Opportunity closes at
CALL FOR A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship Reference GIMM/BI/9-2024
Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) opens a call for one research fellowship under the project “Trafficking mechanisms and physiological factors mediating a direct gut microbiota-brain neuron interaction”, with the funding support fromERC- Horizon Europe / European Commission.
Scientific Area(s): Neuroscience – Microbiology
Fellowship recipients / Admission requirements (indicate mandatory and preferential requirements): Any National, foreign and stateless candidate(s) that fulfill the necessary conditions to be enrolled in a non-academic degree course (in area 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:
a) Holder of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Microbiology, Immunology, or related areas;
b) Previous research experience working with rodents;
c) Strong organisational skills, as well as meticulous attention to detail in task execution;
d) Must be highly motivated to conduct scientific experiments, demonstrating proactivity and commitment in all stages of the experimental process;
e) The candidate must have a positive approach to interacting and collaborating with colleagues, contributing to a cooperative and productive work environment;
f) We seek candidates who enjoy interdisciplinary activities involving collaboration with colleagues from diverse fields of knowledge;
g) The candidate is expected to actively contribute to the development and refinement of new protocols, interacting with team members and other teams for this purpose;
h) International experience, while not a determining criterion for selection, will be highly regarded. The international experience of the candidates, although not a determining criterion for selection, will be valued.
Work Plan and Objectives: The Neuronal Responses to Bacterial Signals Laboratory is looking for a motivated candidate to help the projects we developed to better understand the mechanism behind the communication between gut microbiota derived compounds and brain neurons, focusing on direct interactions and the external factors that can impact this communication known as the microbiota-gut-brain axis. We use mouse models and tools from different disciplines. The selected candidate will take care of the mouse colony and help the other lab members in their projects performing for example, animal perfusion, histological cuts and immunofluorescence staining. This is a unique opportunity to join a project funded by the ERC and a starting group with lots of energy and different projects still available. Our goal is to create an inclusive, supportive, and motivating science environment where input from different expertise and background are welcome.
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 November 2024, 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.
Work place and Scientific orientation: The research activities will be developed at the Neuronal Responses to Bacterial Signals Laboratory of GIMM, under the supervision of Ilana Gabanyi.
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 € 1.360,00. 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 your interest in this laboratory and any prior experiences relevant to the position; – CV: maximum of 2 pages; – Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Certificate; – Contact information for at least 1 Reference; – 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: Doctors Ilana Gabanyi, Moritz Treeck and Giulia Ghedini (GIMM).
Selection methods: The selection will be divided in 2 phases. In the 1st phase, candidates will be scored in a scale 1-10 according to their CV (40%) and motivation letter (60%); only the candidates that score 7 or higher go to the second phase. The 2nd phase consists of a zoom interview.
Deadlines and application process: The call will be open from October 29th 2024 until November 13th 2024.
Applications should be submitted to People & Culture Unit, through the email people@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.
Selection reserve list: Not applicable.
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.
For each Fellowship period an Activity Report must be prepared by the fellow as well as the Report by the supervisor.