Postdoctoral Researcher – Mechanobiology of Human Microphysiological Systems

Job Reference:Ref.16.26.448

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Domigues Research Group

Number of Vacancies:1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration:12months*

*possible extension up to 36 months, depending on performance

Open Date for Applications:May 22nd, 2026

Closing Date for ApplicationsJune15th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words:#mechanobiology #mechanotransduction #piezoreceptors #invitromodels #cellculture #molecularbiology #geneediting

The Domingues Research Group is dedicated to advancing nanobiomaterials, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine, with a focus on developing advanced materials and platforms that interface with living systems and human health. By integrating smart biomaterials, synthetic biology, tissue engineering concepts, and nanoscale biointerfaces, the group aims to create next generation nanotherapies, microphysiological systems, and bioengineered grafts for regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on musculoskeletal and soft tissue disorders.

The selected candidate will work as a postdoctoral researcher 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 job duties will be the following

• 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 (M.Sc. and Ph.D. level) students and research assistants, actively assisting the coordination of group activities.

MandatoryQualifications

Education

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

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

• 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

• Ability to work as part of an international team, but with high degree of autonomy as well
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading comprehension).
• Strong scientific writing skills.
• Ability to develop research concepts and plans.
• Management and problem-solving skills.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges
• Private health insurance
• Family allowances (according to family situation)
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability)
• Support for education fees of dependent children
• Relocation support
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include thefollowingmandatory documents

a)Cover letter

b)Curriculum Vitae

c)Academic and/or Professional diplomas

d)At least one reference letter

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above inpdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried outon the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats:video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions.

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.