PRR Project

Summary

Job Description: Highly motivated and qualified Assistant Researcher with a strong background in the spectroscopic and kinetic characterization of metalloenzymes, namely enzymes involved in the nitrogen, oxygen and iron metabolisms, particularly from human pathogenic bacteria (eg. Clostridioides difficile) and bacteria involved in bioremediation (eg. Anammox bacteria). This role involves leading innovative research projects aiming to understand the biological relevance of these enzymes in oxygen and NO tolerance during human infection and also the role of specific metalloenzymes in non-conventional nitrogen and iron cycles thowards new biotechnological applications. Key Responsibilities: 1.Establish and lead an independent research program addressing key questions in the emerging fields of human pathogen´s resistance and bioremediation, with an emphasis on the characterization of bacterial metalloproteins involved in nitrogen, oxygen and iron metabolisms. 2.Lead and manage research projects, including securing funding (within national and international calls), planning and executing experiments, and dissemination of results. 3.Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students and Postdoctoral fellows in research projects related to the scientific area, fostering a productive and inclusive lab environment. 4.Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams within the institution and foster external and international collaborations. 5.Contribute to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, conference organization and participation in scientific committees. 6.Manage the Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance facility stimulating internal and external collaborations. 7.Design and teach Master’s and PhD’s courses within the Institute’s Master’s and PhD’s programmes, namely related with the application of spectroscopic techniques to the study of biological molecules. 8.Actively participate in science outreach activities. Scientific Profile Required: The selected candidate must fulfill the following qualifications: 1.PhD. in Biochemistry, with strong postdoctoral background on the spectroscopic and kinetic characterization of metalloenzymes involved in the nitrogen, oxygen and iron metabolisms, especially from gut microbiota and annamox bacteria. 2.Proven expertise in executing research projects based on spectroscopies (such as UV-Visible, Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance and Mössbauer), kinetic (steady-state and time-resolved) and amperometric techniques to characterize metalloenzymes. 3.Proven experience in the supervision and advance training of BSc., MSc. and PhD students, and in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the fields of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 4.Demonstrated ability to secure external funding and a significant publication record in reputable journals in the research field. 5.Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams. 6. Fluency in English and Portuguese (spoken and written). Rationale for Hiring: Hiring an Assistant Researcher with a strong background on spectroscopy and metalloenzymes, namely focusing on gut pathogenic microbiota as well as bacteria involved in bioremediation processes, will contribute to reinforce the major pillars of ITQB NOVA, MOSTMICRO research unit and the LS4Future Associated Laboratory’s research, which aim to contribute to the strategic Societal Challenges focused on microbes important for human health, biotechnology and the environment. The emphasis on gut microbiota, in particular Clostridioides difficile, aims to contribute to the development of new therapeutical targets against this pathogen, whereas exploring the unique anammox bacteria metabolism positions ITQB NOVA in the forefront of future development of novel sustainable technologies for wastewater treatment with worldwide application. In-line with the multidisciplinary and frontier work that is forseen, it is expected that the candidate establishes internal colaborations namely between the Biological Chemistry and Biology divisions. Furthermore, a candidate with this combination of extensive expertise in metalloenzymes and spectroscopy will be pivotal for driving and stimulate internal research infrastructures such as the Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance facility, consolidating ITQB NOVA as a reference center for spectroscopies in Portugal and abroad. The selection of a candidate with a proven track record in securing funding and leading research projects will ensure the sustainability and growth of ITQB research initiatives. This position reflects our commitment to stay at the forefront of scientific discovery, driving forward ITQB NOVA and MOSTMICRO’s mission of unraveling the biochemical pathways of microrganisms that are relevant to human health, as well as to the development of novel sustainable production processes based on the rational manipulation of microbes.