Postdoctoral Researcher – Mechanobiology of Human Microphysiological Systems

Contract Duration: 12 months*

*possible extension up to 36 months, depending on performance

Expected Starting Date: October/November 2026

Salary Range: 37K – 40K annual gross

Group/Unit: Domingues Research Group

Supervisor: Rui Domingues

Employment Type: Full time

Number of Vacancies:

Location: Braga, Portugal

Job Reference: Ref.16.26.448/1

Open Date for Applications: August 10th, 2026

Close Date for Applications: September 20th, 2026, 23h59m (Lisbon Time)

Profile

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work under the ERC project – FORTIFy. This groundbreaking project involves developing and applying advanced nanosystems capable of selectively interacting with and activating cellular mechanosensors, offering unprecedented insights into cellular mechanobiology.

In combination with state-of-the-art multicellular 3D tendon models ("tendon-on-chip"), this will provide a powerful system to investigate the complex mechanobiology of tendons. Particular focus will be given to neurotendinous crosstalk and its immunomodulatory signatures, opening new avenues in regenerative medicine and mechanotherapeutics.

Become part of a collaborative team pushing the frontiers of tendon biology and bioengineering.

Job Duties

The main responsibilities will include:

• Culture and manipulate different types of primary and stem cells, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs), and assessing their responses by cellular and molecular biology techniques.
• Establish and characterise human iPSC-derived cell models, including 3D cultures, organoids and organ-on-chip for musculoskeletal disease research
• Apply advanced methodologies integrating multimodal imaging, genomics and proteomics datasets to investigate mechanobiological mechanisms in complex biological systems.
• Plan and perform R&D activities, develop experimental methods, analyse data and present results within the framework of the project.
• Write progress reports, participate in group meetings, publish research findings in scientific journals and present at relevant international conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and research proposals, as well as participate in other projects where the senior researchers are involved.
• Mentor graduate (MSc and PhD level) students and research assistants, actively assisting the coordination of group activities.

Academic Qualifications

Mandatory:

• PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, Tissue Engineering or a closely related field.

Key Experience and Technical Skills:

• Extensive hands-on research experience during PhD and/or postdoctoral training in stem cell biology, mechanobiology, bioengineering, molecular/cellular biology, genetic engineering or related biological fields.
• Strong hands-on experience in culturing, maintaining and differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• Experience with gene editing approaches for the generation and characterisation of engineered cell lines.
• Consolidated experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, cloning and vector design).
• Familiarity with genomic/transcriptomic technologies (e.g., RNA-seq, scRNA-seq) and related data interpretation.
• Experience with cell-based assays, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry.

Other Valued Skills/Experience:

• Previous research experience in mechanobiology, immunology, neurobiology, or related fields involving cellular responses to microenvironmental cues is highly valued.
• Candidates with strong expertise in iPSC biology and a demonstrated ability to work across interdisciplinary research environments are especially encouraged to apply.
• Experience with 3D cell culture, organoids, organ-on-chip systems, or tissue engineering models.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools relevant to gene editing and transcriptomics (e.g., Benchling, SnapGene, Geneious, R, Python).
• Proven track record in publication and in scientific outreach.

Personal Skills

• Excellence
• Inclusion and Diversity
• Sustainability and Social Responsibility
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Innovation
• Growth Mindset

Our Benefits

• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges[1]
• Relocation support (travel expenses included)
• Guest House on-site included for the 1st month
• Private health insurance
• 30 working days of annual leave, plus 13 official holidays
• 9 days of paid sick leave per year
• Family allowance (160€/month according to family situation)
• Child allowance (200€/month for each dependent child)
• Nursery service onsite (subject to availability)
• Support for education fees of dependent children
• Support for fitness and sport expenses
• And more.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae with References information
3. Academic and/or Professional diplomas
4. At least one reference letter

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format. Academic Certificates must be included in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Incomplete applications or applications providing inaccurate information will not be considered.

Additional Information

Application Feedback

It is important for INL to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Background Check Disclaimer

The selected candidate may be required to complete background checks as part of our R&S process. This may include criminal, educational, employment history, and other background information relevant to the employment qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics.

[1]About INL’s Diplomatic and Legal Status:

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is an Intergovernmental Organisation established by its Member States, Portugal and Spain, under international law. As such, INL enjoys a privileged diplomatic and legal status, comparable to that of other international organisations.

This unique status is governed by the INL Statute and the Headquarters Agreement with the Portuguese Republic, which provide both INL and its employees with specific rights and obligations, including:

• Exemption from certain national laws and taxes, as outlined in the Headquarters Agreement, specifically in relation to work-related matters
• Eligibility for a diplomatic ID card issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the only residency document required in Portugal for the duration of the employment contract
• Protocol obligations, including the duty to respect local regulations while exercising privileges with responsibility and discretion
• Non-application of national labour laws, as INL operates under its own legal framework and Staff Rules, approved by INL Council

INL’s legal framework is designed to support a diverse and international workforce, enabling the organisation to operate independently from its Member States, drive cutting-edge research, and foster international scientific cooperation.