Andreia J. Amaral

This post-doctoral research grant is hosted by the University of Évora, within the School of Science and Technology and the MED — Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development. The project, OptiGenPIG , focuses on an artificial-intelligence-based genomic optimisation algorithm for precision animal breeding of the Alentejano pig, and the grant supports the in vitro experimental validation of the project’s biological proof of concept. The selected researcher will work on the experimental side of a translational workflow that connects computational predictions with laboratory validation. The project aims to reproduce combinations of genetic variants predicted by the AI algorithm through gene editing in porcine cells, then feed the biological results back into the computational model. This makes the grant especially suited to a researcher interested in combining molecular biotechnology with animal genetics and applied gene editing. Work will centre on porcine cell systems and gene-editing validation, with activities spanning the establishment and optimisation of primary porcine cell cultures, the execution of multiplexed editing protocols, selection of edited populations, and molecular verification of edits. The role also involves viability and cellular function assessment of edited lines, together with broader contribution to the project’s dissemination through publications and conference presentations. The project is led by Prof. Andreia J. Amaral , with scientific supervision by Prof. Ana Faustino and collaboration from Prof. Elisa Bettencourt . The selection panel also includes Prof.ª Doutora Célia Maria Miguel Antunes and Prof. Rui Charneca . The position is embedded in a multidisciplinary environment linking molecular biotechnology, cell biology, animal physiology and veterinary sciences. The post is awarded as a Post-Doctoral Research Grant (BIPD) and runs for 24 months, with work expected to begin in December 2026. The grant is supported by the Alentejo Regional Programme 2021–2027.