PRR Project

Summary

The NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) will hire a skilled and motivated Assistant Researcher with a strong background and training in stem cells and expertise in developing and optimizing advanced in vitro models for novel therapies. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of Molecular Nutrition, with a specific emphasis on disease-relevant models.Key Responsibilities:1) Experimental Design and Execution: Design and conduct cell culture experiments with a focus on chronic disease-relevant models. Develop and optimize complex in vitro systems, including co-culture models, spheroids, and microphysiological systems, to recapitulate chronic disease processes.2) Disease models: Establish and maintain organoid/spheroid models to simulate disease-specific conditions of chronic disorders. Implementation of new disease-relevant models and/or complex systems for new therapies/compound testing, including nutrition-derived small molecules. Characterize and validate chronic disease models using molecular and cellular techniques, including imaging, gene expression analysis, and functional assays.3) Education and Training Programs: Developing education and training programs in complex in vitro systems and chronic disease models aiming to prepare the next generation of researchers and healthcare workforce in medical systems biology concepts.4) Collaborative Research: Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and international networks to spearhead research and innovation programs. This involves collaborations with interdisciplinary teams, to integrate cell culture and transcriptomics data into broader research projects.5) Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyse experimental data using statistical methods. Prepare and present research findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences. Contribute to the writing of research papers for publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.6) Mentorship and Supervision: Mentor and supervise junior researchers and students. Provide guidance in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.7) Funding: Contribute to the development of research proposals and funding applications.Scientific profile:1) Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.2) Minimum of 10 years research experience in cell culture and disease modelling, including stem cell biology and iPSC derivation and differentiation.3) Proven expertise in designing and implementing cell culture experiments, with an emphasis on brain chronic disease modelling.4) Experience with advanced in vitro systems, such as complex co-culture systems (i.e., triple, quadruple), neural spheroids, microphysiological systems, and/or brain organoids.5) Proficiency in state-of-the-art molecular and cellular techniques, including gene expression analysis, immunostaining, live-cell imaging, and confocal microscopy.6) Preference will be given to proven expertise in utilization of models of disease for compound testing, including small molecules from natural sources (i.e. cellular/molecular nutrition mechanisms assessment).7) Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols.8) Upheld ability of tutoring and supervising other scientists and/or students in disease modelling related fields.9) Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.10) Demonstrated track record of scientific productivity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals.Rationale for Hiring:This research position is crucial to advancing NIMSB´s capabilities in research initiatives focused on disease modelling, employing innovative approaches such as co-culture, spheroids, microphysiological systems, and organoids/spheroids modelling. Hiring an Assistant Researcher with expertise in these areas is crucial for NIMSB to stay competitive and innovative in the global research landscape. The Assistant Researcher will be assigned a variety of critical tasks that leverage our capabilities in complex co-culture systems with a focus on chronic disease-relevant models, contributing to the depth and breadth of our research endeavors. These tasks are designed to align with NIMSB’s mission of pioneering excellent interdisciplinary research in systems biology for medical innovation and precision medicine. With a focus on cutting-edge research, the Assistant Researcher will play a crucial role in accelerating scientific discoveries related to molecular nutrition and precision medicine. This strategic hire will strengthen our research capacity, enable new collaborative projects, secure research funding, and enhance our institutional reputation as a leader in systems biology, particularly in molecular nutrition, stems cell and regenerative medicine research.