PRR Project

Summary

The evolution of immune responses has culminated in a highly effective defence system capable of recognizing and responding to microbial pathogens and cancer. Correspondingly, in the coevolution of host-microbe-cancer interactions, pathogens and tumors have acquired the ability to express proteins that suppress immunosurveillance. The Infection, Immunity and Regeneration (IIR) Integrative Program of i3S studies the interaction between the host immune system and foreign threats, namely pathogens, and cancer. Responding to one of the main objectives of the FCT-Tenure Program, the strategy underlying the request for this position aims to provide professional stabilization of researchers and their lines of research while levering the quality of research in the IIR program, and promoting cross-fertilization between research ongoing in the IIR and Cancer Programs.Specifically, we seek a Principal Investigator (PI) with an outstanding track record and innovative vision in the areas of Host-Pathogen-Cancer interaction to lead a Research Group and enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions in the intersection of both programs. The selected candidate must hold a PhD in Health/Life Sciences, or related areas for 12+ years, an excellent scientific track record, and is expected to pursue highly innovative research projects in frame of the IIR Integrative Program. The selected candidate must be experienced in the supervision of 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.Specifically, our goal with this PI position is to strengthen a research line that investigates how environmental signals, including those from pathogens, microbiota, and cancer, are integrated into tissues of our body to shape complex and distinct immune responses in disease. However, our current understanding of the molecular pathways that control these key events in the recognition and immune response to infection and cancer remains elusive. Studying these mechanisms not only provides insight into fundamental aspects of the immune response to infection and cancer, but it also provides novel therapeutic targets for diagnostics and drug development.Indicative potential topics may include: Host immune response to infection and/or cancer, Molecular and biochemical response during host-pathogen-cancer interaction; Advances in drug design to boost immune responses, vaccine development, and therapeutics to infection and/or cancer. Experimental approaches may include, but are not limited to, in vivo model organisms (mouse, fish, yeast,), computational modelling based on machine learning/AI, single-cell and functional genomic/proteomic analyses, and/or high-content screenings.