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CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Postdoctoral/Auxiliary Researcher Position

University of Coimbra opens a call to hire one Postdoctoral/Auxiliary Researcher to join Marco Candeias’ Lab at the Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing - MIA-Portugal, co-funded by the European Horizon2020 TEAMING Program (reference: 857524), and the Operational Program of the Centro Region of Portugal (CCDRC Ref: CENTRO-45-2020-75), in the conditions described below. The full text of the Call is available at https://www.uc.pt/mia/open-positions/ or upon request to [email protected].

Reference of the expression of interest: MIA-AR-2026-03

Scientific area: Life Sciences (biochemistry; molecular and cell biology; genetics), Health Sciences (biomedical sciences; mechanisms of oncogenesis)

Work plan/objectives: The successful candidate will contribute to the research activities of the Molecular Ageing, RNA Chemistry & Oncogenesis (MARCO) Group, led by Dr Marco Candeias. Our projects investigate the physiological functions of the p53 gene and its RNA and protein products, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms that govern tissue homeostasis, regeneration, transformation, and ageing. Many major conditions—including dementia, heart failure, degenerative diseases, cancer, and even aspects of natural ageing—arise from the progressive loss of cellular homeostasis within specialised tissues. Although p53 has been implicated in all these processes, the mechanisms underlying its diverse functions remain poorly understood. Our laboratory has observed that distinct cell types display characteristic p53 product profiles, and that altering these profiles can profoundly influence cell behaviour and fate. By studying the expression, regulation, and function of p53 in its multiple forms across different cells, tissues, and organs, we aim to understand how p53 activity is adapted to specific biological contexts. Ultimately, our goal is to define the precise roles and regulatory mechanisms of p53 products in tissue maintenance, degeneration, and disease. This knowledge may help uncover new strategies to protect tissues and organisms from degeneration, malignant transformation, and age-associated decline.

Skills/Qualifications: Successful candidates must hold a PhD in Biochemistry or a related field by the start date of the contract. Prior research experience in the p53 field, supported by relevant publications and/or preprints, is required. Expertise in p53 isoforms and their regulation will be considered a strong advantage. Candidates should have solid experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, molecular cloning, Western blotting, and protein, RNA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation approaches. The position requires highly motivated and productive individuals capable of working both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment. Candidates must have successfully defended their PhD thesis prior to the beginning of the contract and possess excellent written and spoken English skills.

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: University of Coimbra – Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal) 

Selection criteria: The selection and ranking criteria for the Curricular Evaluation (CF) will be assessed on a scale of 0 to 20 points, according to the following formula:

1. 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.
2. 2. 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. 

If selected for interview:

1. 1. I – Interview (80%): the jury will interview the 3 best ranked [in criteria a) and b)] candidates, for clarifications, discussion, understanding of the group’s mission and commitment to that mission.
2. 2. 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. 

Evaluation and selection jury: 

Doctor Marco Candeias, Principal Investigator at MIA-Portugal

Professor Manuel António da Silva Santos, Scientific Director of MIA-Portugal 

Doctor Susanne Nichterwitz, Auxiliary Researcher at MIA-Portugal

Professor Luísa Romão, Principal Investigator at Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge

Expressions of Interest: Applications must be formalised by sending the documents indicated below in PDF format by e-mail to [email protected]  with subject MIA-AR-2026-01. Please refer to https://www.uc.pt/mia/open-positions/ for more details.

1. 1. Curriculum Vitae
2. 2. Copy of all qualification certificates or diplomas
3. 3. Motivation letter including contact information for two references
4. 4. Other documents considered relevant by the candidates

Submission of applications: Between 03/06/2026 and 18/06/2026.

Submission deadline date: 18/06/2026.

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 Union 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.