PRR Project

Summary

Job description: Highly motivated and experienced Assistant Researcher, with a strong background in microbial physiology, metabolism and bacterial bioenergetics, with a specific focus on studying anaerobic microorganisms, respiratory chains, redox enzymes and biocatalysis. This role involves leading innovative research projects to characterize molecular mechanisms of key bacterial metabolic pathways and engineer them in microorganisms to be used as biocatalysts for novel biotechnological applications. Key Responsibilities: 1) Design and perform cutting-edge research on understanding anaerobic microbial metabolic pathways. 2) Lead research projects on engineering anaerobic microorganisms and redox enzymes to develop new biocatalytic systems for clean and sustainable processes. 3) Head and manage research projects, including securing competitive funds, project planning, execution, and dissemination of results. 4) Mentor and supervise BSc, MSc., and PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a productive and inclusive work environment. 5) Collaborate with other research teams within and outside ITQB NOVA, at national and international level. 6) Contribute to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, conference organization and participation in scientific committees. 7) Contribute to the community of ITQB NOVA by participating in scientific, administrative and outreach initiatives. 8) Teach at a postgraduate level in ITQB NOVA Master and PhD Programs. 8) Actively participate in citizen science and science outreach activities. Scientific Profile Required: 1) PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysical chemistry, or a related field. 2) Proven experience as a postdoctoral researcher. 3) Experience with the study of microbial metabolic pathways, namely in the energy metabolism of anaerobic microorganisms. 4) Experience in genetic engineering of anaerobic microorganisms. 5) Experience in the construction and optimization of homologous and heterologous expression systems for the production of soluble and membrane proteins. 6) Strong background in purification and characterization of soluble and membrane redox proteins using spectroscopic (UV-visible and EPR) and electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry, differential pulsed voltammetry). 7) Experience in the development of biomimetic systems to study membrane proteins, such as liposomes and nanodics.  8) Experience in the use of stopped-flow experiments to study steady state and fast enzyme kinetics. 9) Proven experience, through publications as first author, in microbial anaerobic respiratory chains, quinone-dependent energy conservation systems, and redox enzymes. 10) Publications as the corresponding author in international peer-reviewed journals.  11) Experience in the supervision of students (BSc, MSc, and PhD) and postdoctoral researchers. 12) Demonstrated ability to secure competitive funds as a principal investigator. 13) Strong leadership and collaborative skills. 14) Excellent communication and organizational abilities. 15) Teaching experience for more than ten years. 16) Fluency in English and Portuguese (spoken and written). Rationale for Hiring: The hiring of an Assistant Researcher in Microbial Physiology and Biocatalysis with a specialized focus on microbial metabolism and bioenergetics is critical to advance knowledge in key metabolic pathways, and how to explore them to develop new biocatalysts for clean and sustainable biotechnological processes to produce valuable compounds. The aim is to reinforce the area of synthetic biology by engineering microbial systems to improve their interface with inorganic materials and to be used as whole-cell catalysts to develop new electrochemical or photochemical bioprocesses based on clean energy sources. The candidate´s unique combination of skills in bacterial physiology, metabolism, bioenergetics, genetic engineering and protein biochemistry will enable key discoveries and new directions on the rational use of microbes and their enzymes in biotechnological processes for the benefit of society. This area will strengthen the programs of the “Molecular, Structural and Cellular Microbiology Unit” (MOSTMICRO-ITQB) and the Associated Laboratory LS4FUTURE (Life Sciences for a Healthy and Sustainable Future), in microbial bioprocesses for sustainable development. The selection of a researcher with proven ability in securing competitive funding, leading research projects and training students will ensure the sustainability and growth of this research initiative at ITQB NOVA. This role is essential for driving forward the institute´s mission focused on having an impact on Health and the Environment, namely on the development of Biological Resources for Sustainable Development.