PRR Project

Summary

This position will play a crucial role in supporting the Nephrology R&D (NephroR&D) activities. Tasks :Coordination of the NephroR&D Group: laboratory management; direction of technical protocols; organization of patient sample cohorts within clinical studies, including clinical trials; close collaboration with clinicians to translate research findings into potential diagnostic or therapeutic applications.Conducting Research: promote research in kidney diseases; collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate clinical data into research projects; analyze research findings and coordinate the publication of research papers in reputable scientific journals.Grant and fellowship application writing: prepare grant proposals to secure funding for research projects and fellowships.Teaching and Mentoring: provide post-graduate training for young nephrology specialists who wish to carry out clinical or translational research as part of their post-graduate training, thus facilitating the development of periods entirely dedicated to research; mentor junior researchers, postdocs, and graduate students; participation in post-graduate courses, including Ph.D. programs. Scientific profileCandidates must have a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and demonstrated experience in a) basic and translational research in Nephrology; b) laboratory management; c) grant writing and submission; d) expertise in molecular and cell biology techniques; and e) knowledge of technology transferring.Given the collaborative nature of basic and clinical research, the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration between laboratory researchers and clinical practitioners, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills, are required. Rationale for the need to hire for the indicated scientific areaThe NephroR&D at RISE arises in continuity of the Unit for Research and Development in Nephrology (UIDN-725)– created in 2004 by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology - that was initially hosted at the Nephrology service of CHUSJ and further pursued its research activities at i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, from 2015 to 2024. Since its birth, NephroR&D has been devoted to translational research in chronic kidney disease, aiming to bridge the gap between basic and clinical science and the patient using a two-way ‘bench to bedside’ approach. The integration in RISE is, in fact, a return to the group´s origins and offers the opportunity to strengthen the clinical-basic science interface, where the interaction of a wide set of clinical groups, with various research interests that come together in the holistic individuum, supported by dedicated research laboratories, will enable the advancement in knowledge and the achievement of real clinical benefit for the patients.NephroR&D has a track record of over 20 years of investigation in Nephrology. In the last 5 years, we published #73 papers in indexed journals, #2 book chapters, participated in #10 clinical studies, #3 phase III clinical trials, led #11 financed grants in translational research, have #1 granted patent (PPP20191000031489 NewCat-Dialysis Catheter) and have currently ongoing the supervision of 15 Ph.D. students. We have strong national and international partnerships, and of most relevance, our core CV is composed of #10 MD, and Ph.D. expert Nephrologists who are highly motivated in pursuing research as the means to increase knowledge and improve the quality of assistance to their patients.For the designated purposes, NephroR&D recognizes the critical importance of sustained, long-term, research efforts for addressing the complexities of kidney diseases, and the need to ensure the management of the research laboratory in support of the clinical interests. A tenure position will, therefore, be of utmost relevance to ensure continuity and commitment to ongoing research projects, facilitating the development of a comprehensive clinical research agenda, and providing the stability needed to attract and retain researchers. Moreover, this tenure position will support the establishment and maintenance of long-term collaborations, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to kidney research and encouraging partnerships with other institutions. By providing mentorship and training to students and postdocs, this hiring will also contribute to the continuity and growth of the academic community.From all the above, this tenure position will be critical to ensure the continuity of the NephroR&D group and our commitment to long-term scientific excellence, collaborative research endeavors, training future nephrologists and researchers, and maintaining a competitive edge in nephrology research on both national and international fronts. This strategic approach aligns with the institution´s mission to advance knowledge, improve patient outcomes, and make meaningful contributions to the broader scientific community.