Description Research Fellow–Biophysics for viral detection
Job Reference: Ref.03.24.11
Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)
Location: Braga, Portugal
Group/Unit: Medical Devices
Number of Vacancies:1
Employment Type: Full time
Contract Duration:24 months
Open Date for Applications: March 7th, 2024
Closing Date for Applications:March, 31st, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)
Key words: #biophysics #microfluidics#softmatter#viruses #biomolecularinteractions #opticalmicroscopy
Overview
The Medical Devices Research Group is dedicated to the development of innovative devices for cutting-edge applications in life sciences.
We are seeking a highly-motivated Postdoctoral Researcherto join our team tackling the development of novel sensor for automated broad spectrum detection of viral targets, under the project FLow detection of virUses by graphene Field Effect Transistor microarrays – FLUFET, funded by a grant from European Commission Pathfinder programme with reference number ******** .
Zoonotic infectious diseases, i.e. diseases that transmit from animals to humans, are on the rise, and the potential for a new pandemic is more significant than ever. It is, therefore, imperative to develop advanced technologies capable of continuous monitoring to identify high-risk zones for pathogen transmission between animals and humans. This requirement is essential to mitigate the potential human, socio-political, and economic impact of pandemics.FLUFET consortium develops the first automated sensor capable of continuously detecting a broad spectrum of viral targets, including unknown viruses. The sensor combines technologies and knowledge from different fields, such as graphene field effect transistors (gFETs), microfluidics, virology, biophysics and engineering and is promising to identify infectious zoonotic threats before they can reach humans and trigger potential outbreaks, enabling continuous prevention of pandemics.
Job Duties
The job duties will be the following:
Design, optimise and fabricatemicrofluidic devices and flow-cells around graphene based FET sensors;Finite element modelling (e.g. COMSOL) to understand interactions between flows, viral particles and surfaces;Design and implementmicrofluidic systems with flow-controls;Perform chemical functionalisation of surfaces;Study and optimise interaction of particles, receptors and flows using optical microscopy approaches;Process data from sensors and microscopy images;Develop biophysical models and understanding of behaviours required to operate the sensors;Test, optimise and benchmark the sensor system performance with test particles, liposomes and model viruses;Participate in research planning and experimental design activities;Contribute to the group's sustainability and core activities;Contribute to the dissemination of scientific results in high quality journals and by participating in national and international conferences;Contribute to preparing required reports and documentation. MandatoryQualifications
Education
PhD in Physics, Biophysics, Applied Physics,Soft-matter Physics, Bioengineering, Chemistry orother Physical or Engineering sciences, or related areas. Technical Skills
Microfluidic devices and systems, their design and implementation;Biophysics and chemistry of protein-ligand interactions;Finite element modelling (e.g. COMSOL);Fluorescence microscopy;Chemical functionalisation and surface chemistry;Microfabrication;Data analysis (e.g. image and signal processing, noise, statistics etc.) Preferred Experience and Technical skills
Experience with basic laboratory automation and programming (such as,Matlab, Python, Arduino) are highly advantageous;Knowledge and experience working with biological interfaces, membranes, biological micro- and nanoparticles and viruses are highly valuable;Experience and knowledge onmicrofluidic instrumentation (e.g., flow controllers, pumps, valves)is a plus;Experience writing reports (e.g. for funding agencies) is valued;Skills to mentor younger students and communicate with collaborators with differentbackgrounds is advantageous. Personal Skills
"Hands-on" approach together with a high commitment in respecting deadlines;Problem-solving capability;Ability to work independently and as team player in an international team;Organisational skills;Good verbal and written communication skills;Impeccable data management skills;Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading comprehension). 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 thefollowingmandatory documents:
a)Cover letter;
b)Curriculum Vitae;
c)Academic and/or Professional diplomas;
Online application instructions:
The application is made online by clicking the "Apply" button below;The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above inpdf 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.
