PRR Project

Summary

Job descriptionA Principal Researcher will be recruited to coordinate the Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals Area of iBET. This area focuses on the development of i) innovative processes for the extraction, purification and formulation of natural bioactive compounds, and ii) (bio)analytical tools, to support the production of healthy foods and nutraceutical products.The tasks to be assigned to the prospective employee include:i) Process development for the extraction (for example, using high pressure technology) and purification of bioactive compounds from natural sources, including by-products of agrifood industry;ii) Development of cell-based assays, using advanced cell models, to evaluate the health promoting effect of natural bioactive compounds (for example bioassays for anticancer activity, anti-inflammatory effect, anti-hyperglycemic activity);iii) Integration of omics tools with cell-based assays to unveil the mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds in cancer and inflammation;iv) Design of human intervention studies to evaluate the bioavailability and efficacy of bioactive compounds present in foods and nutraceuticals. Scientific profileThe prospective employee should hold a PhD degree in Engineering and Technology Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Food Sciences, and should present the following research profile:a) PhD, completed at least 10 years before the application date;b) Research experience in: (i) design of green extraction and purification processes for the recovery of bioactive compounds from natural sources; (ii) evaluation of bioactivity of natural compounds using cell based assays; (iii) integration of cell-based assays with analytical tools to unveil the mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds in health; (iv) design of human intervention studies to evaluate the bioavailability and bioactivity of bioactive compounds present in foods and nutraceuticals;c) Demonstrated scientific maturity, in the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals (reportingoriginal work), in relevant scientific areas;d) Demonstrated ability to obtain independent funding in public and/or private scientific funding programs;e) Experience supervising master´s and/or doctoral students;f) Experience in establishing scientific collaborations with public and private institutions;g) Experience in coordinating scientific platforms, including technology transfer, is desirable;h) Excellent communication skills (oral and written);i) Excellent interpersonal skills;j) Fluency in English (oral and written).??????? Rationale for hiringiBET’s commitment to industry-oriented research has cultivated partnerships with pharma and agro-food companies. While most innovation projects focus on biopharma, significant R&D activities engage agro-food shareholders. Examples of innovative R&D projects in this area include: i) the isolation of Hydroxytyrosol from olive oil-by products and the evaluation of its health promoting properties, in collaboration with SOVENA and IPOLFG; ii) the evaluation of the bioavailability of carotenoids in humans after the intake of a marine microalgae (DOI:10.3390/antiox10081164), in collaboration with Buggypower, clinicians (NOVA Medical School) and nutritionists (T.Bohn, LIH Luxemburg).The rationale for hiring a Principal Researcher (PR) for the Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals area is to reinforce the leadership of iBET in this dynamic field. The primary focus is to coordinate R&D activities of the area, encompassing i) the evaluation of health-promoting effect of natural bioactives and ii) design of innovative processes for the development of bioactive ingredients from natural sources including by-products of food industry. This requires a high level of expertise in Natural Bioactives Process Technologies and Characterization to ensure that the research remains innovative at the scientific and technological level, contributing to cutting-edge solutions compatible to be translated to the food, nutraceutical and agricultural sectors.Moreover, this PR is expected to not only consolidate collaborations with other iBET labs and units, but also expand to national/international collaborations with academics with complementary expertise (e.g. cancer biology, bioinformatics, biological/chemical engineering, chemistry, nutrition, statistics, food science and technology, AI and Data Science), clinicians and industrial partners. This strategic network of multidisciplinary collaborations will foster the generation of novel research ideas and innovative technologies, contributing to expand iBET’s portfolio in Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals area and create opportunities for additional funding.The leadership and mentorship skills of the PR will play a pivotal role in elevating the team´s capabilities, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and effectively transforming knowledge into high-value products and novel technologies for food and nutraceutical applications.