Initial Training Network of the European Commission FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN-EID No 317052: Industrial Biological Biomaterials Doctorate
Location: INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Porto, Portugal
Category: Early Stage Researcher (PhD student) – 4 positions
Start Date: 01 January 2013
Duration: 3 years (contract) plus one year (scholarship*)
Application Deadline: 05 November 2012
Job Description
Four Early Stage Researcher (ESR) positions financed by the European Community are available within the Marie-Curie Initial Training Network European Industrial Doctorate: IB2 - Industrial Biological Biomaterials Doctorate.
This is an elite doctorate program, designed to train PhD candidates at the highest academic level in combination with strong components in entrepreneurship, technology transfer and business development. Therefore, part of the research and training will be carried out in an industrial environment and using a problem solving approach. All positions include an 18-month stay at the Industrial Partner, Grifols (Barcelona, Spain), a major health care company.
The overall aim of this Network is to develop xeno-free sources of biomaterials and other biological products for the expansion of stem cells for regenerative medicine strategies.
The topics of the four positions are:
A) Effect of hPDB (human plasma derived biomaterials) on hMSCs/ECs (human mesenchymal stem cells/endothelial cells) crosstalk: towards the development of an injectable multicell delivery system produced under xeno-free conditions
B) Effect of hPDBs on the crosstalk between hMSC and inflammatory cells
C) Effect of adsorbed hPDBs on hMSC behavior. Development of safe hPDB
D) Effect of PDBs on iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) generation, maintenance, and differentiation: towards the generation of clinically safe iPSC-derived cell therapy applications. Development of safe hPDB
Only applicants fulfilling these criteria will be eligible to apply:
- Early-stage researchers as defined in III.1 of Annex III of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/rea-annex3-mc-itn-multi_en.pdf).
- Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidates should have a Masters Degree in Biological Sciences (including Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Health Sciences) or a related field. For two of these positions knowledge in virology is desirable.
The candidates must be fluent in English (oral and written). Knowledge in or willingness to learn Portuguese and/or Spanish languages is desirable.
The IB2 Network is looking for exceptionally talented and motivated researchers, capable of working in both academic and industrial environments, with a positive, entrepreneurial attitude.
- Mobility
Researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility: at the time of recruitment by the host organization INEB, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of their host organization (Portugal) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date, as defined in III.3.2 of Annex III of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ftp://ftp.cordis.europa.eu/pub/fp7/docs/rea-annex3-mc-itn-multi_en.pdf).
Selection process
Applicants will go through a preliminary screening, in order to invite the best candidates for a poster presentation and interviews at INEB. The candidates selected for interviews will present their previous work in a poster session, where their enthusiasm, scientific spirit, ability to communicate scientific results and interest in developing a career in industry will be under close scrutiny.
Additional Information
IB2 upholds the principles of employment equity and gender balance policy, welcoming applications from women, ethnic and visible minorities and people with disabilities. Note that special visa requirements may apply to employees from non-EU countries working at IB2 in Portugal or Spain.
(*)These appointments may be extended for an additional 12 months, through a scholarship.
How to apply
If you meet all of the eligibility criteria, please submit your application to ib2applications@ineb.up.pt, CV, letter of intent, and the names and contact of two references.