PRR Project

Summary

Job Description: Experienced Assistant Researcher with a strong background in molecular biology and microbiology, with a specific focus on molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases. Key responsibilities include: 1) Staying informed about advancements in molecular diagnostic technologies and methodologies applied to infectious agents; 2) Coordinating and/or participating in research projects aimed at developing new assays, improving existing protocols, or exploring novel applications in the field of infectious diseases; 3) Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including clinicians, chemists, and biophysicists; 4) Teaching and supervising undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students; 5) Designing and optimizing molecular-based diagnostic tests for swift and effective detection of infectious agents, aligned with the WHO’s REASSURED criteria; 6) Identifying and validating microbial biomarkers associated with infectious diseases treatment response; 7) Evaluating and selecting appropriate test formats, reagents, and detection methods; 8) Analyzing data using software tools for quantification, normalization, and statistical analysis; 9) Reporting data, including writing manuscripts and developing concise documents outlining the primary outcomes of developed tests, emphasizing the technology´s advantages; 10) Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical guidelines governing research involving clinical specimens; 11) Scouting for new intellectual property assets to ensure proper protection in anticipation of future technology collaborations and/or licensing to industrial partners; 12) Presenting results to colleagues and stakeholders as needed. Scientific profile required: 1) Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline, 2) Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR), LAMP (Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification), RT-LAMP (Reverse Transcription LAMP), DNA cloning, sequencing, and in vitro transcription; 3) Knowledge of SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) and YSF (Yeast Surface Display); 4) Experience in designing and optimizing molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, with publications or other scientific communications demonstrating expertise; 5) Demonstrated proficiency in working with a broad spectrum of infectious agents, encompassing bacteria, viruses, and fungi; 6) Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to current drugs, with a focus on fungi; 7) Prior experience in conducting research projects related to molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases; 8) Experience in writing patents; 9) Capacity to troubleshoot experimental challenges and optimize assay protocols; 10) Ability to work with interdisciplinary teams; 10) Fluency in English and Portuguese (spoken and written). Rationale for hiring: The COVID-19 pandemic showed how vulnerable we are to microbial pathogens. Infectious diseases will persist in posing threats to society in the future, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis to guide effective prevention strategies, as well as medical and public health decisions. Indeed, during the pandemic, molecular diagnostics supported robust disease surveillance systems by providing real-time data on disease prevalence, transmission dynamics, and geographic spread. Timely and accurate surveillance data informed public health interventions, including contact tracing, and vaccination strategies, leading to more effective disease control and prevention efforts. The diagnosis of many infectious diseases is still heavily dependent on low-sensitivity and time-consuming microbiological procedures, which facilitate disease transmission, delay treatment, and worsen prognosis. Current tests are also unable to quickly identify drug-resistant pathogens, leading to inefficient treatment and infection control strategies. These limitations greatly contribute to the high rates of mortality and morbidity caused by infectious diseases and underscore the urgent need for more effective molecular diagnostics. Investing in molecular diagnostics, particularly in the formation of highly skilled personnel that may help to boost the field, is a strategic imperative, with far-reaching benefits for public health, healthcare delivery, antimicrobial stewardship, and global health security. This notion led the European Commission to establish the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) in 2021. HERA´s mission is to facilitate rapid and coordinated responses to emerging health threats by providing support for research, development, production, and distribution of medical countermeasures, such as diagnostics. The hiring of an Associate Researcher in molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases will bolster ITQB NOVA´s position as a significant contributor in the field.