The Group of Structural Biology within the UCIBIO Research Unit from  NOVA School of Science and Technology is searching for an exceptional Group Leader interested in starting a research group, with the possibility of a permanent position as Principal Researcher. You will be part of a recently awarded Horizon Europe ERA Chair Action CryoEM@NOVA.

We seek a highly motivated individual with expertise in cryo-EM. A strong track record and demonstrated experience in setting up a cryo-EM laboratory is essential. In addition, knowledge of protein purification and biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins and protein complexes, preferably including membrane proteins, is required.

The Leader of the Research Team will play a leading role in implementing and coordinating the Horizon Europe ERA Chair Action.

The selected candidate will work as a Principal Researcher at NOVA FCT and will perform the following tasks:

• Develop research in the area of Structural Biology, namely in high-resolution cryo-EM structure determination in the context of drug discovery;
• Set-up the entire cryo-EM pipeline from sample preparation and cryo grid preparation to highly specialized storage and computation servers;
• Participate in the conception of research and development programs and their translation into projects and applications for external funding;
• Coordinate and guide the implementation of research and development projects and services in the specific scientific area;
• Develop training actions in the scope of scientific research and the development of single particle analysis (SPA) cryo-EM methodology;
• Supervise postdocs and graduate students and participate in the institution's PhD or MSc training programs.
• Play an active role in promoting international collaborations in the specific scientific area;
• Have an active role in science dissemination and public engagement activities.

The Structural Biology Group

The Group for Structural Biology investigates medically relevant proteins and protein complexes using biophysical, biochemical and structural approaches. Our projects aim at understanding and exploiting structure-function relationships with an emphasis on drug discovery. We employ a variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques (cryo electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, molecular dynamics simulations, DSF, ITC, SPR, SAXS etc.). One project is focused on the Helicobacter pylori pH acclimation system of a pH-gated urea channel and a cytoplasmic urease.

Research at NOVA FCT

The NOVA School of Science and Technology has a vast experience in cutting-edge research, development and innovation due to its multidisciplinary nature and investment in fundamental and applied research in diverse areas (from materials, environment, biotechnologies, conservation and restoration, IT technology, artificial intelligence, circular economy, raw materials, among others).

The research activity of NOVA FCT is recognized by the European Research Council (ERC), which supports outstanding researchers with pioneering ideas and is highly competitive. Until now NOVA FCT has obtained 17 ERC Scholarships, which attests the College's involvement in cutting-edge international research.