Research Assistant Advanced Intestinal Cell-Based in Vitro Models of Hyperuricemia

Research Assistant – Advanced Intestinal Cell-Based in Vitro Models of Hyperuricemia

Job Reference: Ref.40.25.432

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Pastrana Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 18 months

Open Date for Applications: July 11th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: July 31st, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #aseptictechniques #biologicalassays #molecularbiology #microbiology #analyticaltechniques

Overview

The Pastrana RG is dedicated to developing nanotechnology-based solutions for big societal challenges to build the future food system, optimising materials and processes throughout the entire food value chain to ensure the integrity of food to consumers.   

We’re looking for a Research Assistant to join our team and work under the project Bugs4urate.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Cell cultures (i.e., cell lines and primary cells);
• Handle intestinal tissue samples for crypt isolation;
• 3D cultures (i.e., organoids and organ-on-chip);
• Microfluidics operation;
• Microbiology and fermentation;
• Data analysis and scientific writing.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• MSc in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences or related fields.

Experience and Technical Skills

• > 3 years of experience after MSc;
• Experience with cell lines and primary cells;
• Molecular biology techniques (i.e., RNA/protein extraction, qPCR, ELISA, immunostaining);
• Bright-field and Confocal microscopy;
• Analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, UV-vis, fluorescence spectroscopy);
• Assess Transepithelial Electrical Resistance of cellular monolayers;
• Anaerobic techniques and in vitro fermentation models;
• Bacterial growth kinetics and metabolite production.

Other Valued Skills

• Experience with organoids, multiple cell line cultures, and on-chip cultures will be a plus;
• Data analysis experience;
• Critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.

Personal Skills

• Scientific curiosity;
•  “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem Solving ability;
• Customer orientation;
• Ability to work independently and as team player;
• Good communication skills.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

d)     At least one reference letter

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.