Junior Researcher (PhD holder)

Offer Description

LIP – Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics opens an international call for the recruitment of a Junior Researcher (PhD holder) within the scope of the FCT exploratory project “Radiation Physics and Biology at the cellular level: towards the optimization of clinical dosimetry”, with reference LISBOA2030-FEDER-00841000, funded by the PORTUGAL 2030 program and FCT (State Budget).

Work plan:

The Cell.DOT project aims to advance beyond the current state of the art in targeted radiation therapy (TRT), highlighting its pioneering nature. The project will achieve this by imaging subcellular radionuclide distributions, integrating these data into physicochemical models, and accurately predicting radiation-induced biological effects at the single-cell level before scaling the approach to three-dimensional models that resemble a metastatic niche. Ultimately, Cell.DOT seeks to reduce uncertainties in TRT and improve the optimization of clinical dosimetry.

This objective will be accomplished through the synergistic integration of complementary research areas, including advanced imaging, physics, chemistry, and biology.

The contracted researcher will contribute to the following project tasks:

• Developing and applying advanced imaging tools to improve the accuracy of biological effect data;
• Performing Monte Carlo simulations for accurate dosimetry assessment;
• Developing a multiscale model that correlates the micro- and nanodosimetric patterns of radiation, derived from subcellular radionuclide distributions, with the biological effects observed at the scale of a metastatic niche; and
• Supporting project coordination, dissemination activities, and impact generation.

The research work will be carried out at LIP – Lisbon, within the scope of the activities of the RADART research group, led by Prof. Jorge Sampaio.

Legislation:

The contract will be established in accordance with Decree-Law nº 57/2016 of August 29, amended by Law nº 57/2017 of July 19, which regulates the employment of PhD holders to promote scientific and technological employment.

Duration:

The fixed-term contract will have an expected duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension for an additional 3 months.

Applicants should submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Motivation letter (in English);
• Research Statement (in English)
• Curriculum Vitae (in English);
• PhD certificate.
• 1 Recommendation letter

Applications should be sent by email to: lisboa.candidaturas@lip.pt

Where to apply

• E-mail: lisboa.candidaturas@lip.pt

Requirements

• Research Field: Physics
• Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

PhD degree in Physics, Physics Engineering, Biomedical and Biophysics Engineering, or a closely related field.

• A background in Physics, Physical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Biophysics;
• The candidate must be fluent in English;
• Familiarity with the fundamental concepts of radiation–matter interactions, dosimetry, and radiobiology.

Specific Requirements

Preferred criteria:

• Knowledge of cell biology;
• Experience with cellular imaging techniques;
• Programming experience (Python, C++)
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulations, namely with Geant4 e Geant4-DNA or with TOPAS and TOPAS-nBIO.

The candidate should have previous research experience in multidisciplinary environments involving the application of physical principles to biomedical challenges. Experience in experimental or computational approaches to the study of radiation effects at biological scales will be particularly valued, including work related to radiation dosimetry, radiobiology, or the development of imaging-based methodologies. A strong background in quantitative modelling and data analysis, supported by programming skills and experience with computational simulation tools, will be considered an asset. Candidates with prior experience in multiscale approaches, Monte Carlo-based radiation transport simulations, and the integration of physical and biological information to investigate radiation-induced effects will be especially encouraged to apply.

• Languages: ENGLISH
• Level: Excellent
• Research Field: Physics
• Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4

Additional Information

Benefits

Monthly remuneration to be paid is the level 33 of the Single Salary Table, i.e. 2.351,53 Euros.

Eligibility criteria

Any national, foreign, or stateless candidates who hold an academic or professional curriculum whose profile is suited for the activity to be performed can submit their applications. All candidates who formalize their applications in an improper way or fail to prove the requirements imposed by this tender are excluded from admission. In case of doubt, the panel is entitled to request any candidate to present further documentation supporting his/her statements. False statements provided by the candidates shall be punished by law. In the event of the degree was awarded by a foreign higher education institution, the degree must comply with the provisions of the Decree-Law nº. 66/2018, of 16 august (https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/degree-and-diploma-recognition?plid=1536). The selected candidate must provide the recognition of the degree when signing the contract.

Selection process

Evaluation:

Evaluation criteria:

• Curriculum Vitae (40%);
• Research statement and adequacy of the scientific profile to the proposed work plan (60%).

Members of the Jury:

Effective

• Professor Jorge Miguel Sampaio (LIP/FCUL)
• Professor Ana Belchior (C2TN/IST)
• Professor Patrícia Gonçalves (LIP/IST)

Substitute members

• Professor Teresa Pinheiro (iBB/IST)
• Professor Paulo Crespo (LIP/UC)

Advertising / notification of results:

The results of the evaluation will be communicated by email; in case of disagreement, the candidates have a period of 10 working days to contest the decision, as provided for in the Code of Administrative Procedure in a preliminary hearing. At the end of this period, the arguments presented will be analysed by the jury committee, who will simultaneously communicate the final decision to all the candidates who submitted allegations. The results of the shortlisted applicants will be communicated by e‐mail. In case of disagreement, the candidates have a period of 15 working days to contest the decision.

Additional comments

Non-discrimination and equal access policy: LIP actively promotes a non-discrimination and equal access policy, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of any duties based on their ancestry, age, sex, sexual preference, marital status, family and economic conditions, instruction, origin or social conditions, genetic heritage, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin or race, origin territory, language, religion, political or ideological convictions and union membership.

Website for additional job details: https://www.lip.pt/?section=about&page=recruitment

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: LIP - Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas
• Country: Portugal
• State/Province: LISBON
• City: LISBON

Contact

• City: LISBON
• Website: http://www.lip.pt
• Street: Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, nº 2
• Postal Code: 1649-003
• E-Mail: natalia@lip.pt