• PhD in a field relevant to Gene Therapy, as outlined above.
• Excellent scientific track record demonstrated through the quality and relevance of the publications and other research activities,
• Translational track record.
• Proficiency in state-of-the-art techniques in the field.
• Capacity to attract and supervise talented post-graduate students and participation in advanced training programs, namely at the doctoral level.
• Networking skills demonstrated through the scientific relevance of the international collaborations.
• Track record in obtaining competitive research funding to secure funding for her/his own activities as a group leader, shown through a high level of fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences.

The successful candidate will be hired by the University of Coimbra under a four-year full-time work contract, with the possibility of an open tenure track position 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.

Candidates will be evaluated taking into consideration criteria designed for assessing previous experiences and scientific expertise (assessment of CV), merits of the Plan for Research, Innovation and translational activities, interpersonal skills, and strategic fit of the candidate’s profile and proposed plan for the position and the GeneT mission.

The selection includes a two-step evaluation process: Phase A (60%) and Phase B (40%).

Phase A consists of an evaluation of the Curriculum vitae, Plan for Research, innovation, and translational Activities within GeneT, Reference letters, and Motivation Letter, towards shortlisting of candidates.

Phase A will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula: 60%CV + 30%PP+ 10%ML, where,

• CV: Curriculum Vitae (R&D experience, outputs; career path; leadership and funding; and other relevant experience, achievements and skills related to the functions).
• PP: Suitability of the candidate’s Profile for the Position and for the mission of GeneT; including the Plan for Research, innovation and translational activities, and professional references.
• ML: Motivation letter.

Candidates scoring above 50% for Phase A will be invited to proceed to Phase B.

Phase B consists of an evaluation of shortlisted candidates (i.e. scoring above 50% in Phase A) via public seminar, chalk talks and interview by the evaluation panel. This Phase B will be in-person, scheduled for January 2025, in Coimbra.

Phase B will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula: 40%GT + 20%VC +40%SP, where,

• GT: Demonstrable knowledge and R&D competencies in Gene Therapy.
• MI: Motivation and interest for the position,
• SP: Suitability of the candidate’s profile for the position and for the mission of GeneT.

Selection Panel: Luís Pereira de Almeida (University of Coimbra/Gene-T) President

Mimoun Azzouz (University of Sheffield, UK)

Seppo Ylla Hertuala (Univ Eastern Finland)

Claudia Cavadas (University of Coimbra, CiBB; GeneT)

Beverly Davidson (CHOP Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA)

Xandra Breakefield (Harvard Medical School, USA)

Miguel Sena Esteves (Massachusetts University, USA). 

How to apply: Applications should be submitted by email to GeneT.applications@uc.pt, written in English, with the identification applicant’s “First and Last Name” by the end of 26 November 2024, and include the following documents and information:

a) Motivation letter;

b) Detailed Curriculum vitae including full publication list (co-authorships included), a brief synopsis of the career path, participation and coordination of relevant funded research and translation projects and in what capacity, supervision of graduate students, and other relevant information for the position;

c) Plan for Research, Innovation and translational Activities within GeneT including a Background and state-of-the-art, Research plan (5-year perspective, including expected outcomes and risk assessment) - maximum 5 pages.

d) Copy of up to the 5 more relevant outputs produced; the candidate should explain his/her contribution and relevance for the position in question;

e) Contact details of 3 professional references, including e-mails. The reference person should send the reference letter directly to the email GeneT.applications@uc.pt within the application period, referencing the name of the candidate.

About us: GeneT integrates CiBB that includes the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC-UC) and the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR). CiBB is located at the University of Coimbra (UC) and is an Associate Laboratory, a status of excellence granted by the Portuguese National Science & Technology funding agency (FCT). CiBB, with around 320 researchers, fosters high-level and vibrant biomedical and biotechnology research, featuring a strategic research line on Innovative Therapies with a core research group devoted to Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapies, from which the project GeneT has spawned. GeneT research groups will benefit from CIBB state-of-the-art research infrastructures (i.e. animal facility, advanced microscopy, viral vector production unit, etc), professional support offices (i.e Pre- and Post-award Grant offices, Technology Transfer office, Science Communication, etc), Clinical Trial Unit, and administrative support.

The GeneT is committed to diversity and supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age, or sexual identity.

Beyond the academic realm, the city of 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.