Genomics Laboratory Technician
Reference: BIOPOLIS 2023-29
Job description:
Genomics Laboratory Technician
Reference: BIOPOLIS 2023-29
Main research field: Molecular Biology
1. Association BIOPOLIS is opening a call for one Laboratory Technician position (Reference BIOPOLIS 2023-29), in the framework of the project Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE; Grant Agreement - project 101059492). BGE is a Horizon Europe collaborative project funded through the Horizon Europe programme that aims to accelerate the use of genomic data for biodiversity genomics endeavours across Europe. The consortium consists of 33 partners, with an overall budget of 21M€, and a duration of 42 months. The successful candidate will develop laboratory work in the fields of molecular biology, carrying out tasks related to the processing of biological samples, genomic library preparation, barcoding, metabarcoding and associated work.
The contracting institution, Association BIOPOLIS, is a private, non-profit organization, which was created in the scope of the project "BIOPOLIS - Teaming to Upgrade Excellence in Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Research, and AgroBiodiversity” (2019-2027), with direct EC funding of 15 M€ and a similar amount by CCDR Norte. BIOPOLIS aims to support the upgrade of the research unit CIBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources to a Centre of Excellence in Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Research, and AgroBiodiversity, through a teaming with a leading scientific institution, the University of Montpellier (France), and with the participation of a business partner, the Porto Business School (PBS – University of Porto, Portugal). CIBIO conducts world-class research in the fields of biodiversity and evolution, hosting more than 30 research groups, which include nearly 200 researchers, and over 100 MSc and PhD students, from across the world. The Centre has state-of-the-art ecology and molecular laboratories and conducts research projects on a global scale, offering great opportunities for multidisciplinary research. Association BIOPOLIS is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, offering attractive conditions and benefits.
The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for manipulating and conducting molecular analyses planned within this project. The work plan will involve:
a. Biological Sample processing and organization.
b. DNA extraction and quantification from pollinator insects and mammalian samples, and possibly other source material;
c. Preparation of different library types for Whole-Genome Sequencing and Metabarcoding.
d. PCR and Sequencing.
e. Collaboration in writing technical reports and scientific publications.
f. The work will be developed under the scientific supervision of José Melo-Ferreira, João Pimenta and Paulo C. Alves.
2. Applicable Legislation: Portuguese Labour Code, approved by Law 7/2009 of February 12, in its actual form.
3. The selection panel will be formed by:
President of the jury: José Melo Ferreira (Principal Researcher; Chair)
Vogal 1: Filipa Martins (Junior Researcher)
Vogal 2: João Pimenta (Junior Researcher)
Substitute 1: Paulo Célio Alves
Substitute 2: Sónia Ferreira
4. The work will be conducted at CIBIO-InBIO, UP – Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, located at Campus de Vairão, Vila do Conde.
5. The gross monthly salary corresponds to Level 21 of the Consolidated Table of Allowances (TRU) 1596,51€ before tax.
6. Applications can be submitted by candidates of any nationality holding a Bachelor (BSc) or a master degree (MSc) in Biological Sciences or equivalent areas.
7. Skills and competences required:
i) Experience in laboratory procedures of molecular biology (DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing)
ii) Experience in the preparation of different library types for Next Generation Sequencing (DNA PCR free, DNA PCR based, Metabarcoding);
iii) Experience in genetics and genomics laboratory procedures;
The candidate should be able to work well within a team and have excellent English and communication skills. Furthermore, the candidate is expected to have strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
8. Candidates will be ranked based on:
i) The relevance of work experience for the announced position and training (75%)
ii) Motivation for applying to this position (25%)
9. Candidate final classification shall be given based on a scale 0 to 100.
10. The jury may decide to select candidates to an interview (in person or by videoconference) to establish the final ranking if the difference between the classification of the top two candidates is less than 10 points (based on the criteria in 7). The jury may not award the position if the profile of the candidates does not meet the requirements of the project.
11. Application formalization:
11.1 The applications are formalized at the electronic address http://www.cibio.pt. The following documents are required in a digital form (PDF format):
i) Curriculum vitae;
ii) Motivation Letter (including a brief description of research experience and why the candidate is suitable for the announced position);
iii) Qualification Certificates;
iv) Other relevant documentation
11.2. The application period is from 5th May until 26th May 2023.
Expected starting date: 1st July 2023
12. Results announcement: The ranking of applications will be published at a visible and public area of CIBIO facilities, and all candidates will be informed by email about the result of their application. After notification, all candidates have 10 working days to comment.
13. The Association BIOPOLIS is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. This means that the Association BIOPOLIS actively promotes employees and applicants to a policy of non-discrimination and equal access, in which no applicant may be privileged, benefited, prejudiced, or deprived of any right or exempt from any duty, namely, sex, age, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, ancestry, family status, economic situation, education, origin or social condition, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, political or ideological beliefs, union membership, or any other legally protected factor.
14. To comply with Law no. 4/2019, of 10 January, candidates must declare on the application form, under a statement of honor, their degree of disability, the type of disability and the means of communication/expression to be used in the selection process.