Invited Assistant Researcher (Assistant Researcher Position)

GCure is an ERA Chair project aimed at strengthening the Research & Innovation potential of the University of Coimbra in Biomolecular Medicine through the establishment of a research programme dedicated to next-generation Gene Therapy Vectors, building upon UC's expertise in Gene Therapy at CNC-UC and GeneT.

The successful researcher will join the GCure research team and contribute to the preclinical development and biological evaluation of innovative gene therapy approaches, working at the interface between gene therapy, experimental neuroscience and disease modelling.

The position is intended to complement GCure's activities in viral vector design, development and production by strengthening expertise in in vivo preclinical models, neuropathological characterization, therapeutic response assessment and quantitative data analysis, contributing to the translation of next-generation gene therapy vectors into relevant disease models.

Summary

The University of Coimbra has an open call for one PhD-holding position of Invited Assistant Researcher under DL 124/99-Tier1-Index 195, to be integrated within the research activities of GCure – From Gene to Cure, GeneT and CiBB.

GCure is an ERA Chair project aimed at strengthening the Research & Innovation capacity of the University of Coimbra in next-generation Gene Therapy Vectors. Building upon UC's strong foundation in Gene Therapy research at CNC-UC and GeneT, GCure aims to establish a core R&I cluster dedicated to advanced viral vector technologies, strengthen research and technological capacity, expand participation in collaborative R&I projects, attract international researchers and high-value collaborations, and enhance the international recognition and long-term sustainability of Gene Therapy research at the University of Coimbra.

Within GCure, research activities encompass the development and optimization of next-generation viral vectors, together with their biological characterization and preclinical evaluation in relevant experimental systems and disease models.

The recruited researcher will contribute expertise in experimental and translational neuroscience and preclinical disease modelling, supporting the evaluation of innovative gene therapy and viral-vector-based approaches in relevant in vivo models.

Particular emphasis will be placed on neurological and neurodegenerative disease models, in vivo studies, neuronal vulnerability and neuropathological processes, histological characterization, quantitative analysis, and assessment of therapeutic response, providing a complementary preclinical platform to GCure's activities in vector development and optimization.

Scientific Area

Gene Therapy and Translational Neuroscience

Objectives/Responsibilities

The recruited researcher will contribute to the implementation of GCure's Research & Innovation programme, particularly to the preclinical development and evaluation of next-generation Gene Therapy approaches, contributing to:

• Development, optimization and characterization of experimental models of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases relevant for gene therapy research;
• Design and implementation of in vivo preclinical studies for the evaluation of innovative viral-vector-based therapeutic approaches;
• Assessment of biological activity, therapeutic efficacy and disease-related outcomes following gene therapy interventions;
• Investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, neuronal vulnerability and disease progression;
• Histological and neuropathological processing and characterization of nervous-system tissues;
• Contribution to the evaluation of viral vector biodistribution, transduction and biological effects in relevant experimental models;
• Integration of experimental, histological and quantitative approaches for the characterization of therapeutic responses;
• Quantitative analysis, interpretation and integration of complex experimental datasets;
• Contribution to the development of robust and translationally relevant preclinical platforms supporting next-generation Gene Therapy research;
• Close interaction with GCure researchers working on viral vector design, engineering, production and characterization, contributing to the translation of vector technologies into relevant biological and disease models.

Additional responsibilities:

• Design, planning and execution of experimental studies;
• Data analysis, interpretation and dissemination through scientific publications, presentations and reports;
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams working in Gene Therapy, vector biology, neuroscience and preclinical research;
• Contribution to GCure project activities, milestones, deliverables and scientific reporting;
• Participation in national and international scientific collaborations;
• Contribution to collaborative R&I projects and competitive funding applications;
• Participation in scientific and advanced training activities within GCure, GeneT and CiBB;
• Contribution to the development and implementation of GCure's long-term research and innovation strategy.

Skills / Qualifications

Essential

• PhD in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biology, Biomedicine, or a related field;
• Strong scientific background in neuroscience, neurodegenerative diseases and/or translational biomedical research;
• Proven research experience in the development, use and/or characterization of experimental models relevant to neurological or neurodegenerative diseases;
• Experience in preclinical research, laboratory experimentation and experimental design;
• Experience in the analysis, interpretation and integration of experimental data;
• Ability to contribute to the preclinical evaluation of innovative therapeutic approaches;
• Scientific publications in relevant fields;
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams and at the interface between Gene Therapy and disease-oriented preclinical research;
• Proficiency in English, written and spoken.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of viral-vector-based experimental approaches, particularly AAV-based strategies in neurological research;
• Experience with in vivo models, including rodent models or advanced preclinical models, including non-human primates;
• Training or experience in bioinformatics, biostatistics and quantitative data analysis;
• International research experience or experience in collaborative and multidisciplinary research environments.

