Postdoctoral/Auxiliary Researcher Position

Reference of the expression of interest: MIA-AR-2026-06

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

Work plan/objectives: The Advanced Cell Technology Lab, led by Dr Hugo Fernandes, develops innovative cell-based and molecular strategies to understand and modulate the cellular mechanisms underlying tissue dysfunction, ageing, and regeneration. We are particularly interested in integrated mitochondrial biology, extracellular vesicles, and advanced therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of developing translational strategies to restore cellular and tissue function and promote healthy ageing.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong passion for research to join our team. If you're intrigued by our work and thrive in curiosity-driven research, we encourage you to reach out. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for both academic and professional growth, with collaborative opportunities across MIA-Portugal and the University of Coimbra.

Our research combines advanced cellular disease and ageing models with molecular and functional approaches to investigate the mechanisms through which small RNAs regulate cellular dysfunction. Emphasis will be placed on the study of mitochondrial metabolism, oxidative stress and cell survival. The candidate will be expected to contribute to the development and preclinical evaluation of innovative RNA-based therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders, using both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Training and/or experience in laboratory animal experimentation will be considered an asset.

The candidate will also contribute to the development and optimization of extracellular vesicle (EV)-based nanoformulations for the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, including miRNAs and other RNA molecules.

The position will involve close interaction with researchers within MIA-Portugal, the University of Coimbra, national and international academic and industrial partners. The candidate is expected to contribute actively to the design and execution of experiments, interpretation and dissemination of research results, preparation of scientific manuscripts and funding applications, and the development of collaborative research activities.

Skills/Qualifications: Successful candidates will have a PhD in biomedicine, molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry or other related fields. The candidate should have demonstrated research experience in mammalian cellular models, with documented expertise in at least three of the following areas: microRNA/RNA biology, extracellular vesicles, mitochondrial biology, cellular metabolism, or molecular mechanisms of ageing.

Candidates must have defended their PhD thesis before the start of the contract and be fluent in English (oral and written).

Wages and Benefits: 3.575,56€ 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, PhD, internship and post-doctoral 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 PhD 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-AR-2026-04. 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.

Where to apply

E-mail: secretaria.mia@uc.pt

Requirements

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

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: University of Coimbra
• Country: Portugal

Contact

• City: Coimbra
• Website: http://www.uc.pt
• Street: Rua Larga
• Postal Code: 3004-504 Coimbra