Entry-Level PhD Researcher in MitOConexão: Investigating the Mitochondrial Nexus in Onco-Cardiology University of Porto in Portugal

Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) is recruiting one Entry-Level PhD Researcher for the project MitOConexão: Investigating the Mitochondrial Nexus in Onco-Cardiology (Ref. NORTE2030-FEDER-02713500). This is an international competitive selection procedure for a temporary fixed-term employment contract, carried out within FMUP and linked to the research and development unit RISE-Health.

The position is centered on biomedical sciences, with research activities spanning mitochondrial and cardiac function, cardiovascular and metabolic research, and the broader onco-cardiology theme. The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory and translational work involving biochemical and molecular biology methodologies, cell culture, histology, clinical data handling, sample processing and cataloguing, and support for ethical, administrative, and project-management tasks.

Key duties include assessment of mitochondrial and cardiac function in vivo and/or in vitro, use of biochemistry and molecular biology methods (such as electrophoresis, qPCR and omics-related approaches), recruitment of participants, collection of biological samples, anonymised clinical and experimental data analysis, and day-to-day support for laboratory operations. The role also includes collaboration in research funding applications, communication of project information, and support for supervision and training activities.

Eligibility highlights: candidates must hold a PhD in Biomedical Sciences or a related area, with the degree completed no more than 5 years before the deadline. The notice also requires experience in clinical and/or laboratory research in cardiovascular, metabolism or obesity topics, database management, statistical analysis, and ethical/administrative procedures in clinical and translational research. Preferred experience includes biochemistry, molecular biology, cell culture, histology, animal models, bioinformatics, and publication record in indexed journals. Good Portuguese and English are preferred.

Funding and salary: the post is remunerated under an exclusive dedication regime with a gross monthly base salary of €2,408.11 plus meal allowance. A full-time option is also described, corresponding to 35 hours per week.

Application deadline: 2 November 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon). Applications must be submitted via the U.Porto recruitment platform, with the required documents including proof of PhD degree, CV, cover letter, and supporting evidence of eligibility and merit.

This is a strong fit for researchers interested in mitochondrial biology, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, translational medicine, and experimental/clinical research in a university hospital environment.