Benefits

The successful candidate will be hired by the University of Coimbra under up to a three years full-time work contract.

Selection methods

The selection includes Curricular Evaluation (CE; 60%) and Interview (I; 40%).

Selection criteria

The Curricular Evaluation (CE) will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula: CE = 80% CV + 20% ML

Where, CV: Curriculum Vitae – R&D experience; outputs; suitability of the candidate’s profile for the position and for the mission of GCure and other relevant experience, achievements and skills related to the functions and ML: Motivation letter.

The Interview (I), to which only candidates scoring above the 50% threshold in the CE evaluation will be invited, will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula:

I = 80% KC + 20% MI, where:

KC: Demonstrable knowledge and R&D competencies relevant to Gene Therapy and Translational Neuroscience, particularly in preclinical research, in vivo disease modelling, biological and therapeutic evaluation of experimental approaches, histological and neuropathological characterization, and quantitative analysis of experimental data. Knowledge and/or experience with viral-vector-based approaches in neurological disease models and the candidate's ability to contribute to the preclinical evaluation of next-generation Gene Therapy strategies will also be considered, together with the suitability of the candidate's profile for the position and for the mission of GCure = 80%

MI: Motivation and interest for the position and for contributing to the scientific objectives of GCure = 20%

Selection Panel

Luís Pereira de Almeida (GeneT, CNC-UC, University of Coimbra, Portugal) – President

Jude Samukski (Era-Chair)

Rui Jorge Nobre (ViraVector Director of Engineering and Viral Production, GeneT, CNC-UC, University of Coimbra, Portugal)

Sónia Patrícia Duarte (GCure, CNC-UC, University of Coimbra, Portugal)

Ana Santos Carvalho (GeneT, CNC-UC, University of Coimbra, Portugal)

How to apply

Applications should be submitted to genet.applications@uc.pt, written in English, with the subject: GCure – Assistant Researcher – Applicant’s First and Last Name until November 8th, 2026 and include the following documents and information:

a) Motivation letter, where the candidate should explain his/her motivation, the knowledge and the relevant competencies for the position in question and for the GCure mission;

b) Detailed Curriculum vitae including a brief synopsis of the career path, full publication list (co-authorships included), participation/coordination in/of relevant funded research and translation projects (and in what capacity), supervision of graduate students, and other relevant information for the position;

c) Full name and email of three professional references.

Requirements

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

English

Level

Excellent

Additional Information

About us

The University of Coimbra provides a scientifically vibrant environment with access to state‑of‑the‑art research infrastructures, professional support offices (grant management, technology transfer, science communication), and strong international visibility. The city of Coimbra offers exceptional quality of life, affordability, safety, and an excellent climate for work–life balance. The GCure project is part of the GeneT Gene Therapy Center of Excellence Portugal ecosystem. GeneT integrates CiBB that includes the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC-UC) and the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR). CiBB is located at the University of Coimbra (UC) and is an Associate Laboratory, a status of excellence granted by the Portuguese National Science & Technology funding agency (FCT). CiBB, with around 320 researchers, fosters high-level and vibrant biomedical and biotechnology research, featuring a strategic research line on Innovative Therapies with a core research group devoted to Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapies, from which the project GeneT has spawned. GeneT research groups will benefit from CIBB state-of-the-art research infrastructures (i.e. animal facility, advanced microscopy, viral vector production unit, etc), professional support offices (i.e Pre- and Post-award Grant offices, Technology Transfer office, Science Communication, etc), Clinical Trial Unit, and administrative support.

The GeneT is committed to diversity and supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age, or sexual identity.

Beyond the academic realm, the city of Coimbra offers an exceptional quality of life. Nestled amidst breath-taking landscapes and steeped in history (UC is World Heritage), it is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, a very affordable European city, safe and with an inviting atmosphere to live, work and raise a family, with excellent weather all year round and a 45-minute drive to the beach.

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Universidade de Coimbra – CiBB (GeneT, CNC-UC)
• Country: Portugal
• State/Province: Coimbra
• City: Coimbra
• Postal Code: 3004-507
• Street: Rua Larga – Polo I

Contact

• City: Coimbra
• Website: https://www.uc.pt/en/gcure/
• Street: Rua Larga – Polo I
• Postal Code: 3004-507
• E-Mail: info.GeneT@uc.pt