Bolsa de Investigação: ARDITI-CQM/2017/011-PDG

TOPIC 5: Development of nanogels for biomedical applications based on marine resources (organic, inorganic or hybrid nanomaterials).

 

CQM+ is a project hosted by ARDITI - Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation and has as direct beneficiary the CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira/Madeira Chemistry Research Centre. The aim of the operation is to strengthen the research and innovation potential of CQM, to increase its critical mass and to strengthen research and innovation in the thematic areas identified as priorities  by the Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategy of Madeira (RIS3-RAM): "Health and Well-being", "Agro-Food Quality", "Bio-Sustainability" and the "Marine Resources and Technologies".
CQM is a national R&D institution supported and internationally evaluated by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The research center is hosted by the University of Madeira, which is located in Madeira Island, Portugal.  The research center performs world-class research in the fields of Natural Products and Materials and is currently reinforcing its research team with highly motivated and qualified researchers coming from all over the world. The recruited personnel will integrate a young, dynamic, and multicultural team focused on the development of new solutions for the improvement of human health, agri-food quality, and bio-sustainability (including the sustainable use of marine resources) aimed at improving scientific knowledge and the well-being of the Society.

Open Position

This call invites applications for one (1) postdoctoral researcher with experience in Chemical Synthesis.
Presently, 6 calls for postdoctoral researchers are open. Interested candidates should only apply for one of these positions.
Notes:

• The selection process will be based on the principle of non-discrimination in respect of gender, age, nationality, religion, racial group, or any other possible discriminatory issue. Selection will be made only based on merit and following the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Commission Recommendation, Brussels, 11.3.2005, 2005/251/EC) and the recommendations from the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).
• CQM is a recognized “refugee welcoming organization" by the European Commission, follows the European Charter for Researchers and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

Admission Requirements
 
Candidates for this position (“Postdoctoral Grant”) should have experience in nanomaterials chemistry (namely synthesis and characterization of nanogels and hybrid materials), less than 5 years after Ph.D., a strong motivation to work both independently and as part of a team, very good communication skills and ability to meet deadlines. Experience in the transference of knowledge and technology will be valued in the evaluation process.

Workplan

The candidate will have the following main specific responsibilities:

• Development of scientific research under the topic: Development of nanogels for biomedical applications based on marine resources (organic, inorganic or hybrid nanomaterials);
• Development of nanomaterials for use in medicine from materials of marine origin, namely polysaccharides (e.g. alginate, chitosan) and inorganic materials (e.g. calcium carbonates and phosphates). These nanomaterials will be used as delivery agents for drugs or genes or can be used in regenerative medicine.
• Participation in general CQM activities, such as science spreading and conference/course organization.

Scientific guidance and workplace

The successful candidate will be integrated into the CQM team headed by Professor João Rodrigues, and his/her work will be supervised by a Senior member of CQM with expertise in the field.
Workplace will be at CQM - Madeira Chemistry Research Centre, Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal

Duration

The successful candidates are expected to join the CQM team by September 2017. The contract will be for 1 year, renewable up to 3 years.

Salary

€1495 (Postdoctoral Grant) free of taxes; ARDITI postdoctoral stipend and regulations are determined by ‘FCT-Fundação para a Ciência Tecnologia’.

Evaluation criteria

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on their Curriculum Vitae (maximum 30 points), research activity (scientific/technological production; maximum 30 points), and research proposal (maximum 30 points). The 3 best-ranked candidates for each position will be invited for interviews (online interviews; maximum 10 points).

Selection panel
João Rodrigues (Ph.D.), Helena Tomás (Ph.D.), Nuno Nunes (Ph.D.), José Câmara (Ph.D.) (alternate member of the Jury).

Application contents

The applicants should submit a single pdf file containing:

• the Curriculum Vitae with the ORCID number, RESEARCHID and SCOPUS AUTHOR ID;
• summary of the scientific and curricular path, with a selection of the main activities and results achieved in the last three years;
• qualification certificates in Portuguese or translated into English and certified;
• a complete list of publications;
• a brief proposal (maximum 5000 characters) of a 3-year research project according to the work plan;
• the contact (email address, professional telephone number, and address) of 3 referees;
• other supporting documents considered relevant for the evaluation of the application.

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered for evaluation.

Announcement of the results

An email message with the result of the recruitment process will be sent to each applicant.

Application submission and deadline

Applications should be submitted in English by email to the following address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The specific reference to the call must be indicated in the email subject. The applicants should submit a single pdf file containing all the required documents.

Deadline for application: 02/06/2017, 17:00  (Lisbon/Madeira Island Time).
Note: The deadline for application may be extended at any time without previous notice having in mind the requirements for the positions under this call.