Junior Research Fellow - Microfluidic magnetic cell sorting

Junior Research Fellow - Microfluidic magnetic cell sorting

Job Reference: Ref.11.23.62/2

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Abalde-Cela

Supervisor: Alar Ainla

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 24 months

Open Date for Applications: July 31st 2024

Closing Date for Applications: August 21st, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #instrumentationdevelopment #microfluidics #cellsorting #magnetism #nanoparticles

Overview

The Abalde-Cela RG is dedicated to the development of innovative devices for cutting-edge applications in life sciences.

We are seeking a highly-motivated Junior Research Fellow to join the team tackling the development of magnetically activated microfluidic bacteria sorting device for the automated affinity optimisation of antibodies, under the project Accelerated Discovery Nanobody Platform – ALADDIN, funded by a grant from European Commission Pathfinder programme with reference number 101130574.

Bacteria is an attractive class of organisms for biotechnology due to their simplicity, rapid growth and easier handling compare to more complex and delicate eukaryotic cells. Bacteria can also be genetically engineered to express variety of proteins. These proteins could be further optimised for specific pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. Often high affinity to specific target molecules (such as antibody-antigen interaction) is the desired characteristic. In order to optimise proteins, the capability to quickly sort them based on their affinities is required. Magnetic sorting has advantages due to the simplicity and high-throughput of the sorting process.

Job Duties 

The job duties will be the following:

• Design and implement a system for magnetically activated sorting in microfluidic devices;
• Prepare microfluidic chip designs;
• Assemble microfluidic chips and systems, including pumps and valves;
• Develop required supporting setup using rapid prototyping methods (i.e., CAD, laser-cutting, 3D printing);
• Test, optimise and benchmark the system with test particles and bacteria;
• Participate in research planning and experimental design activities;
• Contribute to the group sustainability and core activities;
• Contribute to the dissemination of scientific results in high quality journals and by participating in national and international conferences.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education 

• MSc in Physics, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, other Physical or Engineering sciences, or related areas.

Technical Skills 

• Microfluidics;
• Practical mechanics (i.e., 3D CAD design, rapid prototyping with CNC micro-milling or 3D printing);
• Optical microscopy;
• Nanoparticles (especially magnetic particles);
• Data analysis (e.g. statistics, measurement uncertainties etc.).

Preferred Experience and Technical skills

• Experience and knowledge of microfluidic systems;
• Previous experiences with micromixers, mass-transport, magnetic nanoparticles, magnetic separation, molecular interactions, and affinity assays are highly advantageous;
• Skill in basic electronics, programming (e.g Matlab, Python, Arduino) and finite element modelling (COMSOL) are also useful.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting deadlines;
• Problem-solving capability;
• Ability to work independently and as team player in an international team;
• Organisational skills;
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Impeccable data management skills;
• Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading comprehension).

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 the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter;

b)     Curriculum Vitae;

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas;

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf 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 out on 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.