PhD Holder Researcher

Internal code:Researcher/ERC_FibroRevert/i3S/1008/2026

A call is opened for the position of a PhD holder, for an unfixed term work contract to carry out research duties within the project “FibroRevert - Modeling and targeting cell-extracellular matrix communication to revert tissue fibrosis”, GA 101221669, funded by the European Research Council under the topic ERC-2025-STG - ERC STARTING GRANTS.

Scientific Area:Bioengineering

1. Project summary and work plan

Tissue fibrosis involves the replacement of healthy tissue with pathological extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to tissue dysfunction. The FibroRevert project, supported by the European Research Council (ERC), aims to uncover the mechanisms that drive skin fibrosis and to investigate cell-matrix communication in human-relevant experimental settings. To achieve this, we will develop bioengineered platforms that combine cell-laden bioinstructive hydrogels, advanced 3D culture systems, bioprinting technologies, and high-content analysis approaches. The project sits at the interface between biomaterials engineering, extracellular matrix biology and mechanobiology.

We are seeking a highly motivated, creative and proactive PhD Researcher to join our team and contribute to the development of experimental models and study cell-matrix communication. The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary research environment, benefiting from opportunities for supervision, international collaborations, conference participation, and career development.

Main Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain primary cell cultures and 3D cell culture systems using biomaterials-based platforms;
• Develop experimental models to investigate cell-matrix communication;
• Characterize cellular responses through cellular and molecular biology techniques, imaging approaches, and flow cytometry;
• Design experimental protocols and ensure rigorous data acquisition, analysis, and management;
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in international journals;
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and grant applications;
• Assist in laboratory organization, management, and maintenance;
• Supervision of team members;
• Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.

2. Applicable Portuguese legislation

Decree No. 57/2016, of August 29 – Legal Framework for Scientific Employment (RJEC) – in its current version. Portuguese Labor Code, in its current wording.

3. Jury

Chairman: Rúben Pereira; Other Members: Nuno Alves, Flávia Castro; Substitute: Ana Magalhães.

4. Workplace

i3S - Rua de Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto, research group Cell-Matrix Bioengineering.

5. Professional category and monthly remuneration

Junior Researcher

€2.408,11, subject to taxes and other mandatory deduction. In later stages of the project, the work plan may be revised with the assignment of additional tasks, which may warrant a revision of remuneration.

6. Requirements for admission:

Mandatory:

1. PhD degree in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a closely related field;
2. Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting), immunofluorescence and flow cytometry;
3. Experience in mammalian cell culture;
4. Experience in mechanobiology, immunology and/or fibrosis;
5. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team;
6. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills;
7. Excellent organizational skills, with a pragmatic, analytical, and problem-solving mindset;
8. Motivation letter written in English including the contact details of two references (these will only be contacted during the interview stage, if required).

Preferential:

1. Experience with omics technologies (e.g., RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq) and bioinformatics tools for data analysis and interpretation;
2. Experience in extracellular matrix biology;
3. Experience with 3D bioprinting;
4. History of scientific publications relevant to the career stage;
5. Experience in presenting scientific papers at national and international meetings, congresses and conferences.

7. Evaluation of the applications and publication of the results

The evaluation of the scientific and curricular background of the candidates should focus on the activity of the last five years that the candidate considers most relevant. The five-year period may be extended by the jury, at the candidate’s request, when justified by suspension of scientific activity for socially protected reasons, namely for reasons of parental leave, prolonged serious illness, and other situations of unavailability for work that are legally protected.

Weight of the different curricular valuation criteria:

1. Research experience relevant for the work plan, as defined in the requirements for admission (55%);
2. Detailed Curricula, including publications (25%);
3. Motivation Letter in English including the contact details of two references (10 %);
4. Interview - facultative (10%).

If the jury decides to obtain further clarifications and additional information about the curricular elements presented, the 3 (three) best candidates classified on the basis of the curriculum may be called for an interview. The final classification system for candidates is expressed on a scale from 0 to 100. Candidates who are not interviewed will have their maximum score limited to 90% of the assessment.

Candidates who submit their application incorrectly or fail to meet the required qualifications for this competition will be excluded from admission.

The jury reserves the right to request any candidate, in case of doubt, to provide supporting documents for their statements.

False statements made by candidates will be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

The jury will draw up minutes of its meetings, which can be consulted at the candidate's request within 10 working days after the selection results are released.

The jury deliberates by means of a reasoned vote according to the evaluation criteria, with no abstentions allowed, and draws up a list of excluded and admitted candidates, ordered by respective classification.

All candidates are notified of the selection results by email. After notification, candidates have 10 working days to comment.

In the 90 days following the deadline for submission of applications, the jury's final decision is communicated to the candidates. Subsequently the institute Director, who is also responsible for the final decision of hiring, will ratify the decision of the jury.

This call is intended exclusively to fill the indicated position on offer and may be canceled before the final ranking list of candidates is ratified by the Director. Accordingly, the position will no longer be available.

8. Submission of applications

Applications must include all the documents proving that they fulfill the admission requirements, namely:

1. Copy of PhD certificate or diploma;
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae, highlighting previous experience relevant to the work plan;
3. Motivation Letter in English including the contact details of two references;
4. Other documentation relevant for the evaluation of qualifications in a related scientific area.

The submission of applications is digital, in pdf format, from August-10th to September-18th, 2026, in the following link:

https://dozer.i3s.up.pt/applicationmanagement/#/addapplications/8889b96399e6e774b92ae6caf1944b8e

9. Start and duration of the contract

The anticipated start date of the contract is November – December 2026, and is subject to budget availability. The estimated duration of the contract will be 12 months, eventually extendable, and may not in any case exceed the end date of the project, currently scheduled for June 30, 2031.

10. Non-discrimination and equal access policy

i3S actively promotes a policy of non-discrimination and equal access. No applicant shall be privileged, benefited, prejudiced, or deprived of any right or exempted from any duty on the basis of ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family situation, economic situation, education, origin or social condition, genetic heritage, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin or race, territory of origin, language, religion, political or ideological beliefs, or trade union membership.

Within the framework of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, i3S adopts the Open, Transparent and Merit-based (OTM-R) principles for the recruitment of researchers, with the aim of conducting fair and transparent recruitment processes, bringing equal opportunities to all candidates.

11. Applicants with disabilities

Under the terms of Decree-Law 29/2001, of February 3, the candidate with a disability is given preference in equal ranking, which takes precedence over any other legal preference. Candidates must declare under oath their degree of disability, the type of disability and the means of communication/expression to be used in the selection process, under the terms of the aforementioned decree.