CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Postdoctoral/Auxiliary Researcher Position

University of Coimbra opens a call to hire two Postdoctoral/Auxiliary Researchers to join Saravana Ramasamy’s Lab at the Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing - MIA-Portugal, co-funded by the European Horizon2020 TEAMING Program (reference: 857524), and the Operational Program of the Centro Region of Portugal (CCDRC Ref: CENTRO-45-2020-75), in the conditions described below. The full text of the Call is available at https://www.uc.pt/mia/the-institute/careers/  or upon request to secretaria.mia@uc.pt.

Reference of the expression of interest: MIA-AR-2026-01

Scientific area: Life Sciences (cell biology or physiology), Health Sciences (biomedical sciences)

Work plan/objectives: The Systems Cell Biology Laboratory, led by Dr Saravana Ramasamy, focuses on uncovering the cellular and systemic mechanisms driving sex differences in ageing. We are a dynamic team of researchers studying cell biology of fundamental physiology using cutting-edge tools, aiming to design novel and alternate therapeutic strategies for managing blood and bone diseases. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong passion for research to join our team. If you're intrigued by our work and thrive in curiosity-driven research, we encourage you to reach out. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for both academic and professional growth, with collaborative opportunities across MIA-Portugal and the University of Coimbra.

Our earlier research has provided critical insights into the sex differences in ageing of blood vessels in bone and its functional consequences. We have developed numerous methods, including advanced 3D imaging, cell-specific inducible mouse genetics, and a range of cell and molecular biology techniques to explore the bone marrow microenvironment.

One of the projects focuses on investigating the metabolic mechanisms underlying skeletal ageing, aiming to identify nutrient therapeutic strategies for age-related bone and blood diseases. We also aim to understand adult stem cells in ageing and regeneration. 

The successful candidate will employ a variety of novel techniques, including advanced 3D imaging, cell-specific inducible mouse genetics, and molecular biology approaches, to further our understanding of the bone marrow microenvironment in addition to designing biomaterials for bone regeneration and 3D cell culture systems, and employing 3D cell culture techniques to simulate in vivo conditions for studying bone tissue and regenerative processes.

Skills/Qualifications: Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. in cell biology, developmental biology or other related fields. Passionate, self-motivated candidates with ability to work independently are encouraged to apply. Candidates with prior experience and strong expertise in one of the following techniques are desirable – single cell transcriptomics, 3D cell/ organoid culturing, advanced imaging and organelle biology. 

Candidates must have defended their PhD thesis before the start of the contract and be fluent in English (oral and written).

Wages and Benefits:  3.427,59€ monthly gross salary. The successful candidate will be hired by the University of Coimbra until 31 December 2027. According to Portuguese legislation on public hiring of researchers (Decree-Law 124/99), the contract includes the following benefits:

• Annual Wages: 14 months of pay, comprising 12 months of regular salary plus 2 additional months covering summer holidays and a Christmas allowance.
• Social Security Tax: Coverage under the Portuguese social security system.
• Food Allowance: Provision of a daily meal allowance.

Work Location: University of Coimbra – Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal) 

Selection criteria: The selection and ranking criteria for the Curricular Evaluation (CF) will be assessed on a scale of 0 to 20 points, according to the following formula:

1. CV – Curriculum Vitae (70%), comprising education, previous positions and all types of research activity including but not limited to Master, PhD, internship and post-doctoral projects, methods used, skills acquired, publications, preprints and unpublished data of relevance, any funding and rewards acquired as well as public presentations, participation in editorial, evaluation or review committees, etc.
2. CL – Cover letter (30%), where the candidate should state his/her motivations to join this research and why and how his/her profile, area(s) of expertise and skills are adequate for the position in question.

If selected for interview:

c)       I – Interview (80%): the jury will interview the 3 best ranked [in criteria a) and b)] candidates, for clarifications, discussion, understanding of MIA-Portugal's mission and commitment to that mission.

d)       R - References (20%): two letters from researchers in the scientific area assessing the candidate's overall scientific path, as well as their motivation, work capacity, ethics in science and interaction with colleagues. One of the letters preferably from your PhD supervisor or last employment. 

Evaluation and selection jury: 

Doctor Saravana Ramasamy, Principal Investigator at MIA-Portugal

Professor Manuel António da Silva Santos, Scientific Director of MIA-Portugal 

Doctor Joana Ferreira, Principal Investigator at MIA-Portugal

Professor Teresa Gonçalves, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra

Expressions of Interest: Applications must be formalised by sending the documents indicated below in PDF format by e-mail to secretaria.mia@uc.pt  with subject MIA-AR-2026-01. Please refer to https://www.uc.pt/mia/the-institute/careers/ for more details.

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae, duly dated and signed.
2. Copy of all qualification certificates or diplomas.
3. Cover Letter including contact information for two references
4. Other documents considered relevant by the candidates

Submission of applications: Between 23/03/2024 and 07/04/2026.

Submission deadline date: 07/04/2024.

Additional information: The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is internationally recognized as a leading institution in higher education and scientific research. Situated in Coimbra, a vibrant student town, the University is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of academic excellence. Coimbra offers a unique academic culture and is a cost-effective European city compared to larger international towns. The city enjoys delightful weather year-round and is conveniently located just a 45-minute drive from the coast and an hour from Portugal's main mountain ranges. It is a safe and well-equipped town, ideal for living, working, and raising a family.

The Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal) is a newly established institute funded by both the European Union and Portuguese authorities. Its mission is to foster research excellence by providing state-of-the-art facilities, top-quality support for research groups, and the highest standards of training for young researchers. MIA-Portugal is committed to hiring and promoting leading scientists and supporting groundbreaking research in the field of ageing.