PRR Project

Summary

The Neurobiology and Neurologic Diseases (NND) integrative program at i3S is offering an open-ended contract as Principal Researcher to an Established Reseacher (R3) or Leading Researcher (R4) developing exciting research in the field of Neuroscience. The selected candidate will be expected to lead a Research Group that matches and reinforces the scientific interests and strategy of the NND integrative program.One of the strategic objectives of the NND program is to conduct robust fundamental research, understanding the mechanisms that underly specific brain related diseases, identifying targets for innovative translational approaches, and cross-talking with clinical partners.  The NND program has a major focus on neurodegenerative diseases, ranging from common dementias, i.e. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and other prevalent proteopathies (such as TTR-amyloidosis), pain, chronic substance use, and motor impairment, to rare and neglected diseases, such as inborn errors of metabolism, or disorders linked to impaired lipid synthesis or catabolism that present severe neurodevelopmental delays or neurodegeneration. Globally neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of people worldwide, representing one of the major causes of death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative and other neurologic diseases rises dramatically with age, fueled by a combination of genetic susceptibility, environment, life style and social-economic status. As life expectancy increases, also the prevalence of such diseases escalates, mostly in countries like Portugal, where a large share of the aged population faces economic constrains. On the other extreme of lifespan diseases, the NND program also conducts research in disorders “usually first diagnosed in childhood or adolescence”, commonly referred to as neurodevelopmental disorders.  Either caused by genetic mutations or with sporadic etiology, the intellectual, social and motor disabilities produced by these diseases are also a source of deep distress for families.In this scenario, improving the understanding of what causes these diseases and the development of new approaches for treatment and prevention, is of upmost relevance, and is perfectly aligned with both the mission and scientific strategy of i3S, and with the strategy of the NND program.With the purpose of fully potentiating the NND program and responding to one of the main objectives of the FCT-Tenure Program, i.e. provide professional stabilization of researchers and their lines of research, this Principal Researcher position will be attributed to an outstanding candidate developing research activity in models for rare diseases affecting the nervous system, with particular focus on disorders of phospholipid synthesis and/or fatty acid metabolism. The selected researcher will be expected to significantly contribute to unravel the genetic basis of rare disorders and foster the understanding of the pathology through the generation and characterization of mouse models. The researcher and his/her research team will be devoted to understanding how fundamental cellular processes are governed by the lipid alterations, and how a dysregulation of these processes mediates the pathophysiology of the disorders. Additionally, the acquired knowledge is expected to lead to the development and testing of preclinical assays that will be critical to design and validate effective therapeutic strategies.In that role, he/she is expected to demonstrate strong leadership skills, assemble his/her own team and secure extramural funding for his/her research. The selected candidate must hold a PhD in Health/Life Sciences, or related areas for 12+ years, an excellent scientific track record, established expertise in independent leading a research group, and is expected to pursue highly innovative research projects in frame of the NND Integrative Program. The selected candidate must be experienced in supervising PhD and Master students, and willing to contribute to the i3S training mission, by supporting advanced training and participating in graduate and PhD programs. The selected candidate is also expected to carry out duties to which he/she has been elected or appointed in i3S collegiate bodies. Engagement into the i3S educational program and outreach activities is also expected.