NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) announces Four Independent Group Leader positions

The NOVA Institute for Medical Systems Biology (NIMSB) is a new research institute in Lisbon that results from strategic a partnership between NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal, and the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin, Germany, funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence programme.

NIMSB strives to become an international leader in the development, integration, and Application of state-of-the-art approaches in Medical Systems Biology to promote biomedical research and precision medicine. NIMSB’s mission is to accelerate innovation based on the understanding of human biology and mechanisms of disease to enable earlier disease detection, novel diagnostics and advanced therapeutic solutions. NIMSB research and innovation programme is focused on single-cell and spatial multi-omics analyses of human samples, AI-based computational biology, and the development and use of human-derived microphysiological systems (organoids and organ-on-a-chip). Within the scope of the European Commission’s Teaming for Excellence action, NIMSB has an ambitious 6-year (2023-2029) plan to develop its research activities, establish advanced technology platforms and build its long-term strategy.

NIMSB is recruiting up to 4 Research Group Leaders and invites applications from exceptional scientists with innovative and interdisciplinary research profiles in experimental and/or computational medical systems biology.

The current call offers:

2 positions for Computational Biology scientists with expertise areas including, quantitative systems biology, development of advanced methods for integration of large-scale omics datasets, and application of machine learning and statistical modelling for decipher cell and tissue behaviour, elucidate disease mechanisms, and enable patient stratification.

2 positions for Medical Systems Biology scientists with expertise in areas including, large-scale omics technologies aimed at understanding the cellular basis of health and disease, synthetic biology, genome and cell engineering, and the development and application of human microphysiological experimental systems for functional analysis and therapeutic discovery.

Successful candidates are expected to establish independent research groups to conduct visionary independent research, secure extramural funding, participate in the academic life of NIMSB, pro-actively engage in collaborative projects with experimental and computational groups and state-of-the-art technology platforms at NIMSB, other NOVA Institutes, the MDC, and other research institutions and hospitals. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of the NIMSB, by participating in strategic activities, training programs and outreach activities.

NIMSB research groups will benefit from strategic partnership programs with MDC and local stakeholders, which include access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure, dedicated budget for collaborative projects with MDC research groups, NIMSB-MDC joint PhD Programme, with co-supervision and lab exchange visits, close links with hospitals and clinicians through a focused Interceptive Medicine program for translational research, and a dedicated Innovation and Technology Transfer program.

We offer a 5-year contract with the possibility of extension 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.

Application submission

Applications should be submitted to [email protected] with the identification #II-RGL-NIMSB-2025 – “applicant’s First and Last Name” by the end of October 8, 2025, consisting of:

a) Cover letter (maximum 1 page);

b) Detailed Curriculum vitae including full publication list (co-authorships included);

c) Selection of up to 3 major publications authored by the candidate, stating a short description, their contribution and relevance (max.  1.5 pages);

d) Plan for Research Activities within NIMSB (maximum 5 pages plus 1 page for figures and legends; references excluded) consisting of:

– Background and state-of-the-art

– Research plan (5-year perspective, including expected outcomes and risk assessment)

e) Contact details of 3 referees, including e-mail addresses.

f) Three letters of reference from suggested referees. Referees must send their reference letter directly to the email [email protected] within the application period, referencing the name of the candidate. Letters should focus on the candidate’s expertise and achievements, as well as interpersonal skills. Referees should recognize and avoid unconscious biases or other forms of implicit discrimination. Letters not received by the application deadline may result in the exclusion of the candidate from the selection process.

Applications must be submitted in English. Please submit the application in a single pdf file (maximum size 8 MB).

Portuguese citizens, EU or non-EU citizens, and stateless candidates are eligible to apply.

Applicants must hold a PhD degree in natural sciences, medicine, bioinformatics, mathematical or computer sciences, or other scientific fields related to the scope of this call. PhD degrees awarded by a foreign higher education institution must be recognized by a Portuguese higher education institution, in accordance with the terms of Decree-Law no. 66/2018, of August 16, 2018. All formalities established therein must be fulfilled by the date of hiring.

Evaluation and Selection Process

The selection committee is composed of members of NIMSB Board of Directors and leading researchers from NOVA and the MDC.

The selection includes a two-step evaluation process:

1) Phase 1: evaluation of the Curriculum vitae and Plan for Research and Innovation Activities within NIMSB, towards shortlisting of candidates;

2) Phase 2: evaluation of shortlisted candidates via public seminar, chalk talks and panel interview. Phase 2 will be an in-person, three-day event, planned for the 2^nd week of December 2025, in Lisbon. Candidates are advised to reserve those dates.

Candidates will be evaluated at multiple steps, taking into consideration criteria designed for assessing: i. previous experiences and scientific expertise (assessment of CV), ii. merits of the research plan, iii. interpersonal skills, and iv. strategic fit to the NIMSB mission.

For further information, please visit the NIMSB website (https://nimsb.unl.pt/). Enquiries about procedures for application, the positions and perspectives should be addressed to António Jacinto ([email protected]).

NIMSB is committed to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity. Applications from women, minoritized or marginalized groups are particularly welcome.