mouse handling and routine procedures, including intravenous (IV) injections for transplantation and blood sample collection;
− High sense of responsibility, organization, and methodological rigor;
− Proactive attitude;

− Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
− Excellent command of written and spoken English.

Work Plan and Objectives:

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B -ALL) is an aggressive blood cancer. HOXA9, a known oncogene, is overexpressed in acute leukemias, including some B-ALL cases. Based on exciting preliminary data, we will, however, explore the paradigm-shifting hypothe sis that HOXA9 acts as tumor suppressor in most B -ALL subtypes, using B-ALL mouse models (e.g., see Almeida et al. Nat Commun 2021) and culture of mouse and human leukemic cells. In doing so, we will provide novel insights into the genesis of B -ALL and ide ntify and test new avenues for therapeutic intervention.

The successful candidate will be a highly organized, motivated and pro-active person that will participate in the different experiences needed to evaluate and characterize the role of HOXA9 in B -ALL, being also involved in tasks such as the following:
− Molecular biology techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, RT -PCR, qRT -PCR, cloning, Western blot);
− Conventional and Spectral Flow Cytometry analysis;
− Transduction of mouse and/or human cells;
− Cell culture of B -ALL primary samples and cell lines, whether human or mouse;
− In vivo work with animal models;
− Mouse genotyping (DNA extraction and PCR) and colony management;

Legislation and Applicable Regulation: Estatuto do Bolseiro de Investigação approved by Law nr 40/2004, from 18th August in its current form (altered by Decree Law nr 123/2019, 28th August) and current Regulation of Fellowships of Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia Regulamento Bolsas FCT 2019.pdf (approved by Regulation nr 950/2019, from 16th December).

Predicted start date, duration and renewal conditions: The fellowship contract is predicted to start in the December 2026, for a period of 12 months on an exclusive basis, eventually renewable until the maximum stipulated in applicable regulations, not exceeding the eligibility period of the project.

Workplace and Scientific orientation: The research activities will be developed at Signaling in Cancer Laboratory Coordinated by Prof. Doctor João Barata and under his supervision.

Non-discrimination and equal access policy: GIMM undertakes to ensure compliance with the principles of non -discrimination and equality and to that extent, provides that no candidate can be privileged, benefited, harmed or deprived of any right or exempted from any duty due in particular ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, economic status, education, social origin or condition, genetic heritage, reduced working capacity, disability, chronic disease, nationality, ethnic origin or race, place of origin, language, religion, political or ideological convictions and trade union membership.

International environment and experience: Diversity is a fundam ental aspect of the essence of GI MM, where researchers and non -researchers of different nationalities, backgrounds and areas of study work together, promoting the exchange of experiences and interactions, contributing to the personal and professional development of each person and to the existence of an international, inclusive and stimulating environment.

Research Fellows Support Centre: The Research Fellows Support C entre works everyday from 09:00AM to 11:00AM at People & Culture Unit Office.

Fellowship financial conditions: The fellow will benefit from a monthly stipend in the amount of 1359.64€ in accordance with the defined in FCT. The amount will be paid by wire transfer at the end of each month. The fellow will also benefit from a personal accident insurance to execute the proposed research activities as well as the right to Social Security through Voluntary Social Insurance regimen, if wanted, under the terms of Código dos Regimes Contributivos do Sistema Previdencial de Segurança Social, and the contributions costs will be supported by the research project.

Application documents: – Motivation Letter ; – Detailed CV ; – MSc degree certificate – Candidate’s declaration of honor indicating previous fellowships, if any, its typology and duration. T he non compliance with these requirements determines the immediate rejection of the application. In case the applicant does not have yet the required degree certificate, a declaration of honor stating the conclusion of the necessary qualifications for the purposes of this process will be accepted and must be sent by the end date of the call. The application may be supplemented by a maximum of two letters of recommendation, which are optional.

Jury evaluation and selection: Applications will be evaluated by Doctors João Taborda Barata (FMUL/GIMM), Carolina Peixoto (GIMM) and Rita Fragoso (GIMM).

Selection methods: Curriculum evaluation (50%) and Motivation Letter (50%). The Curriculum will be qualitatively analyzed based on its content and relevance to the tasks to be performed, as well as research experience and relevant knowledge in the field of the proposed work as described in the candidate profile (50%). The Motivation Letter will be assessed based on the demonstration of motivation and interest in the activities to be carried out (35%), as well as proficiency in written English (15%).

Deadlines and application process: The call will be open from November 4th until November 17th, 2026 Applications should be submitted to People & Culture Unit, through the email positions@gimm.pt with the reference “GIMM/BI/35-2026” in the subject. The non -compliance with these requirements determines the immediate rejection of the application.

Notification of results: Within 90 days after the termination of the applications submission deadline, both admitted and excluded candidates list and final classification list shall be communicated to all admitted candidates through email.

Preliminary Hearing and Final Decision Deadline: After notification, all candidates have 10 working days to respond. Panel’s final decisions are pronounced within a period of 90 days, from application deadline.

Fellowship contracting: The Fellowship is granted through the signature of a contract between GIMM and the selected fellow and after the fellow send the following mandatory documents: copy of identification document (in case of non -European citizens is mandatory the work visa / valid resident permit), document proving the required academic degree and the document proving the enrollment in a non-academic degree course.

Applicants with academic degrees obtained abroad will be required to present a certificate of recognition in accordance with the applicable regulation. This document is mandatory only in the contracting phase.

For each Fellowship period an Activity Report must be prepared by the fellow as well as the Report by the
supervisor.

Lisbon, November 3rd 2026

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