University of Coimbra opens a call for one Principal Investigator Position, in the framework of the EXCELScIOR project “EXCELlent Science with Impact, Open and Reliable” (reference: 101087416), funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe – ERA Chairs programme, call HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-TALENTS-01, in the following conditions:

Scientific area: Meta-Research or closely related field(s).

Skills/Qualifications: UC is now looking for a Principal Investigator of the said research group in Meta-Research. This researcher should be an outstanding researcher in meta-research or closely related field(s), with an international reputation based on research excellence. It can be a citizen of any country in the world and must be willing to move on a full-time position to the University of Coimbra, to become a researcher of a growing meta-research team and the key driver of the field at UC. Interested candidates must demonstrate consolidated scientific independence, proven capacity to attract/secure significant competitive funding and resources and to develop, manage and lead research projects. He/She/They will conduct research activities, participate in the design, development and execution of R&D projects and associated scientific and technical activities, supervise work done by students, trainees and research assistants, and collaborate in the development of educational activities and emerging training programmes in meta-research and good research practice. Research activities can cover many topics within the biomedical, natural sciences, social sciences (including psychology), economics or mathematics/statistics fields or a combination of fields. Specific research activities may include conducting experimental or observational meta-research studies; developing automated tools to detect common problems and beneficial practices in research publications; developing, implementing and testing interventions to improve research quality and practice at the University of Coimbra and beyond; working with different stakeholder groups (e.g., researchers, research institutions and departments, funders, publishers and editors, patients) and local, national and international networks to improve research culture and practice; and providing and evaluating the effectiveness of training in meta-research or good research practices. To fulfill these responsibilities, the successful candidate should hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), and have completed at least 5 years of postdoctoral training, in a research field relevant for the development of such Meta-Research activities. The candidate should have a research and professional curriculum that reveals an adequate profile and interest in working in Meta-Research, with at least 3 peer-reviewed publications in this area. 

Work plan/Objectives: EXCELScIOR (doi: 10.3030/101087416) is a Horizon Europe ERA Chair project that aims to develop, extend and fully unlock UC’s research potential through the implementation of a new interdisciplinary Chair devoted to Meta-Research (i.e., “research on research”, also known as Meta-Science). Under the guidance of Professor John P.A. Ioannidis (from Stanford University, USA), the ERA Chair Holder, the project aims to improve research methods and practices and to enhance approaches to integrate information, to generate reliable evidence and to maximize impact in the area of Biomedical Sciences (its main focus), the long-term goal being to advance multiple other research areas, within UC and beyond. For that, the project will create a permanent and excellent research group in Meta-Research.

Benefits: The researcher will be hired by the University of Coimbra, for 48 months, as a Principal Investigator under a full-time work contract, working exclusively for the project during contract compulsory working hours. According to the Portuguese legislation on public hiring of researchers (Decree-Law 124/99) the contract includes the payment of:

- Salary (monthly salary more holidays and Christmas allowance);

- Social security tax;

- Food allowance.

The gross salary offered to the researcher will be 55,590.42 €/year. By the end of the project, and following positive evaluation from the Institution, the team’s full-time members will be given the possibility, under the applicable national law, to attain tenure-track positions at UC.

Scientific orientation: Professor John P.A. Ioannidis (from Stanford University, USA) and Tracey Weissgerber (University of Coimbra, PT).

Selection methods: Curricular Evaluation (60%) and Interview (40%).

Selection criteria: 

The Curricular Evaluation (CE) will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula CE = 60%CV + 30%ML+ 10%PR, where

• CV: Curriculum Vitae (Professional experience; Career path; Other relevant skills) = 60%
• ML: Motivation letter = 30%
• PR: Professional References = 10%

The Interview (I), to which only the top 5 candidates in the CE evaluation will be invited, will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula I = 30%E + 50%MI + 20%KE, where

• E: Expertise in the area of Meta-research = 30% 
• MI: Motivation, interest and qualification for the position = 50% 
• KE: Knowledge of English language = 20%.

Selection Panel: Professor John P.A. Ioannidis (Stanford University, USA); Doctor Paulo Jorge Oliveira (University of Coimbra, PT); Doctor Tracey Weissgerber (University of Coimbra, PT); Professor Isabelle Boutron (Université Paris Cité, FR); Professor Florian Naudet (Université de Rennes 1, FR); Doctor Anita Bandrowski (University of California San Diego, USA).

Formalization of application: Applications must be formalised by sending the following documents by e-mail to excelscior@uc.pt with subject EOI-Principal Investigator_EXCELScIOR <first-name last-name of candidate>:

1. Detailed curriculum vitae;
2. Motivation letter with a short research/career plan (max. 3 single-spaced A4 pages) explaining how you and the plan match/synergize with EXCELScIOR and the to be created Meta-Research group;
3. 2 letters of recommendation and the name and contact details of their signatories.

Submission of applications: Between 18/09/2024 and 18/11/2024.

Additional comments

About us: Founded in 13th century, the University of Coimbra (UC) is the oldest academic institution in Portugal and a national reference in higher education and scientific research in multiple areas of knowledge, with worldwide recognition. The Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB) is a top (100% score) Associate Laboratory (a national status of excellence) and UC’s flagship in Life & Health Sciences. CIBB encompasses the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC-UC) and the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), along with a health-driven nucleus of the UC-Faculty of Economics and clinicians of the Coimbra University Hospitals. It offers a wide array of research opportunities, collaborations and cutting-edge resources to suit your aspirations.

Beyond the academic realm, Coimbra offers an exceptional quality of life. Nestled amidst breath-taking landscapes and steeped in history (UC is World Heritage), it is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, a very affordable European city, safe and with an inviting atmosphere to live, work and raise a family, with excellent weather all year round and a 45-minute drive to the beach.