GMP Specialist – Quality Control & Cell-Based Testing

Positions Application Deadline: 23 Nov 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Lisbon) Country: Portugal Type of Contract: Permanent Job Status: Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description Fundação D. Anna de Sommer Champalimaud e Dr. Carlos Montez Champalimaud (Champalimaud Foundation), a private, non-profit research institution, is opening a call for a GMP Specialist – Quality Control & Cell-Based Testing . Eligible candidates must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree and will be offered an employment contract with unknown term, within the scope of the research project entitled “CCTC – Comprehensive Cellular Therapy Centre”; with reference “PROJECT REF” - from the call Nº “AAC Lisboa2030-2026-2”, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (through the Lisbon Regional Programme (Lisboa 2030), under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform – STEP). The contract is to be entered into by and between the Champalimaud Foundation and the selected candidate in accordance with all applicable legislation, including Law-Decree 57/2016, of the 29 the of August of 2016 in its current edition and the General Labour Code, as well as the internal rules and regulations of the Champalimaud Foundation, taking into account the conditions set out in the above mentioned Law-Decree for the recruitment of PhD Holders within the scope of research projects funded by public funds The selected candidate will: We are seeking a QC Specialist to join our Cell Center QC/GMP Unit, focusing on quality control testing and analytical support for cell therapy products. The successful candidate will apply a broad range of immunoassay, histological, and molecular techniques across QC/GMP-compliant sample analysis, environmental monitoring, and quality documentation. Assistance with Testing: Support analysts with basic and advanced testing (appearance, physical tests, IHC/IF, ELISA, flow cytometry) and assist in environmental monitoring of cleanroom areas Sample Management: Receive, label, log, and store incoming raw materials, in-process, and finished product samples according to SOPs, ensuring full traceability Documentation & Compliance: Accurately complete all QC/GMP documentation, including batch records, SOPs, logbooks, and laboratory notebook entries to maintain data integrity and regulatory compliance Quality & Compliance: Support deviation investigations, non-conformances, and CAPA processes to ensure quality standards are met Reagent Preparation: Prepare reagents, media, and raw materials for QC; maintain accurate inventory management with proper labelling and documentation Cell Manufacturing Support: Perform aseptic techniques for cell culture, expansion, passaging, harvesting, and cryopreservation under supervision, if needed. Cleanroom Maintenance: Conduct environmental monitoring and cleaning in Grades A, B, and C cleanrooms to prevent contamination Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain biological safety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, centrifuge systems, and liquid nitrogen freezers; calibrate and sanitise laboratory equipment to 5S standards Scientific Contribution: Contribute under supervision to IP generation, data analysis, and scientific dissemination, including publications and international conference presentations Employer: Champalimaud Foundation Department: Cell Center GMP Unit Website: https://www.fchampalimaud.org Number and type of fellowships or contracts to be awarded: 1 contract Application closing date: until November 23, 2026 at 5pm Lisbon time Expected position starting date: as soon as possible Required Education Level: Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) Where to apply Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduUoROdJIf0Bp0hGgOz7UN1zTxgQ2TFJheTBDC28NcyKlPQw/viewform?pli=1 Requirements Research Field: Biological sciences Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications Minimum qualifications: Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Molecular Genetics/Biomedicine, or a related life sciences field (MSc preferred) Specific Requirements Essential skills: Hands-on experience with immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, ELISA, flow cytometry, histological staining and Western blot Familiarity with sample processing techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction and molecular diagnostics (PCR) Proven expertise in primary immune cell culture and human tumor cell line maintenance, alongside practical experience in establishing co-cultures and performing antigen-specific assays Experience in work under GxP conditions Experience in QC validation processes Experience in SOP writing Experience supporting QC documentation and GMP-compliant procedures Strong knowledge of global frameworks and guidelines (such as EMA, FDA and ICH) governing Advanced Therapy Cell Products (ATMPs), specifically regarding cell testing and quality control compliance Background in clinical or diagnostic laboratory workflows Experience in handling automated, continuous-monitoring blood culture and diagnostic systems (BACTEC) Track record of scientific achievements (poster presentations and/or publications); willingness to travel internationally for training and knowledge transfer Proficiency with Microsoft Office, FlowJo, GraphPad, and