Assistant Researcher Positions with Masters degree

secretaria.mia@uc.pt .

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

Scientific area: Life Sciences (molecular and cellular physiology) and Health Sciences (biomedical sciences, regenerative medicine).

Work plan/objectives: The successful candidates will work on projects related to the biology of ageing and/or chronic age-related diseases, namely the study of the cellular mechanisms of ageing and the discovery of new therapies capable of minimising or reversing the process. Together with the principal investigator, the candidates will plan, carry out and analyse experiments using the laboratory's established protocols (or other relevant methods). The candidate will be responsible for documenting their activities and results in line with the laboratory's and institution's data policy. The project involves the culture of cell lines and human stem cells, and animal experimentation (mice).

Preferred requirements: Preference will be given to candidates with research experience in, and motivation for, the biology of ageing and chronic age-related diseases. Experience in the isolation and culture of primary human cells, histological analysis techniques and the handling of mice (FELASA licence) will be considered an advantage. Experience in transcriptomic and/or proteomic data analysis is preferred.

Wages and Benefits: 2.000,00€ 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: MIA-Portugal, University of Coimbra.

Selection criteria: The selection process will be conducted in two stages.

Stage 1

CV – Curriculum Vitae (70%), comprising education, previous positions and all types of research activity including but not limited to Master and internship projects, methods used, skills acquired, publications, preprints and unpublished data of relevance, any funding and rewards acquired as well as public presentations, participation in editorial, evaluation or review committees, etc.

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. Also include contact information for two references.

Based on the results of Stage 1, up to three of the highest-ranked candidates will be invited to proceed to Stage 2 and will be evaluated as follows:

Stage 2

I – Interview (80%): the jury will interview up to three of the best ranked candidates in Stage 1, for clarifications, discussion, understanding of the group's mission and commitment to that mission.

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 MSc supervisor or last employment.

The final classification (FC) will be expressed on a scale from 0 to 20 points, rounded to two decimal places, and calculated as follows:

Stage 1 Score (S1) = (CV × 70%) + (Cover Letter × 30%)

Stage 2 Score (S2) = (References × 20%) + (Interview × 80%)

The final classification (FC) will then be calculated as: FC = (S1 × 70%) + (S2 × 30%)

Evaluation and selection jury:

Doctor Hugo Fernandes, Principal Investigator at MIA-Portugal

Professor Luís Bimbo, Professor at Faculty of Pharmacy at University of Coimbra

Doctor Joana Ferreira, Principal Investigator at MIA-Portugal

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-ASR-2026-01. Please refer to https://www.uc.pt/mia/open-positions/ for more details.

1. Detailed Curriculum Vitae, duly dated and signed.
2. Copy of all qualification certificates or diplomas. Please note that a non-portuguese degree will have to be recognised in Portugal prior to contract signature.
3. Cover Letter including contact information for two references
4. Other documents considered relevant by the candidates

Submission of applications: Between 08/10/2026 and 21/10/2026.

Submission deadline date: 21/10/2026.

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 Commission 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 early-career researchers. MIA-Portugal is committed to hiring and promoting leading scientists and supporting groundbreaking research in the field of ageing.