PRR Project

Summary

This Assistant Researcher position derives from the imperative need to advance in precision oncology. We seek an experienced multidisciplinary researcher to support IPO Porto’s aim to go beyond the state-of-the-art in cancer detection and targeting through safer and more effective therapies. Central to this ambition is the exploration of the unmet potential of abnormal protein glycosylation, microbiome, and infection related carcinogenesis, responsible by generating unique cancer signatures holding promise for advancing cancer care. The selected candidate must be well-equipped to lead research projects related to the discovery and dissection of biological functions of protein glycosylation, microbiome, preclinical studies with a particular focus on uncovering cancer-related molecular signatures that have the potential to advance precision oncology and therapy development. Emphasis will be set on translating this knowledge into innovative immunotherapies, namely effective cancer vaccines exploiting biomaterials, decisively contributing to IPO Porto’s main mission.We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated researcher with a PhD in Biochemistry, biology or related fields, bringing extensive research experience in cancer glycobiology, glycoengineering, and translational oncology, preferentially in hospital-based environments, and working in close collaboration with clinicians. The ideal candidate profile must demonstrate scientific independence and leadership and capacity to deliver potential innovations to cancer care through novel therapeutic strategies. Key qualifications and attributes include:Hands-on expertise in mass spectrometry-based cancer glycomics and proteomics and biomarkers discovery with demonstrated ability to apply these methodologies to address critical questions in cancer research and identify relevant cancer signatures for precision oncology;Experience in characterizing the proteome of advanced solid tumors, with emphasis on urological, gastrointestinal, pancreatic and lung tumors;Experience translating glycoproteomic and proteomic signatures into innovative cancer immunotherapies, namely cancer vaccines with potential for cancer protection and treatment;Experience in setting-up and managing proteomics and liquid biopsies in an oncology hospital-based center, including the development of proteomic workflows focused on study of post-translational modifications;Strong leadership skills, namely applied to interdisciplinary research teams;Experience in translating research discoveries into tangible clinical outcomes, with emphasis on novel glycan-based and others molecular technologies for cancer detection and therapy of relevance to the broader scientific community and society;A strong commitment to mentorship and training, coupled with a demonstrated ability to foster the career development of Master and PhD students, postdocs, and other researchers, in the context of cancer biology and bioengineering;Capacity to secure competitive funding for human resources and research initiatives in cancer biology, particularly in the realm of Health-related Biotechnology.Excellent communication and collaboration skills, enabling effective engagement with diverse stakeholders and the dissemination of research findings to the scientific community.Tasks:Lead a translational research program focused on decoding cancer-associated protein glycosylation changes for early detection, prognosis, and personalized therapeutics;Investigate the role of glycans, glycoconjugates and circulating tumors cells in cancer dissemination, metastasis, and immune evasion, addressing critical gaps in precision oncology by identifying targetable protein nodes and cancer-specific signatures;Utilize cutting-edge mass spectrometry-based glyco, proteome and genomics to comprehensively interrogate large protein datasets for precision oncology;Translate glycoproteomics and other biomarkers data into innovative immunotherapies, with special focus on cancer vaccines, harnessing novel biomaterials and glycoengineering for enhanced efficacy;Management of IPO Porto’s proteomics core facility, with responsibilities including setting protocols, providing technical support, and ensuring the smooth operation of precision oncology programs;Mentor and train interdisciplinary teams of scientists and students, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and high-standard postgraduate training in cancer biology;Collaborate closely with clinical partners, industry stakeholders, and other relevant institutions to ensure the suitability and applicability of research outcomes in real-world clinical settings;Engage in scientific dissemination activities: conference presentations, publications, and science communication initiatives to advance knowledge and promote societal impact;Proactively pursue competitive funding for disruptive innovations and transformative advancements in oncology research.