PRR Project

Summary

Job Description:  ???????Highly motivated and experienced Assistant Researcher with a strong background in peptide chemical biology, supramolecular peptide chemistry and biomaterials, with a specific focus on unraveling life´s organizational principles and engineering functional peptide-based materials with diverse applications. This role involves leading innovative research projects focused on understanding the organization of biological systems (e.g. compartmentalization and natural proteins involved in structural support and integrity), including investigating peptide motifs´ liquid-liquid phase transition propensity and developing dynamic peptide scaffolds for diverse applications, alongside exploring bioelectronic applications utilizing artificial collagen-mimetic peptides.Key Responsibilities: 1) Design and leading cutting-edge research on dynamic peptide-systems chemistry, with a particular focus on peptide biomaterials inspired by collagen organization, and their intersection with bioelectronics and peptide-driven systems for protocell mimics.2) Lead and manage research projects, including securing funding, project planning, execution, and dissemination of results.3) Provide leadership, mentorship and supervision of PhD and Master students fostering a productive and inclusive lab environment.4) Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams within and outside the institution.5) Contribute to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, conference and training workshops organization and participation in scientific committees. 6) Teach at a postgraduate level (master and PhD). 7) Actively participate in citizen science and science outreach activities. Scientific Profile Required:1) PhD in Biotechnology, Chemistry, or a related field;2) Experience as independent group leader;3) Proven experience, through publications and successful grant acquisition, in peptide chemistry, supramolecular biomaterials, and chemical biology methodologies.4) Track record of publications in international journals, with publications as first author and corresponding author;5) Demonstrated ability to secure national and international competitive research funding;6) Proficient in solid-phase peptide synthesis, advanced peptide engineering, and chemical biology techniques, with expertise in designing and characterizing supramolecular assemblies using a range of analytical tools including spectroscopy and microscopy;7) Strong leadership, mentorship, and collaborative skills;8) Excellent communication and organizational abilities;9) Teaching experience;10) Fluency in English and Portuguese (spoken and written). Rationale for Hiring:The hiring of an Assistant Researcher with a specialized focus on the development of functional peptide-based materials and peptide-driven systems for protocell mimics will significantly advance our understanding of complex biological organization. By synthesizing dynamic peptide biomaterials and investigating their intersection with bioelectronics, the candidate will contribute to the creation of innovative technologies with a wide range of applications, including electronic skin technology. This aligns perfectly with ITQB-NOVA´s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing real-world challenges.Furthermore, peptide-mediated approaches offer a complementary means of understanding molecular mechanisms in biological processes, utilizing simple molecular systems such as peptides. Through the engineering of interfaces between living and non-living matter and the creation of peptide-based hybrid systems, the candidate will provide valuable insights into the emergence of life-like complexity. This contribution will significantly enhance our knowledge in chemical biology, reinforcing ITQB-NOVA´s position as a leader in this field.The candidate´s unique combination of expertise in Peptide chemical biology, Supramolecular peptide chemistry, and Biomaterials will serve to strengthen both the chemistry division and the field of chemical biology at ITQB-NOVA. Their interdisciplinary approach will bridge the gap between chemistry and biology, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas within the institution. Additionally, the candidate´s leadership in driving research initiatives and securing funding will play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and growth of both the chemistry division and the chemical biology field at ITQB-NOVA. Ultimately, this role is indispensable for advancing our mission to contribute to global health security, promoting innovation, and supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure.