CALL FOR A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Open Call for CALL FOR A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) opens a call for one research fellowship under the project “Exploring the role of HOXA9 in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: beyond the canons” funded by national funds through the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), under project reference 2023.17735.
ICDT, and by the European Union through the Lisbon Regional Programme 2021–2027 (LISBOA2030-FEDER-00687100), co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). Scientific Area(s) Scientific Area(s): Oncobiology, Cancer Fellowship recipients / Admission requirements Any National, foreign and stateless candidate(s) that fulfill the necessary conditions to be enrolled in a non-academic degree course (in area related to the work plan) can apply. Are considered “Non-academic degree courses” the ones referred in paragraph e) of number 3 of article 4 of Decree-Law nr 74/2006, from 24 th March , in its current version, as long as they are developed in association and cooperation between a higher education institution and at least one R&D Unit in accordance with the provisions of paragraph e) of Article 3 of FCT Fellowship Regulation. Applicant requirements
- MSc degree holder in the area of biomedicine or biomedical research (mandatory);
- MSc degree holder with a focus on Oncobiology, Cancer Biology, Oncology or related fields (particularly valued);
- High sense of responsibility, organization and method;
- Ability to work independently but also with team spirit;
- Excellent knowledge of English, both spoken and written;
- Although not mandatory, cumulative experience in the following will be highly valued:
- Signal transduction pathways;
- Mammalian cell culture, preferably human cells in suspension;
- Molecular biology techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, RT-PCR, Western blot);
- Production and handling of viral supernatants, and infection of human or mouse cells;
- Flow Cytometry; Work Plan and Objectives B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is an aggressive blood cancer. HOXA9, a known oncogene, is overexpressed in acute leukemias, including some B-ALL cases. Based on exciting preliminary data, we will, however, explore the paradigm-shifting hypothesis that HOXA9 acts as tumor suppressor in most B-ALL subtypes, using B-ALL mouse models (e.g., see Almeida et al. Nat Commun 2021) and culture of mouse and human leukemic cells. In doing so, we will provide novel insights into the genesis of B-ALL and identify and test new avenues for therapeutic intervention. Candidate responsibilities
- Molecular biology techniques (DNA and RNA extraction, RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, Western blot);
- Flow Cytometry analysis;
- Production and handling of viral supernatants;
- Transduction of mouse and/or human cells;
- Cell culture of B-ALL primary samples and cell lines, whether human or mouse;
- In vivo work with animal models;
- Mouse genotyping (DNA extraction and PCR) and colony management; Administrative duties
- Preparation of broad-use lab solutions.
- Maintenance of the overall organization and operation of the lab.
- Management of the inventory and reagents database.
- Processing orders and liasing with suppliers.
- Administrative and secretarial support to the Principal Investigator (PI). Predicted start date, duration and renewal conditions The fellowship contract is predicted to start inJuly 2026, for a period of 12 months. Workplace and Scientific orientation The research activities will be developed at Signaling in Cancer Laboratory Coordinated by Prof. Doctor João Barata and under his supervision. Non-discrimination and equal access policy GIMM undertakes to ensure compliance with the principles of non-discrimination and equality and to that extent, provides that no candidate can be privileged, benefited, harmed or deprived of any right or exempted from any duty due in particular ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, economic status, education, social origin or condition, genetic heritage, reduced working capacity, disability, chronic disease, nationality, ethnic origin or race, place of origin, language, religion, political or ideological convictions and trade union membership. International environment and experience Diversity is a fundamental aspect of the essence of GIMM, where researchers and non-researchers of different nationalities, backgrounds and areas of study work together, promoting the exchange of experiences and interactions, contributing to the personal and professional development of each person and to the existence of an international, inclusive and stimulating environment. Research Fellows Support Centre The Research Fellows Support Centre works everyday from 09:00AM to 11:00AM at People & Culture Unit Office. Fellowship financial conditions
- Monthly stipend in the amount of 1359.64€ in accordance with the defined in FCT. The amount will b