Research Assistant Position: Brain, Metabolism, and the Microbiome
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Localização: Champalimaud Centre for The Unknown
Entidade Empregadora: Champalimaud Foundation
Regime: Tempo Inteiro
Posição: Research Técnico de Investigação
Início da Candidatura: 13 Abr. 2026
Do you want to work with a multidisciplinary and international team using the newest genetic, molecular, behavioral, and imaging technologies? Are you interested in the crosstalk between the brain, the microbiome, and the rest of the body?

As part of our team, you will join two exciting projects:

The Diet-Brain Connection: Understanding how food alters the structure of brain cells to control feeding behavior.

The Microbiome-Metabolism Link: Discovering how gut bacteria help the body survive nutritional stress.

If participating in this cutting-edge research is of your interest, then this is your opportunity!

Your tasks: Serving as a core technical pillar of our team, you will collaborate directly with postdocs to drive behavioral and physiology experiments, perform precision tissue preparation for advanced microscopy. You will use powerful Drosophila genetics and genome engineering to identify mechanisms acting in specific cell populations that alter behavior and metabolism. In parallel, you will manage essential laboratory operations to keep the research running seamlessly.

What you will gain: This role is about much more than just learning techniques, it is an opportunity to make real scientific discoveries. Alongside comprehensive training in state-of-the-art imaging, neurogenetics, and metabolic profiling, you will gain the independence to drive impactful research within the Behavior and Metabolism group at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown.

Your qualifications:

• Academic Background: A BSc or MSc in Life Sciences, Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Scientific Drive: A genuine passion for discovery, strong motivation, and an eager desire to master new laboratory techniques.
• Operational Excellence: A highly focused, well-organized, and reliable working style is crucial for successfully managing both your autonomous experiments and lab operations.
• Teamwork & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills and fluency in English (both written and spoken).
• Prior experience in Drosophila husbandry, fluorescence microscopy, or biological data analysis and coding experience (e.g., image analysis) is a fantastic plus. However, it is NOT strictly mandatory, as full training will be provided to the right candidate.

How to apply:

Candidates are encouraged to send their applications (a brief cover letter outlining your motivation and a CV) to Sílvia Henriques at silvia.henriques@research.fchampalimaud.org.

Please use the subject line: “NEWRA_your last name”

Deadline: we will begin reviewing candidates on the April 16th 2026 until the position has been filled. Upon selection, the applicant can start immediately.

For more information about our team and research, visit our lab webpage: http://ribeirolab.org

About Champalimaud Research: We aim to understand complex biological problems such as brain and behavior, physiology, and cancer. The research teams include members from across the world. Located on the waterfront in central Lisbon, Portugal, the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is equipped with cutting-edge research facilities.

We offer a stimulating, internationally diverse and highly collaborative work environment. Lisbon’s sunny Atlantic- Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture and high quality of life make this a great place to live and work. English is the official language of the institute.

Website: http://ribeirolab.org

Number and type of fellowships or contracts to be awarded: 1 fellowship

Required Education Level: BSc, MSc

Research Fields: Neurosciences

Skills/Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

We are seeking an undergraduate-level (BSc or MSc in Life Sciences, Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field) with a strong passion for science and excellent communication skills in English. The ideal candidate will have a well-organized, and reliable working style and excellent interpersonal skills. It will be particularly relevant prior experience in Drosophila husbandry, fluorescence microscopy, biological data analysis and coding experience although these skills are not strictly mandatory.

Specific Requirements

BSc or MSc in Life Sciences, Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field

Languages: English, Excellent

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

• Full immersion into a research excellence ecosystem with highly motivated researchers, supported by state-of-the-art technology and continuous development opportunities.

• Maximum allowable duration of the contract including the respective renewals OR Initial duration: 24 months with possibility of renewal until the end of the project (Dec 31st, 2029).

Eligibility criteria

National, Foreign or Stateless candidate(s) who hold a BSc or MSc degree in Life Sciences, Biology, Neuroscience, or a related Areas or other related scientific areas and a scientific and professional curriculum that reveals a profile appropriate to the activity to be developed.

In case of PhD degrees awarded by foreign higher education institutions, the degree must comply with the provisions of Decree-Law No. 341/2007, of 12th of October, and all formalities established therein must be fulfilled by the deadline for application submission.

Selection process

• Candidates will be screened to determine eligibility based on minimum qualifications listed in call. Candidates meeting minimum requirements will be scored according to the required application materials: CV 70% weighting, motivation letter 20%, interview 10% (in case of a tie).

• If provided, and if shortlisted, candidates’ referees may be contacted and may count towards evaluation.

Evaluation Committee members

Carlos Ribeiro, Silvia Henriques, Hina Kosakamoto

Application materials

CV and letter of motivation indicating 2 references (one single pdf document).

Proof of qualifications (certificates) may be required at a later date for the formalization of the contract agreement. Degrees obtained abroad may need to be formally recognized in Portugal.

About Us

Research is at the heart of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, a modern research and clinical facility situated on the waterfront in Lisbon, Portugal. The goal of Champalimaud Research (CR) is to perform world-leading fundamental and translational research. Current research work is focused on the fields of neuroscience, physiology and cancer. Champalimaud Research comprises a team of over 400 scientists from around the world. English is the official language of the Centre. Lisbon’s sunny Atlantic Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture and high quality of life make this a great place to live and work.

Relevant Institutional Information

In line with our community guidelines and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and Gender Equality Plan, no candidate may be privileged, favored, prejudiced or deprived of any right or excluded from any duty on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, chronic illness, language, nationality, territory of origin, family status (marital, pregnancy and maternity, having or not having dependents), socioeconomic situation, education, religion, political or ideological beliefs, trade union membership, or on any other grounds which are irrelevant to decision-making.

HR Excellence in Research

Legal Notices

The present call has the sole purpose of filling the indicated research position. This call may be canceled at any time on or before the jury’s evaluation of all eligible candidates and the recruitment process shall be concluded on the day of the full execution of the contract between the Champalimaud Foundation and the selected candidate.