Job Description

Postdoctoral Researcher – Biological Evaluation of Magnetic Nanocomposites for Medical Applications

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Contract Duration: 12 months

Expected Starting Date: January 2027

Salary Range: 37K-40K annual gross

Group/Unit: Bañobre Research Group

Supervisor: Manuel Bañobre

Employment Type: Full time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Braga, Portugal

Job Reference: Ref.32.26.422

Open Date for Applications: November 13, 2026

Close Date for Applications: December 4, 2026, 23h59m (Lisbon Time)

Profile

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work under the project TEN4CARE (Tendon Engineering for Comprehensive Advanced Rehabilitation and Enhancement).

Job Duties

The main responsibilities will include:

• Develop and optimise in vitro cellular models and scaffolds.
• Biological evaluation of magnetic nanoparticles and nanocomposites.
• Biological evaluation of externally generated magnetic fields.
• Cellular and molecular characterisation.
• Evaluate antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity.
• Participate in consortium meetings and collaborative activities.
• Prepare and present regular progress reports.

Academic Qualifications

Mandatory:

• PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or a related field.
• Candidates who have not completed their doctoral degree at the end of the application period can apply provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the starting date[2]

Key Experience and Technical Skills:

• Experience in nanomedicine research and the biological evaluation of nanomaterials.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and in vitro biological assays.
• Experience in the development or application of advanced cellular models, including spheroids or multicellular co-cultures.
• Experience in microbiology and the use of biofilm models to evaluate antimicrobial activity.
• Proficiency in molecular and cellular characterisation techniques, including RT-qPCR for gene expression analysis and flow cytometry.
• Fluorescence and CONFOCAL imaging.
• Experience in MNPs applications, such as magnetic hyperthermia and MR.

Other Valued Skills/Experience:

• Experience in evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of nanomaterials on immune cells.
• Experience with magnetic nanoparticles and nanocomposites.
• Experience in microfluidic cell culture platforms.
• Previous participation in collaborative national and/or international research projects.
• Experience in student supervision and research project management.

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:

a) Cover letter

b) Curriculum Vitae with References’ contacts

The documents below are not mandatory at the moment of application, but will be mandatory to move forward to the interview stage:

a) Academic and/or Professional diplomas (Proof of thesis submission[2])

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.