The
3B’s Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics at University of Minho, University of Minho, Gualtar Campus, Braga, Portugal, a member of the ICVS/3B’s – Associate Laboratory, opens a call for one doctoral research scholarship under the
European Project BIOHYBRID, funded by the 7th Framework Program of the European Union. This project aims to develop an innovative biohybrid artificial nerve to be used as a transplantation tool for repairing damaged peripheral nerves.
The scholarships will be attributed under the following conditions:
1. Scholarship Term and Legal Status: The scholarships will last 12 months and are expected to start during March/April 2012. The scholarship contract may be renewed with a possibility for an extension until the end of the project. It is a full time research scholarship and all the conditions established by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology will be applied (more information http://www.fct.mces.pt).
2. Profile of the candidate: The call is open to candidates holding a CEng., MEng., BSc. or MSc. in Organic/Polymer Chemistry or similar fields. Candidates are also expected to have previous experience in nanoparticles synthesis, polymer functionalization, conjugation and immobilization of bioactive molecules are mandatory. Knowledge on polymer characterization methods, such as FTIR, NMR, MALDIToF mass spectrometry, AFM, and GPC is required. Experience in cell culturing is also beneficial. A good standard in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills is also required.
3. Work plan: Synthesis and modification of polymers; Conjugation of polysaccharides with surface-active molecules; Synthesis of nanoparticles for intracellular drug delivery; Production of hydrogels for cell encapsulation; Physicochemical characterization of nanoparticles and polysaccharides; Cell-material interactions studies; Writing project reports.
4. Scholarship Value: The scholarship value will be based on the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology rules for
scholarships, monthly stipend of €980 for Doctoral Scholarship (tax free) (more information http://www.fct.mces.pt).
5. Selection methods: Curriculum Evaluation and Interview. The evaluation criteria for each method is as following:
A. Curriculum Evaluation
A.1. Academic qualifications
A.2. Research Experience under the project scope
B. Interview
B.1. Professional and behavioral skills.
The candidates will be classified with a scale of 1 to 20 for each criterion, and candidates classified with a score below 15 in the Curriculum Evaluation will not be admitted to the Interview.
6. Jury Panel: Prof. Rui L. Reis (President); Dr. Joaquim Miguel Oliveira and Prof. João F. Mano.
7. Documents: Motivation letter (maximum one A4 page), copy of the Certificate of academic degree(s) and detailed Curriculum Vitae.
8. Period of application:
The Applications should be submitted (using the Scholarship Reference: BD_March/April_2012_BIOHYBRID_01) until February 17th, by email to info@3bs.uminho.pt or ordinary mail to:
A/c Prof. Rui L. Reis
3B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics
University of Minho
Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra
S. Cláudio do Barco
4806-909 Caldas das Taipas – Guimarães, Portugal
For more information on the 3B’s Research Group – University of Minho and the Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, please see: http://www.3bs.uminho.pt or contact Tel.: +351 253 510915