Postdoctoral/Auxiliary Researcher Position

Posted on: July 25, 2026

About the role

The Post-Transcriptional Ageing Laboratory, led by Dr Cátia Igreja at the Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing – MIA-Portugal, focuses on how regulation of protein synthesis shapes gene expression. The lab bridges molecular and organismal biology to explore the function of translation factors in the control of protein synthesis and mRNA metabolism in ageing cells and organisms. This position is co-funded by the European Horizon2020 TEAMING Program (reference: 857524) and the Operational Program of the Centro Region of Portugal (CCDRC Ref: CENTRO-45-2020-75).

The group uses a multidisciplinary approach integrating molecular, cellular, structural, and organismal biology to study RNA metabolism and protein synthesis in cells and nematodes. Techniques include CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and ribosome profiling, a high-throughput sequencing methodology that maps the position of translating ribosomes on transcripts with single-nucleotide resolution. The project aims to dissect the translatome—the set of mRNAs actively translated into proteins—upon alterations in the expression or activity of specific translational regulators that contribute to ageing and disease.

The successful candidate will benefit from a research secondment at the Max Planck Institute for Biology (Germany) to gain specialist expertise before joining the team at MIA-Portugal, University of Coimbra.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the impact of specific translational regulators in cellular and organismal ageing.
• Employ techniques such as nematode genetic models, cellular and longevity assays, ribosome profiling, molecular and proteomic approaches.
• Conduct curiosity-driven research in RNA biology and protein synthesis.

Requirements

• PhD in molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry, or a related field (must be defended before the start of the contract).
• Fluency in English (oral and written).
• Passion for research, self-motivation, and ability to work independently.
• Interest in RNA biology.

Qualifications

Candidates with prior experience and strong expertise in one or more of the following techniques are desirable:

• Ribosome profiling.
• Nematode biology.
• Bioinformatics.

Benefits

• Coverage under the Portuguese social security system.
• Daily meal allowance.
• Annual wages: 14 months of pay (12 regular months plus 2 additional months for summer holidays and Christmas allowance).

Pay

Monthly gross salary: €3,575.56.

Schedule

Contract duration: until 31 December 2027.

Work Location

Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal), University of Coimbra, with a secondment period at the Max Planck Institute for Biology, Germany.

About the organization

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is internationally recognized as a leading institution in higher education and scientific research. Located in Coimbra, a vibrant student town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the university offers a unique academic culture in a cost-effective European city. Coimbra enjoys delightful year-round weather and is conveniently located near the coast and Portugal’s main mountain ranges.

The Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal) is a newly established institute funded by the European Commission and Portuguese authorities. Its mission is to foster research excellence by providing state-of-the-art facilities, top-quality support for research groups, and high-standard training for early-career researchers. MIA-Portugal is committed to hiring and promoting leading scientists and supporting groundbreaking research in ageing.