bibliographic management tools (Mendeley, EndNote) Desirable skills that will also be considered: Experience in manufacturing execution systems (Lonza MODA MES) is an advantage Languages: PORTUGUESE — Excellent Languages: ENGLISH — Excellent Research Field: Biological sciences Additional Information Benefits: Full immersion into a research excellence ecosystem with highly motivated researchers, supported by state-of-the-art technology and continuous development opportunities. Remuneration: The monthly remuneration to be attributed is at a base gross salary of 1.950 Euros includes meal allowance of €9.50 per working day paid via meal card/voucher, which may be increased with other funds, according to experience and performance. Maximum allowable duration: The employment contract is with an unknown term, and is expected to start within the 30 days after this call closing date. Notwithstanding, the parties may, at any time, wish to celebrate a permanent employment contract. The contract of employment resulting from this vacancy will expire due to the supervening, absolute and definitive impossibility of being given continuity if its respective funding is terminated without prejudice to the communication of its termination to the worker, in accordance with the provisions of article 345 of the Labor Code. Eligibility criteria National, Foreign or Stateless candidate(s) who hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Molecular Genetics, Biomedicine or other related scientific areas and a scientific and professional curriculum that reveals a profile appropriate to the activity to be developed. In case of PhD degrees awarded by foreign higher education institutions, the degree must comply with the provisions of Decree-Law No. 341/2007, of 12th of October, and all formalities established therein must be fulfilled by the deadline for application submission. Selection process Candidates will be screened to determine eligibility based on minimum qualifications listed in call. Candidates meeting minimum requirements will be scored according to the required application materials: CV 70% weighting, Motivation letter 20%, Interview 10% (in case of a tie). If provided, and if shortlisted, candidates’ referees may be contacted and may count towards evaluation. Application materials: CV and letter of motivation indicating 2 references (one single pdf document). Proof of qualifications (certificates) may be required at a later date for the formalization of the contract agreement. Degrees obtained abroad may need to be formally recognized in Portugal. How to apply: Candidates must complete the standard application form and submit a single annexed PDF document containing the application materials stated in the call. The call reference will be asked and not having may invalidate your submission. This call reference is: GMP Specialist_GMPUnit.2026 Applications are also accepted in paper, sent or handed to the Fellows Support Office at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal. Notification of results All candidates will receive a receipt of acknowledgment within 7-10 business days. The highest scoring candidate will be notified by email or telephone. All other candidates will be notified solely by email of the final outcome of the recruitment process. After being notified, candidates will have 10 working days to present a claim for redress by email ( careers@research.fchampalimaud.org ). If no claim is received by the Champalimaud Foundation, the Evaluation Committee's decision will become definitive. Additional comments About Us Research is at the heart of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, a modern research and clinical facility situated on the waterfront in Lisbon, Portugal. The goal of Champalimaud Research (CR) is to perform world-leading fundamental and translational research. Current research work is focused on the fields of neuroscience, physiology and cancer. Champalimaud Research comprises a team of over 400 scientists from around the world. English is the official language of the Centre. Lisbon’s sunny Atlantic Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture and high quality of life make this a great place to live and work. Relevant Institutional Information In line with our community guidelines and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and Gender Equality Plan, no candidate may be privileged, favored, prejudiced or deprived of any right or excluded from any duty on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, chronic illness, language, nationality, territory of origin, family status (marital, pregnancy and maternity, having or not having dependents), socioeconomic situation, education, religion, political or ideological beliefs, trade union membership, or on any other grounds which are irrelevant to decision-making. Legal Notices The present call has the sole purpose of filling the indicated research position. This call may be canceled at any time on or before the jury’s evaluation of all eligible candidates and the recruitment process shall be concluded on the day of the full execution of the contract between the Champalimaud Foundation and the selected candidate. Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: Champalimaud Foundation Country: Portugal Contact State/Province: Lisboa City: Lisboa Website: https://fchampalimaud.org/ Street: Avenida Brasília Postal Code: 1400-038