Research Grant (BI), for the conduct of R&D activities by a graduate with a Master’s degree enrolled in PhD or in a course non-leading to an academic degree (SAI/2022/15)

Field of study: Computational biology/Bioinformatics

Admission requirements (eligibility criteria):      

- Master Degree in the area of bioinformatics, biomedicine, molecular biology, informatics  or related fields;

- Enrolment in a PhD or in a course non-leading to an academic degree, in the areas bioinformatics, biomedicine, molecular biology, informatics or related fields (The Proof of enrolment in a PhD or in a course non-leading to an academic degree, in the areas bioinformatics, biomedicine, molecular biology, informatics or related fields could be obtained until contracting. The assessment made here will only take into account if the candidates meet the conditions for enrolling in a PhD or in a course non-leading to an academic degree.);

Work plan:

The aim of the FCT project is to computationally infer gene regulatory networks underlying cardiomyogenesis and to examine the functional importance of the network components in the context of human health. The project is based on the combined analysis of a variety of large omics data and the application of state-of-the-art computational methods. It will provide the successful candidate a unique opportunity to work with a wide variety of data sets from cutting edge technologies and to develop new computational methods for the study of human diseases. 

The selected candidate will hold a key role in the project and will carry out following tasks: 

1) Integration and analysis of single cell and bulk transcriptomics data as with existing knowledge;

2) Application of statistical, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to derive gene regulatory networks; 

For the position, previous experience in the analysis of one or more types of omics data is strongly desirable but not absolute requirement. Programming skills and expertise in R and/or Python are also desirable but can be still acquired during the project. Expertise in data integration, statistics or machine learning are of advantage.  

Legislation and applicable regulations:

The fellowship is legally framed by the Research Fellowship Holder Statute and the FCT Regulation for Research Studentships and Fellowships in force.

Place of work:

The work will be carried out at Stem Cells and Development Group of Faculdade de Ciências Médicas|NOVA Medical School (FCM|NMS) from Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL) under the scientific supervision of Matthias Futschik. As the tasks are computational, remote working with regular meetings at FCM|NMS can be an option for the successful candidate.

Fellowship duration and predicted start date:

The fellowship will last for 6 months and is expected to start on February 15, 2023.

The fellowship contract is eventually renewed for an equal period until the end of the project.

Monthly Scholarship Amount:

The monthly amount of the fellowship corresponds to € 1144.64 (one thousand one hundred and forty-four euros and sixty-four cents), paid monthly by bank transfer, according to the table of stipend values of FCT, I.P., in the country.
 
Selection Methods:
The motivation letter and CV of the candidates will be evaluated according to the weighting of the factors indicated below.

Preferential Factors and assigned values in %:

- Knowledge in molecular & developmental biology - 25%;

 -Experience in relevant omics data analysis - 25%;

- Previous scientific productivity in relevant areas - 25%;

- Relevant programming skills in R or Python - 25%;

 
Candidates who have suitable expertise and skills sets for the position will eventually be invited for an interview accounting for 40% in the final classification. 

 
Selection Jury:

- President of the Jury – Matthias Futschik, FCM|NMS;

- 1st Effective Jury Member – José Belo, FCM|NMS;

- 2nd Effective Jury Member – Maria Paula Macedo, FCM|NMS;

- 1st Alternate Jury Member – Gabriela Silva FCM|NMS;

- 2nd Alternate Jury Member – José Inácio FCM|NMS.

Form of publicizing/notifying the results:

The results of the evaluation will be sent by email to the candidates who submitted the application within the deadline. The candidates will also be notified by email that if they wish to comment at the prior hearing, they should present their comments by email within 10 working days.

Application deadline and form of presentation of applications:

The call is open from January 17 to January 30, 2023, and is published on https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/ and in https://www.nms.unl.pt/en-us/NMS/Join-NMS/Recruiting (Portuguese and English versions on this website).

Applications have to be submitted by email, to rh.recrutamento@nms.unl.pt, mentioning the reference SAI/2022/15 in the Subject of the message.

Applications are formalized by sending the following documents: 

·        Letter of Motivation which should highlight the candidate’s expertise in molecular biology, data analysis and/or programming that could be relevant to the project;

·        Curriculum vitae including full list of scientific output;

·        Certificates of Qualifications;

·        Proof of inscription in a PhD or in a course non-leading to an academic degree, in the areas of bioinformatics, biomedicine, molecular biology, informatics or related fields. Alternatively, a statement on the CV or on the letter of motivation should be included saying that the candidate wants to enter a PhD or a course non-leading to an academic degree, in the area of project management or related fields. 

·        Contact details for an academic reference;

·        Other supporting documents deemed relevant.

Informal enquiries about the research grant or project can be addressed to matthias.futschik@nms.unl.pt

FCM|NMS reserves the right not to award the proposed grant if the candidates do not meet the requirements indicated in this announcement.

Portuguese and English versions of the notice on attachment.