Open Call for a Research Fellowship for Technician, under the Project 101042912 BEE_GEMS - ERC-2021-STG
The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) is welcoming applications to a Research Fellowshipfor Technician (BI), under the project 101042912 - BEE_GEMS - ERC-2021-STG, entitled:“Genetic factors Enabling Microbiome Symbioses: Bees as a natural model system”, financed by
the European Research Council Executive Agency, under the programme Horizon Europe, withthe following conditions:
1. Duration The fellowship duration according to the IGC Research Fellowship Regulation
approved by FCT is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal and may be up to a maximum of
2 years in the case of a student enrolled in a master's programme. In the case of students enrolled
in non-academic degree programmes, the maximum duration of the fellowship will be 12 months.
This limit can be increased with a new fellowship of equal duration if the student can prove thatthey are enrolled in a new level of the same course or in another non-degree course. The
fellowship contract is expected to start by August 2024, under the exclusiveness regime as
required by Research Fellowship Regulation of Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, IP (FCT).
2. Subject of Activities: The selected candidate will join the Microbial Genomics and Symbiosis
Laboratory (https://gulbenkian.pt/ciencia/research-groups/wkwong/, www.kwonglab.com),headed by Dr. Waldan Kwong. The MGS lab studies how symbiotic microorganisms affect thehosts with which they are associated with, and how these interactions are mediated. In particular,
we are currently investigating how the gut microbial community of honeybees impacts bee
physiology and behavior. This project will focus on the effect of the microbiome on the fat bodyof bees. In this study, we will analyse the fat body of social bees with and without a microbiome,
as well as with different/specific strains. To do so, transcriptomics, lipidomics, bacterial
communities’ analysis will be applied, and the results quantified using computational methods.
3. Scientific Areas: Biological Sciences.
4. Academic Profile and Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry.
Preference will be given to candidates with kowledge and experience in Molecular Biology
techniques, Microbiology and Computational analysis applied to biological data. The candidate
will develop the project together with members of the MGS lab but will also be expected toexercise independent initiative to carry the study forward. Attention to detail, well organized, andability to keep clear written records. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Good written and spoken English level.
According to article 3, point 2 of IGC Research Fellowship Regulation, the selected candidate
must be enrolled in a master's degree or in a non-academic degree course integrated in theeducational project of a higher education institution.
If the qualification has been conferred by a foreign higher education institution it must berecognized by a Portuguese higher education institution, under the terms of the provisions ofarticle
25.ºofDecree-Law
n.º66/2018,ofAugust16th(https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/degree-and-diploma-recognition), which approves the legal
regime of recognition of academic degrees and diplomas of Higher Education, attributed byforeign higher education institutions, and of paragraph e) of n.º 2 of article 4.º of Decree-Law n.º
60/2018, of August 3rd, and any formalities established therein must be fulfilled by the date ofthe hiring act. The jury reserves the right to invite the candidate ranked immediately after to theposition in question when the first ranked candidate is not recognized with the academic degree
after the aforementioned formalities have been fulfilled.
5. For Portuguese taxpayers: All candidates that where/are currently taxpayers in Portugal arerequired to present evidence of the fulfillment of their individual obligations towards thePortuguese Tax Authority and Social Security. Failure to comply with this requirement will beconsidered as a criteria for exclusion from the recruitment process.
6. Applicable legislation and Regulation: All candidates must comply with the IGC Research
Fellowship Regulation; Research Fellowship Statutes amended by Decree nº 123/2019 of August
28th; FCT Legislation and Regulations for Fellowships and the Decree-Law n.º 66/2018, ofAugust 16th (Legal regime for recognition of academic degrees and diplomas of higher education
awarded by foreign higher education institutions)
7. Subsidy Month Stipend: 1.085,00 €/month according to the table of monthly maintenanceallowance amounts set out in Annex I of IGC Research Fellowship Regulation. The payment will
be made by bank transfer. The selected candidate will be reimbursed for the amountcorresponding to the Voluntary Social Security contribution.
8. Deadline for applications and how to submit applications: Interested candidates should send
their applications to igcpositions@igc.gulbenkian.pt in a single PDF file, named “Applicant
Name_ Research Fellowship_ Tech_ERC”, containing: Motivation Letter (2 page max);
Curriculum Vitae (2 pages max), two reference letters and proof of degree.
9. Methods of Selection and Evaluation: The selection procedure shall be as follows:Curriculum (40%), motivation letter (20%), reference letters (20%). If considered necessary bythe jury, the interview of the selected applicants will represent (20%) of the final evaluation.
10. Jury Selection: Chairman: Dr. Waldan Kwong. Other members: Dr. Rodney Eyles and Dr.
Claúdia Campos. Substitute: Dr. Karina Xavier.
11. Form of Advertising / Notification of results: The assessment results will be sent to all
candidates by email. There will be 10 working days for complaints/appeals after the date ofpublication of the Selection Minute, through the same application email.
12. Application Period: From 21/06/2024 until 05/07/2024.
13. Non-discrimination and equal access policy: The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência of theCalouste Gulbenkian Foundation actively promotes a non-discrimination and equal access policy,
wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefitted, impaired or deprived of any rights
whatsoever, or be exemptof any duties based on ancestry, age, sex, sexual preference, maritalstatus, family and economic conditions, education, origin or social conditions, genetic heritage,
reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin or race, origin
territory, language, religion, political or ideological convictions and union membership.