PRR Project

Summary

Scientific profile and tasks to be assigned :The Assistant Professor to be hired will have a background in Biophysics at the cellular or molecular levels. The research program to be developed will be focused on studying the electrical properties of excitable cells, such as neurons, cardiac muscle cells or endocrine cells, or the physical properties of biomolecules . Techniques like patch-clamp electrophysiology and extracellular recordings will be used to measure ion channel activity, membrane potential, and firing activity of cells, tissues, or organs. Alternatively, experimental techniques including spectroscopy, and different imaging methods will be employed to gather information about the physical properties of biological molecules and their interactions. The biophysicist shall address questions of relevance to the scientific fields of Metabolism, Neuroscience, Infection and Ageing, fields of intensive research at CIBB. The biophysicist will collaborate with other researchers at CIBB, providing support in developing, designing, and implementing new electrophysiology and other biophysics approaches. Rationale for the need, relevance of the scientific profile in the context of the state-of-the-art and involved institutions :Investigating the biophysical properties of cells and tissues holds critical importance, particularly within the interdisciplinary areas of Neuroscience, Metabolism, and Ageing, which are focal points for CIBB researchers. Biophysical studies provide invaluable insights into:i) Cellular energetics, encompassing the regulation of processes such as nutrient uptake, ion gradients, and cellular transport mechanisms.ii) Hormone secretion dynamics and the mechanisms governing physiological phenomena like glucose homeostasis and the onset of diabetes.iii) Principles underlying neural function, spanning neurodevelopmental processes, neuropsychiatric conditions, and the progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding these mechanisms is integral to identifying potential therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating disease burden.The emergence of sophisticated biophysical methodologies in recent decades has paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries in this domain. Leveraging this expertise will synergize with the existing research groups at CIBB in all three thematic lines (Neuroscience and Disease, Metabolism and Ageing, Innovative Therapies), fostering collaborative efforts and advancing knowledge in these critical areas.Biophysics is a subarea of Biochemistry, one of the scientific areas of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra, through its Life Sciences Department. With the appointment of an Assistant Professor in Biophysics, the department will strengthen this scientific area through the application of advanced biophysical methodologies, cellular or molecular, to research questions spanning cellular energetics, hormone secretion, neural function and beyond. These scientific areas represent focal points of interest for the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, leveraging the expertise of such a researcher not only to advance research but also to mentor and train the next generation of biochemists and biologists.