Open Call for Postdoctoral Researcher

CALL FOR A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship Reference GIMM/BIPD/61-2025

Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) opens a call for one research fellowship under the project “VirulenceControl — ERC-2021-COG” with the funding support from “European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant through the Horizon 2020 Programme”. 

Scientific Area(s): Host-Pathogen Interaction/ Cell biology/ Biochemistry.

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

Applicants must hold the following requirements:

– Doctorate must have been obtained less than 3 years ago (mandatory);

– Hold a PhD in Live Sciences (is essential);

– Background in protein expression and purification, structural biology, metabolism and protein biochemistry;

– Candidates that have experience in working with both, Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma are preferred; 

– Candidates with working experience in a Malaria endemic country are preferred; 

– International research experience in more than one country is preferred; 

– A competitive track record as evidenced by publications or oral presentations at international meetings; 

– Ability to work as an individual as well as in a team. 

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

Work Plan and Objectives: 

We are looking for a postdoc with a recent PhD interested to work on host-pathogen interaction of the human malaria causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum with the host cell it infects. The parasite exports ~10% of its proteome into the infected host cell to remodel it to its needs and escape clearance by the human host. This is an ERC funded project where we aim to understand how a kinase family expanded in only one of 5 human infecting species allows the parasite to sense and respond to conditions found in the host. We are seeking researchers with strong skills in cell biology, protein biochemistry, mass-spectrometry or structural biology that are interested in the study of how the malaria parasite remodels the host red blood cell.  We are looking for team players that can drive their individual project to develop their niche. We provide a stimulating and supportive research environment (www.treecklab.org).

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). 

Predicted start date, duration and renewal conditions: The fellowship contract is predicted to start in December 2025, for a period of 36 (thirty-six) months on an exclusive basis, not exceeding the eligibility period of the project.  

Workplace and Scientific orientation: The research activities will be developed at the Cell Biology of Host – Pathogen Interaction Laboratory of GIMM, under the supervision of Doctor Moritz Treeck.

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 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 2.260,00€. 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 (explaining why this position interests you and how you fit the criteria); – Detailed CV; PhD certificate; – Contacts of 3 (three) references; – Candidate’s declaration of honor indicating previous fellowships, if any, its typology and duration.  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: The applications will be evaluated by a jury consisting of Doctors Moritz Treeck, Stephanie Nofal and Nuno Carmo (GIMM). 

Selection methods: Applications will be evaluated according to Curriculum and previous experience (70%) and motivation letter (30%). The decision is made by a nominal vote of the selection panel members, in accordance with eligibility and selection criteria, with no abstentions allowed. The final results will be presented on a scale from 0 to 100.

Deadlines and application process: The call will be open from November 10^th 2025, until November 21^st 2025.

Applications should be submitted to People & Culture Unit, through the email positions@gimm.pt .

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. 

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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