Open Call for CALL FOR A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Reference GIMM/BIPD/34-2026

Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) opens a call for one research fellowship under the project “Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of cellular maintenance and growth” with the funding support from “Alfred P. Sloan Foundation”.

Scientific Area(s): Biophysics

Fellowship recipients / Admission requirements: Any National, foreign and stateless candidate(s).

Applicants must hold the following requirements:

Mandatory requirements:

– Holder of a PhD in Theoretical Physics or Biophysics, or in a related scientific field;

– Less than three years’ postdoctoral experience;

– Fluency in English;

– Motivation to work in an international and interdisciplinary research group;

– Willingness to collaborate closely with experimental groups, including in data analysis, the design of experiments and, where appropriate, the execution of some experiments.

Desirable requirements:

– Experience and/or knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Theoretical biophysics; Stochastic processes; non-equilibrium thermodynamics; Soft matter physics; Bioinformatics; or other related scientific fields.

The international experience of the candidates, although not a determining criterion for selection, will be valued.

Work Plan and Objectives:

– Conducting research in the field of theoretical bioenergetics;

– Collaborating with experimental research groups;

– Analyzing experimental data;

– Participating in the design and planning of experiments;

– Compiling publicly available data on bioenergetics;

– Analyzing and interpreting publicly available data in the field of bioenergetics.

Legislation and Applicable Regulation: Estatuto do Bolseiro de Investigação (Lei n.º 40/2004, de 18 de Agosto, republished in attachment to Decreto-Lei n.º 202/2012, de 27 de Agosto, changed by Decretos-Leis n.º 123/2019, 28 de Agosto e nº 65/2024, 1 de outubro) and current Regulation of Fellowships of GIMM.

Predicted start date, duration and renewal conditions: The fellowship contract is predicted to start inNovember 2026, for a period of 12 (twelve) 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 Living Physics Laboratory of GIMM, under the supervision of Dr. Pablo Sartori.

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 fundamental aspect of the essence of GIMM, 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 Centre works every day 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 of2260€ (Two thousand two hundred and sixty euros). 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: – Detailed CV; – Motivation Letter; – PhD certificate; – Contacts of at least one and up to three referees. The 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.

Jury evaluation and selection: Applications will be assessed by a panel comprising Dr Pablo Sartori (GIMM), Dr Shashi Thutupalli (NCBS) and Dr Tiago Paixão (GIMM).

Selection methods: CV (50%), Cover Letter (20%), and Interview (30%). Only candidates who obtain at least 60% in the combined assessment of the CV and cover letter would proceed to the interview stage.

Deadlines and application process: The call will be open from 15^th of October to 11^th of November 2026.

Applications should be submitted to People & Culture Unit, through the email positions@gimm.pt, with the reference “GIMM/BIPD/34-2026” 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: Once the results of the assessment have been notified, candidates have a period of 10 working days in which to make representations, if they so wish, at a preliminary hearing for interested parties.  The final decision will be issued following consideration of the representations made at the preliminary hearing for interested parties.

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.

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

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