Assistant Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering with focus on Protein Engineering and Bioprocesses; UCIBIO Chair
Job category
Assistant professor
Hiring Institution
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Additional host institution
Research unit/Associate laboratory chair
Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas - Lisboa
Instituto para a Saúde e a Bioeconomia
Scientific domain
Engineering and Technology Sciences
Scientific area
Industrial Biotechnology
Scientific sub-area
Industrial Biotechnology
Field(s) description
Assistant Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering with focus on Protein Engineering and Bioprocesses
Position’s alignment with SDGs of the United Nations 2030 Agenda
SDG Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infraestructures SDG Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
Research unit/Associate laboratory chair
Name of the Host Research Unit/Associate Laboratory
Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa - Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas - Lisboa
Job description, scientific profile and rationale
Position: Assistant Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering with focus on Protein Engineering and Bioprocesses
Job Description: We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Assistant Professor in the field of Chemical and Biological Engineering, with focus on Protein Engineering and Bioprocesses. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing our institutions research and academic mission. Key responsibilities include:
Establish and lead a research program intersecting the fields of protein engineering and cell-free evolution and expression systems.
Design and implement training opportunities in Biomolecular and Bioprocess Engineering, with focus on protein engineering and cell-free evolution and expression systems.
Supervise undergraduate and graduate students at master and PhD levels, as well as young researchers as postdoctoral trainees in research projects related to Biomolecular and Bioprocess Engineering.
Contribute to the academic community through dissemination and publication of research findings in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences.
Explore opportunities for securing external funding from national and international agencies and through collaborative projects with academic & industrial partners. Engage in technology transfer initiatives.
Actively participate in the development and implementation of outreach and communication activities.
Scientific Profile: The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:
PhD in Bioengineering or a related field, with a strong focus on protein engineering for bioprocesses
Demonstrated expertise and track-record in peptide and protein engineering using in vitro methodologies for protein evolution, particularly cell-free systems, for applications as affinity reagents for bioseparation, therapeutics, and in materials science.
Professional experience in industry, encompassing both research and managerial roles in discovery workflows, in close collaboration with the biopharmaceutical sector.
Experience in providing mentoring and training to students and young researchers at undergraduate, master and PhD levels, and in managing teams in non-academic environments.
Ability to deliver high-quality and inspiring talks to undergraduate and graduate courses in bioprocesses, with a commitment to innovative and effective communication approaches.
Demonstrated ability to lead and implement projects and manage teams to collaborate effectively with international academic and industrial partners, and to promote technology transfer activities.
Strong leadership and communication skills increasing research impact and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and society engagement.
Peer recognition through awards and invitation to international expert groups.
Rationale:
The recruitment of an Assistant Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering with focus on Protein Engineering and Bioprocesses aligns with NOVA FCT and UCIBIO strategic goals in advancing research and education in Industrial Biotechnology. Protein engineering and bioprocessing form the foundational pillars of modern biotechnological and biopharmaceutical industries. The emphasis on protein engineering and bioprocessing, with a particular focus on cell-free evolution and expression systems, addresses the growing demand for fast and sustainable protein development and biomanufacturing towards diverse biomedical (diagnostic and therapeutics) and technical applications (bio-based materials).
The applications of cell-free systems go beyond protein discovery and biomanufacturing. They also encompass metabolic circuit engineering and the creation of minimal and synthetic cells. These offer captivating opportunities for training on modern concepts in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology. The introduction of cell-free systems research is a novelty in the Portuguese academic setting and at NOVA FCT, thus providing an unique ecosystem at the Chemistry Department and opening a new research program at UCIBIO that provides unique opportunities to meet its strategic goals.
At UCIBIO, several research groups benefit from the implementation of such research program, namely those engaged in thematic lines TL1 (Biological & Biomolecular Interactions), TL2 (Diagnostics, Drug Discovery & Development) and TL4 (Nanobioengineering), while at the Associated Lab i4HB it will intensify and synergise the research efforts in Advanced Diagnostics and Therapies and Bioproducts Production.
The selected candidate will enhance the reputation of both the Hiring and Host Institutions through their excellence in research and education. This profile also cultivates partnerships with healthcare institutions and industry collaborators, leading scientific advancements and impactful contributions in Biological Engineering and Industrial Biotechnology.
