PRR Project

Summary

Rise-Health@FMUP Associate Laboratory promotes clinical and translational research in different thematic lines. A Rise-Health@FMUP research field, that crosses many thematic lines, is the Cancer Biomarkers and Non-invasive Diagnostics field. The Personalized Medicine and Biomarkers group of Rise-Health@FMUP works in the Cancer Biomarkers and Non-invasive Diagnostics field, investigates next-generation biomarkers and develops innovative diagnostic approaches for diseases, having a particular interest in cancer and in studying biological information obtained from liquid biopsies. The research is performed by a translational scientist (Norma Transitória do DL 57/2016, presently the group leader) and clinicians, all with a long track record in multidisciplinary fields, which should involve cell biology, oncology, biomedicine, regenerative medicine, microfluidics, computation, and diagnostics. Due to the need to merge multidisciplinary research with clinicians, and to lead translational science in the scope of cancer diagnostics at this group in Rise-Health@FMUP, there is the need to open a Principal Researcher position in the Cancer Biomarkers and Non-invasive Diagnostics field.In the proposed position, the Principal Researcher will play a key role in advancing diagnostic tools and exploring next-generation biomarkers. The focus will be on identifying distinctive cellular characteristics, emphasizing alternatives to molecular markers, and delving into related areas. The primary responsibility will be to drive research in non-invasive cell sources, particularly urine, initially concentrating on bladder cancer but with plans to extend the scope to other cancers and liquid biopsies. These investigations are crucial for the advancement of personalized medicine, benefitting clinicians and patients alike.The Principal Researcher is expected to pioneer the discovery of novel biomarker classes within bladder cancer cells present in urine, utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as microfluidics, imaging technologies, computer vision, and more. The goal is to identify diagnostic and predictive biomarkers, always mindful of the imperative for non-invasive acquisition of biological information from patients. Furthermore, the role involves developing cancer surveillance approaches to enhance patient quality of life and diminish healthcare costs, ultimately aiming for the realization of personalized medicine.Additionally, the Principal Researcher is anticipated to take a lead role in designing and overseeing clinical studies in collaboration with partner hospitals at both the national and international levels.As a Principal Researcher, it is expected to coordinate research activity and apply for national and international funding. The Principal Researcher will also be responsible for making a bridge between its research activity and research peers – clinicians -patients/patients advocate - society - industry.The Principal Researcher to be hired should have research experience in multidisciplinary fields, including the bioengineeringfield (at least 20 scientific articles, more than 450 citations, and a h-index superior to 11 – source: Scopus). It should have experience in coordinating experimental work and teams (BSc, MSc, PhD, Postdoc), supervising thesis (MSc, PhD), having work experience in national and international laboratories, and experience in working with clinicians. Translational and entrepreneurial experiences and demonstrated leadership at academic and/or industrial organizations are also required.It should have experience working or creating microfluidic systems, as well as integrating computational models with bioengineering approaches. It should have been the Principal Investigator of more than 3 R&D projects on bioengineering or cancer diagnostics. It should have experience developing innovative and patentable technology, having produced at least 2 patented inventions. It should have experience using microfluidics for cell biology approaches. It should have experience with common molecular and cellular biology techniques, as well as with basic/advanced microscopy and flow cytometry.The Principal Researcher to hire should have experience in leading clinical studies in the onco-urology field. It should have participated in national and international bioengineering or cancer diagnostics projects. It should have experience in coordinating national or international projects in the bioengineering or cancer diagnostics fields. It should have experience in the dissemination of scientific outcomes and in translational activities. It should have an active national and international collaborative network in the onco-urology field and in the biomedical field. It should have experience in lecturing biomedical or bioengineering-related subjects.