Independent Group Leader Positions in Computational and/or Experimental Medical Systems Biology

The NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB), a new research institute that results from a partnership between NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal, and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin, Germany, funded by the European Union within the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence action.

NIMSB strives to become a leader in the development, integration, and application of state-of-the-art approaches in Medical Systems Biology to advance biomedical research and precision medicine in the Lisbon region and Portugal. The NIMSB mission is to accelerate innovation based on the understanding of human biology and mechanisms of disease to enable earlier disease detection, novel diagnostics and advanced therapeutic solutions. NIMSB research and innovation programme will initially focus on single-cell and spatial multi-omics analyses of human samples, computational approaches based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the development and implementation of human-derived microphysiological experimental models (organoids and organ-on-a-chip). Within the scope of the European Commission’s Teaming for Excellence action, NIMSB has an ambitious 6-year plan to develop its research activities, establish advanced technology platforms and build its long-term strategy. This includes the international recruitment of research group and technology platform leaders as well as the appointment of guest group leaders from the current faculty at NOVA Schools and Institutes.

NIMSB  is recruiting up to 4 Research Group Leaders and invites applications from exceptional scientists developing interdisciplinary and innovative research in experimental and/or computational medical systems biology. Desired areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, molecular cell biology of health and disease, with strong focus on understanding cell and tissue heterogeneity in space and time; cell and tissue engineering; computational sciences and big data analytics, with a special focus on the development or application of modern statistical or algorithmic approaches (machine learning and AI) for integration of large omics datasets and interpretation of heterogeneous data from patient cohorts or genomic studies; disease modelling; and biomarker discovery and clinical translation. Experience in working in an interdisciplinary environment is highly desirable and a track record of successful post-doctoral research or, in exceptional cases, outstanding doctoral research is essential.

The successful candidates are expected to conduct visionary research, establish independent research groups, acquire extramural funding, participate in graduate training programs and in the academic life of NIMSB, and to pro-actively engage in collaborative projects with experimental and computational groups and state-of-the-art technology platforms at NIMSB, other NOVA Institutes, the MDC, and other research institutions, universities and hospitals in Portugal. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the NIMSB, by participating in strategic activities, training programs and outreach activities.

NIMSB research groups will benefit from strategic partnership programs with MDC and other local stakeholders, which include access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, dedicated budget for collaborative projects with MDC research groups, NIMSB-MDC joint PhD and MD-PhD  in Medical Systems Biology, with co-supervision and lab exchange visits, close links with hospitals and clinicians through a focused Interceptive Medicine program for translational research, and a dedicated Innovation and Technology Transfer program.

We offer a 5-year contract with the possibility of extension upon external evaluation. Our start-up package includes competitive salary adjusted to candidate’s track record, 4-year funding for post-doctoral researcher(s), 4-year funding for PhD student(s), annual budget for consumables and small equipment, and support with administrative tasks.

Application submission

Applications should be submitted to NIMSB.applications@unl.pt with the identification #I-RGL-NIMSB-2024 – “applicant’s First and Last Name” by the end of 13 November 2024, consisting of:

a) Cover letter (maximum 1 page);

b) Detailed Curriculum vitae including full publication list (co-authorships included);

c) Description of up to 3 major publications authored by the candidate, stating their contribution and relevance;

d) Plan for Research Activities within NIMSB (maximum 5 pages plus 1 page for figures and legends; references excluded) consisting of:

– Background and state-of-the-art

– Research plan (5-year perspective, including expected outcomes and risk assessment)

e) Contact details of 3 references, including e-mails.

Suggested referees must send their reference letter directly to the email NIMSB.applications@unl.pt within the application period, referencing the name of the candidate. Letters should focus on the candidate’s expertise and achievements, as well as interpersonal skills. Referees should recognize and avoid unconscious biases or other forms of implicit discrimination. Letters not received by the application deadline may result in the exclusion of the candidate from the selection process.

Please submit your application in a single pdf file (maximum size 8 MB).

NIMSB is committed to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity. Applications from women, minoritized or marginalized groups are particularly welcomed.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The selection includes a two-step evaluation process:

1) Phase 1: evaluation of the Curriculum vitae and Plan Research and Innovation Activities within NIMSB, towards shortlisting of candidates.

2) Phase 2: evaluation of shortlisted candidates via public seminar, chalk talks and panel interview. Phase 2 will be an in-person, three-day event, scheduled for January 2025, in Lisbon.

Candidates will be evaluated at multiple steps, taking into consideration criteria designed for assessing i. previous experiences and scientific expertise (assessment of CV), ii. merits of the research plan, iii. interpersonal skills, iv. strategic fit to the NIMSB mission.

For further information, please visit the NIMSB website (https://nimsb.unl.pt/). The full job announcement can be found here (https://nimsb.unl.pt/join-us/).

Enquiries about procedures for application, the positions and perspectives should be addressed to António Jacinto (NIMSB.applications@unl.pt).