MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship

Contact Information

• Organisation / Company Type: Higher Education Institution
• Website: https://www.uc.pt/fmuc/icbr/
• https://henriquealvesresearch.mozello.com/
• https://cibb.uc.pt/pt/people/chalves
• Email: chalves@fmed.uc.pt
• Postal Code: 3004-5548
• Street: Azinhaga de Santa Combra

Description

Research Topic

The host laboratory at the University of Coimbra and the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) is dedicated to advancing research and therapeutic innovation in Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) through the integration of stem cell biology, retinal disease modelling, gene therapy, and genome engineering.

Led by Dr. Henrique Alves, a researcher with extensive international experience in neuroscience, stem cell biology, retinal degeneration, and translational ophthalmology, the group develops cutting-edge approaches to understand disease mechanisms and accelerate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for IRDs.

Research activities combine expertise in:

• Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technologies
• Retinal disease modelling
• Molecular and cellular biology
• Gene therapy and genome engineering
• Translational ophthalmology

A central strength of the laboratory is its use of advanced hiPSC-derived cellular models, including:

• Retinal organoids
• Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)
• Photoreceptor precursor cells
• Endothelial cells
• Microglia

These platforms are integrated with state-of-the-art gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas9-HDR, Base Editing, and Prime Editing to investigate pathogenic mechanisms and develop innovative therapeutic approaches for IRDs.

The laboratory maintains a strong translational focus through close collaboration with Dr. João Pedro Marques at the Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC), enabling direct interaction with clinicians, access to patient cohorts, clinical data, and natural history studies. This close integration between laboratory and clinical research fosters patient-centered projects and enhances the translational potential of scientific discoveries.

Expected Candidate Profile

We are seeking highly motivated candidates interested in developing an ambitious MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) proposal within the fields of retinal biology, stem cell research, gene editing, and translational biomedical sciences.

Applicants should ideally have:

• A PhD in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, ophthalmology, or related fields;
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• hiPSC culture and differentiation
• Organoid systems and disease modelling
• Molecular biology and genome engineering
• CRISPR-based technologies
• Cellular imaging and phenotyping
• Omics or bioinformatic analyses
• A strong publication track record relative to career stage;
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English;
• Capacity for independent research, scientific creativity, and collaborative teamwork;
• Be a nice person :)

Candidates with interests aligned with translational and clinically oriented research are particularly encouraged to apply.

Host Institution and Research Environment

The University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, offers a vibrant and internationally connected academic environment with a strong tradition in biomedical and translational research.

The host group is integrated within the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), a dynamic research ecosystem promoting close interaction between basic scientists, clinicians, and international collaborators.

Fellows will benefit from access to:

• State-of-the-art stem cell and organoid facilities;
• Advanced molecular biology and genome-editing platforms;
• High-resolution imaging and cellular characterization infrastructures;
• Clinical collaborations through the Coimbra University Hospital Centre (CHUC);
• National and international research networks in ophthalmology, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy.

The laboratory offers a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment with advanced training opportunities in:

• Stem cell biology and retinal disease modelling
• Gene-editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas9, Prime and Base Editing)
• Translational medicine
• Scientific communication and dissemination
• Project management and grant writing

MSCA fellows will also have opportunities to engage in collaborative projects, mentoring activities, student supervision, networking events, and science outreach initiatives within a supportive and international research environment.

Location and Quality of Life

Located in the historic city of Coimbra, Portugal, the laboratory offers an outstanding quality of life in one of Europe’s most iconic university cities. Coimbra combines a rich academic tradition with a welcoming international atmosphere, affordable living costs, excellent healthcare, and a mild sunny climate, making it an attractive destination for international researchers and their families.

Application and Contact

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A detailed CV;
• A brief motivation statement;
• A preliminary project idea (1–2 pages) aligned with the laboratory’s research themes and suitable for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship application, which may be further developed in close collaboration with the host laboratory.

Applications and informal inquiries should be sent to:

Dr. Henrique Alves

Email: chalves@fmed.uc.pt

Early contact is strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for proposal co-development and strategic preparation of the MSCA application.