Open Call for a Research Fellowship, under the Project 101042912 - BEE_GEMS - ERC2021-STG
The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) is welcoming applications to a Bachelor's ResearchFellowship (BI), under the project 101042912 - BEE_GEMS - ERC-2021-STG, entitled: “Geneticfactors Enabling Microbiome Symbioses: Bees as a natural model system”, financed by theEuropean Research Council Executive Agency, under the programme Horizon Europe, with thefollowing conditions:
1. Duration The fellowship duration according to the IGC Research Fellowship Regulation
approved by FCT is 6 months and may be renewed for a maximum of 1 year. This limit may beincreased with a new fellowship for additional periods not exceeding 1 year in total, in the eventof enrolment in a new level of the same course or in another non-degree course. The fellowshipcontract 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. The candidate will perform experiments to test these impacts as well as
potential mechanisms mediating host-microbe interactions. Additionally, there will be scope
within this study for the candidate to gain technical experience in Bioinformatics, MolecularBiology, and Microbiology.
3. Scientific Areas: Biological Sciences.
4. Academic Profile and Admission Requirements: Bachelor degree in life sciences, withexperience or background in Molecular Biology and Microbiology. The candidate will develop
the project together with members of the MGS lab but will also be expected to exercise
independent initiative to carry the study forward. Willing to work with honey bees, including
working outdoors with live bees and moving/lifting hive boxes (up to 50 lbs). Must have valid
driver's license. Knowledge in microbiology techniques, including growth and maintenance ofbacterial cultures and in molecular biology is preferred. 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 non-academic degree course integrated in the educational 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.º60/2018, of August 3rd, and any formalities established therein must be fulfilled by the date of
the 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 August28th; 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_BEE_GEMS”, 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 20/07/2024 until the vacancy is filled.
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.