Independent Group Leader Positions in Gene Therapy | GeneT Center of Excellence Portugal

The University of Coimbra is recruiting two PhD holding positions as Group Leaders of the new Center of Excellence currently being implemented under “GeneT – The Gene Therapy Center of Excellence”. The GeneT, located in Coimbra, results from a funded project between the University of Coimbra, Portugal, the University of Sheffield (UK), and University Eastern Finland, funded by the European Union within the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence action (DOI: 10.3030/101059981).

The new Gene Therapy Center of Excellence – the GeneT – acts as an (inter)national enabler of Gene Therapy research,innovation, manufacturing, and clinical trials located in the Center Region of Portugal, in Coimbra.

Within the scope of the European Commission’s Teaming for Excellence action, GeneT has an ambitious 6-year plan to develop its research and innovation activities, viral-vectors production, and clinical trials, with a long-term sustainable strategy. This includes the international recruitment of research groups.

Work plan/Objectives:

The successful candidates are expected to establish independent research groups, conduct visionary research, acquire extramural funding, participate in graduate training programs and in the academic life of GeneT, and pro-actively engage in collaborative projects with CiBB groups, and other research institutions, universities, and hospitals in Portugal. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the GeneT, by participating in strategic activities, training programs, and outreach activities.

The Group Leader will be in charge of:

• Implementing a new research group in gene therapy in one of the following fields: oncological disorders, musculoskeletal, genetic cardiovascular & pulmonary, ophthalmic & ear disorders, metabolic/hepatic, immuno-deficiencies, haematological disorders;
• Assembling, recruiting and managing a multi-disciplinary research group in the dedicated gene therapy field at GeneT;
• Performing high-quality research and innovation in the gene therapy area;
• Collaborating closely with other R&D groups within the institute, the viral vector unit, the Clinical Trial Unit, and other researchers to achieve GeneT objectives;
• Applying for international funds for research activities and infrastructure;
• Actively contributing to postgraduate studies, including the new International Doctoral Programme in Gene Therapy;
• Disseminating research results through high-quality publications, participation in conferences, workshops and seminars, as well as hosting courses and seminars.

Research Field: Gene Therapy

Skills/Qualifications

• PhD in a field relevant to Gene Therapy, as outlined above.
• Excellent scientific track record demonstrated through the quality and relevance of the publications and other research activities,
• Translational track record.
• Proficiency in state-of-the-art techniques in the field.
• Capacity to attract and supervise talented post-graduate students and participation in advanced training programs, namely at the doctoral level.
• Networking skills demonstrated through the scientific relevance of the international collaborations.
• Track record in obtaining competitive research funding to secure funding for her/his own activities as a group leader, shown through a high level of fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to a wider range of audiences. English

Benefits

The successful candidate will be hired by the University of Coimbra under a four-year full-time work contract, with the possibility of an open tenure track position upon external evaluation. Our start-up package includes competitive salary adjusted to candidate’s track record, 4-year funding for post-doctoral researcher(s), 4-year funding for PhD student(s), annual budget for consumables and small equipment, and support with administrative tasks.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates will be evaluated taking into consideration criteria designed for assessing previous experiences and scientific expertise (assessment of CV), merits of the Plan for Research, Innovation and translational activities, interpersonal skills, and strategic fit of the candidate’s profile and proposed plan for the position and the GeneT mission.

The selection includes a two-step evaluation process: Phase A (60%) and Phase B (40%).

Phase A consists of an evaluation of the Curriculum vitae, Plan for Research, innovation, and translational Activities within GeneT, Reference letters, and Motivation Letter, towards shortlisting of candidates.

Phase A will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula: 60%CV + 30%PP+ 10%ML, where,

• CV: Curriculum Vitae (R&D experience, outputs; career path; leadership and funding; and other relevant experience, achievements and skills related to the functions).
• PP: Suitability of the candidate’s Profile for the Position and for the mission of GeneT; including the Plan for Research, innovation and translational activities, and professional references.
• ML: Motivation letter.

Candidates scoring above 50% for Phase A will be invited to proceed to Phase B.

Phase B consists of an evaluation of shortlisted candidates (i.e. scoring above 50% in Phase A) via public seminar, chalk talks and interview by the evaluation panel. This Phase B will be in-person, scheduled for January 2025, in Coimbra.

Phase B will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula: 40%GT + 20%VC +40%SP, where,

• GT: Demonstrable knowledge and R&D competencies in Gene Therapy.
• MI: Motivation and interest for the position,
• SP: Suitability of the candidate’s profile for the position and for the mission of GeneT.

Selection Panel

• Luís Pereira de Almeida (University of Coimbra/Gene-T) President
• Mimoun Azzouz (University of Sheffield, UK)
• Seppo Ylla Hertuala (Univ Eastern Finland)
• Claudia Cavadas (University of Coimbra, CiBB; GeneT)
• Beverly Davidson (CHOP Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA)
• Xandra Breakefield (Harvard Medical School, USA)
• Miguel Sena Esteves (Massachusetts University, USA).

How to apply

Applications should be submitted by email to GeneT.applications@uc.pt, written in English, with the identification applicant’s “First and Last Name” by the end of 26 November 2024, and include the following documents and information:

a) Motivation letter;

b) Detailed Curriculum vitae including full publication list (co-authorships included), a brief synopsis of the career path, participation and coordination of relevant funded research and translation projects and in what capacity, supervision of graduate students, and other relevant information for the position;

c) Plan for Research, Innovation and translational Activities within GeneT including a Background and state-of-the-art, Research plan (5-year perspective, including expected outcomes and risk assessment) – maximum 5 pages.

d) Copy of up to the 5 more relevant outputs produced; the candidate should explain his/her contribution and relevance for the position in question;

e) Contact details of 3 professional references, including e-mails. The reference person should send the reference letter directly to the email GeneT.applications@uc.pt

within the application period, referencing the name of the candidate.

About us

GeneT integrates CiBB that includes the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC-UC) and the Coimbra nstitute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR). CiBB is located at the University of Coimbra (UC) and is an associate Laboratory, a status of excellence granted by the Portuguese National Science & Technology funding agency (FCT). CiBB, with around 320 researchers, fosters high-level and vibrant biomedical and biotechnology research, featuring a strategic research line on Innovative Therapies with a core research group devoted to Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapies, from which the project GeneThas spawned. GeneT research groups will benefit from CIBB state-of-the-art research infrastructures (i.e. animal facility, advanced microscopy, viral vector production unit, etc), professional support offices (i.e Pre- and Post-award Grant offices,Technology Transfer office, Science Communication, etc), Clinical Trial Unit, and administrative support.

The GeneT is committed to diversity and supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age, or sexual identity.

Beyond the academic realm, the city of Coimbra offers an exceptional quality of life. Nestled amidst breath-taking landscapes and steeped in history (UC is World Heritage), it is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, a very affordable European city, safe and with an inviting atmosphere to live, work and raise a family, with excellent weather all year round and a45-minute drive to the beach.

Website for additional job details: CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: Group Leader 1 & 2 on Gene Therapy – GeneT project (GA 101087416) | EURAXESS