Offer Description
The University of Coimbra has an open call for one PhD-holding position Engineering and Vector Production Unit Director of the new Center of Excellence currently being implemented under “GeneT – The Gene Therapy Center of Excellence”. The GeneT, located in Coimbra, results from a funded project between the University of Coimbra, Portugal, the University of Sheffield (UK), and University Eastern Finland, funded by the European Union within the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence action (DOI: 10.3030/101059981)
The new Gene Therapy Center of Excellence - the GeneT - acts as an (inter)national enabler of Gene Therapy research, innovation, manufacturing, and clinical trials located in the Center Region of Portugal, in Coimbra.
Within the scope of the European Commission’s Teaming for Excellence action, GeneT has an ambitious 6-year plan to develop its research and innovation activities, Viral-vectors Production, and Clinical trials, with a long-term sustainable strategy.
Scientific Area: Gene Therapy
Objectives/Responsabilities
The Director of the Engineering and Vector Production (EVP) Unit will play a pivotal role in coordinating all activities related to the development of viral vectors within the institute. This includes overseeing research activities, as well as the production and purification of viral vectors. The Director will support research groups and the institute's clinical trial unit, while also fostering collaborations with key external stakeholders, including other research institutes and companies.
The Director of the Engineering and Vector Production Unit will be responsible for:
- Establishing and coordinating the Viral Vector Unit.
- Developing strategic plans for viral vector research and process development, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Collaborating closely with other R&D groups within the institute, the Clinical Trial Unit, and other departments to achieve the organization’s objectives.
- Leading the R&D team focused on viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus, retrovirus), with an emphasis on driving the development of new intellectual property.
- Managing the transfer of plasmid and viral vector processes from research and development to manufacturing, ensuring smooth transitions and integration.
- Leading the viral vector manufacturing team.
- Working with internal and external collaborators (e.g., Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and regulatory teams) to ensure alignment in process development efforts.
- Communicating project progress, challenges, and strategic plans to the Director and the management team.
- Representing the Viral Vector Unit at scientific conferences, industry meetings, and in relevant publications, as well as hosting courses and seminars.
Where to apply
E-mail: GeneT.applications@uc.pt
Requirements
Research Field: Technology » Pharmaceutical technology
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Skills/Qualifications
- A PhD in a field relevant to the development of viral vectors, as outlined above.
- Extensive experience in research, development, production and use of viral vectors (e.g., Adeno-Associated Viruses (AAV), Lentiviral Vectors (LVV)) and other viral-based technologies in biomedical R&D;
- Proven experience in establishing viral vector production and running a core facility/scientific platform;
- Demonstrated leadership skills, with a track record of successfully managing research teams.
- Networking skills demonstrated through the scientific relevance of the international collaborations;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences.
- Track record in obtaining competitive research funding to secure funding for her/his own activities as a group leader, shown through a high level of fundraising.
Additional Information
Benefits
The successful candidate will be hired by the University of Coimbra under a four years full-time work contract, with the possibility of an open tenure track position upon external evaluation.
Eligibility criteria
The selection includes Curricular Evaluation (CE; 60%) and Interview (I; 40%)
The Curricular Evaluation (CE) will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula CE = 60%CV + 30%PP+ 10%ML, where
- CV: Curriculum Vitae (R&D experience, outputs; career path; leadership and funding; and other relevant experience, achievements and skills related to the functions)
- PP: Suitability of the candidate’s Profile for the Position and for the mission of GeneT
- ML: Motivation letter
The Interview (I), to which only candidates scoring above the 50% threshold in the CE evaluation will be invited, will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula I = 40%GT + 20%MI +40%SP, where
- GT: Demonstrable knowledge and R&D competencies in Viral Vector production in Gene Therapy
- MI: Motivation and interest for the position
- SP: Suitability of the candidate’s profile for the position and for the mission of GeneT
Selection process
Selection Panel:
- Luís Pereira de Almeida (University of Coimbra/GeneT) President
- Xandra Breakefield (Harvard Medical School & Mass General Hospital)
- Miguel Sena-Esteves (UMass Chan Medical School)
- Cláudia Cavadas (University of Coimbra/GeneT/CIBB)
- Ana Luisa Carvalho (University of Coimbra/CIBB)
How to apply
Applications should be submitted to GeneT.applications@uc.pt, written in English, with the identification applicant’s “First and Last Name” by the end of December 27th, 2024, and include the following documents and information:
a) Motivation letter;
b) Detailed Curriculum vitae including full publication list (co-authorships included), a brief synopsis of the career path, participation and coordination of relevant funded research and translation projects and in what capacity, supervision of graduate students, and other relevant information for the position;
c) Copy of up to the 5 more relevant outputs produced; the candidate should explain his/her contribution and relevance for the position in question;
d) Contact details of 3 professional references letters, including e-mails. The reference person should send the reference letter directly to the email GeneT.applications@uc.pt within the application period, referencing the name of the candidate.
Where to apply
Email: GeneT.applications@uc.pt
Additional Information
About us: GeneT integrates CiBB that includes the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC-UC) and the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR). CiBB is located at the University of Coimbra (UC) and is an Associate Laboratory, a status of excellence granted by the Portuguese National Science & Technology funding agency (FCT). CiBB, with around 320 researchers, fosters high-level and vibrant biomedical and biotechnology research, featuring a strategic research line on Innovative Therapies with a core research group devoted to Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapies, from which the project GeneT has spawned. GeneT research groups will benefit from CIBB state-of-the-art research infrastructures (i.e. animal facility, advanced microscopy, viral vector production unit, etc), professional support offices (i.e Pre- and Post-award Grant offices, Technology Transfer office, Science Communication, etc), Clinical Trial Unit, and administrative support.
The GeneT is committed to diversity and supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age, or sexual identity.
Beyond the academic realm, the city of Coimbra offers an exceptional quality of life. Nestled amidst breath-taking landscapes and steeped in history (UC is World Heritage), it is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, a very affordable European city, safe and with an inviting atmosphere to live, work and raise a family, with excellent weather all year round and a 45-minute drive to the beach.
Website for additional job details: CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: Engineering and Vector Production Unit Director – GeneT project (GA 101059981)