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Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto

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PhD in Molecular and Cellular Microbiology Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto in Portugal

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Available

Deadline

Oct 7, 2026

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Country

Portugal

University

Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto

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Keywords

Chemistry
Microbiology
Biology
Crystallography
Structural Biology
Antibiotic Resistance
Medical Science
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Computational Modelling

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About this position

i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto is inviting applications for a PhD researcher position in Molecular and Cellular Microbiology in Porto, Portugal.

The project, “Discovery of wall teichoic acid glycosylation inhibitors as next-generation antimicrobial agents”, addresses antibiotic resistance through an anti-virulence strategy targeting Gram-positive bacteria. The main experimental model is Listeria monocytogenes, with broader relevance to pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Enterococcus. The work plan combines structural biology, biochemistry, computational modelling, virtual docking, and medicinal chemistry to identify and characterize inhibitors of the enzyme RmlT, which is involved in wall teichoic acid glycosylation.

Selected compounds will be tested for enzyme inhibition, bacterial effects, mammalian cell toxicity, and efficacy in infection models. The project also includes analysis of how cell wall glycosylation changes during infection in animal models, making the position especially attractive for candidates interested in microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and antimicrobial discovery.

The post is based at the Molecular Microbiology research group at i3S, Rua de Alfredo Allen 208, Porto. The contract is for a Junior Researcher role, with a monthly salary of €2,679.17 (index 38), initially for 12 months and potentially extendable, but not beyond the project end date currently expected to be 30 May 2028.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field. The call places strong emphasis on publication record, research experience with infectious pathogens, work in BSL-2/BSL-3 environments, international and industrial experience, conference presentations, student supervision, and scientific writing and project funding experience. Fluency in spoken and written English and immediate availability are required.

The application deadline is 7 October 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon). Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format through the i3S application portal, together with the PhD diploma/certificate, CV, motivation letter in English, and any additional supporting documents relevant to the assessment.

Funding details

Available

What's required

PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related scientific field; at least 3 original articles in the molecular study of pathogens responsible for infectious diseases; experience with infectious pathogens and extensive molecular biology techniques; research experience with human pathogens in a biosafety level 2 or 3 environment (P2/P3); experience in a business and/or industrial setting; experience in an international setting; oral and poster presentation of scientific results at international conferences; demonstrable experience in student supervision; experience in writing scientific articles and in writing or securing research projects; fluent spoken and written English; immediate availability to start work on the project.

How to apply

Prepare the required documents: PhD certificate/diploma, detailed CV, motivation letter in English, and any other relevant supporting documents. Submit the application digitally in PDF through the provided i3S application link before 2026-10-07 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon).

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