Open Positions
Source: https://www.uc.pt/mia/open-positions/ Parent: https://www.uc.pt/mia/
PTEN
MIA - Portugal | Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing
Open Positions
FCT - Studentships for Doctorates in All Scientific Fields 2026
The Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal), based at the University of Coimbra, invites motivated and talented scientists to apply for the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) Award of Studentships for Doctorates in All Scientific Fields 2026.
Several research groups at MIA-Portugal are welcoming expressions of interest from prospective PhD candidates:
Advanced Cell Technology Group – Hugo Fernandes (hugo.fernandes[at]uc.pt)\ Theme: Non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles as theranostic tools in metabolic diseases.
FlyCab: Cell Biology of Neuronal Ageing Group – Alessio Vagnoni (alessio.vagnoni[at]uc.pt)\ Themes:
- Intracellular trafficking during neuronal ageing
- Fruit fly, rodent, and human models of neuronal ageing
- Genetic screens in fruit flies
AI 4 Continuous Learning Group – José Sousa (j.sousa[at]uc.pt)\ Themes:
- Global Workspace Theory and emergent tacit knowledge in AI systems
- Complex adaptive systems and phase transitions in emergent AI knowledge
- Scalable continuous learning through neuro-symbolic integration
Vascular Ageing Group – Anjali Kusumbe (anjali.kusumbe[at]uc.pt)\ Theme: Molecular and cellular mechanisms by which endothelial cells modulate immune responses during ageing and in age-related diseases.
System Cell Biology – Saravana Ramasamy (saravana.ramasamy[at]uc.pt)\ Theme: Investigating why cardiovascular diseases become more prevalent with age and exhibit sex-specific differences.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please email the relevant Group Leader with the subject line, MIA-2026-FCT PhD by March 11th.
Your email must include:
- A short CV
The final application deadline for the FCT call is March 31st.
For detailed information about the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) Award of Studentships for Doctorates in All Scientific Fields 2026, including eligibility criteria, please visit:\ https://www.fct.pt/en/concursos/concurso-bolsas-de-doutoramento-2026-linha-de-candidatura-geral/
Master’s Thesis Project – Bayer Foundation International Scientific Fellowships - MIA-2026-01
The Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal), based at the University of Coimbra, is seeking enthusiastic master’s students to apply for the Bayer Foundation International Scientific Fellowships to support their master project.
The project will be carried out over 6 months at the Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany, under the supervision of Principal Investigator Dra. Cátia Igreja.The project will focus on the regulation of mRNA metabolism and protein synthesis in ageing organisms. We will use human cells and nematodes to address how dysregulation in the activity of a group of translational repressors impact cellular and organismal ageing, and contribute to disease. We welcome applications from students enrolled in Biology, Biomedicine, or related master’s programs, who have a background in molecular and cellular biology or biochemistry, and a strong interest in ageing research using nematodes.
To express your interest, please email Dra.Cátia Igreja (catia.igreja@uc.pt) with the subject line: MIA-2026-01, by March 13th.
You must include:
- Short CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letter (optional)
The final application deadline is April 18th.
For more information about the Bayer Foundation International Scientific Fellowships and eligibility criteria, please follow this link: https://www.bayer-foundation.com/science/fellowships-stipends#scientists
Expression of Interest, ERC-Funded Principal Investigator, ref: MIA-2025-03
Join MIA-Portugal as an ERC-Funded Principal Investigator
The Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA-Portugal) invites outstanding researchers to express their interest in applying for a European Research Council (ERC) grant with the support of our growing institute at the University of Coimbra, Portugal.
We are seeking ambitious and talented scientists with strong track records who are preparing to apply for an ERC Starting, Consolidator, or Advanced Grant. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to establish their research group within MIA-Portugal’s world-class environment.
Why Join MIA-Portugal?
Located at one of Europe’s oldest universities, MIA-Portugal is a Centre of Excellence dedicated to understanding the biological processes of ageing and developing innovative interventions for age-related diseases.
Key advantages include:
- Permanent faculty position at the University of Coimbra for ERC awardees.
- Comprehensive support throughout the ERC application process.
- State-of-the-art equipment and purpose-built ageing research facilities.
- Strong institutional support to launch research activities.
- Integration into a dynamic ageing research ecosystem, including Ageing@UC and Ageing@Coimbra.
- Multidisciplinary collaborations with access to clinical, translational, and biomedical research hubs.
- An international, collaborative, and innovation-driven scientific community.
Research Areas of Interest
We welcome expressions of interest from researchers working in ageing-related fields, including (but not limited to):
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing.
- Systems ageing and organismal biology.
- Stem cell biology and cell senescence.
- Cell reprogramming and tissue regeneration.
- Biological clocks, nutrient sensing, and energy metabolism.
- Novel biological methodologies for ageing research.
- Artificial intelligence for continuous learning of ageing.
How to Apply
To express your interest, please email secretaria.mia@uc.pt with the subject line: MIA-2025-03.
Your application should include:
- A brief proposal outline (max. 2 pages), including research aims and career development plan.
- A full CV.
- Contact details for at least two referees (including your most recent line manager).
Selected candidates will be invited to meet with MIA-Portugal’s leadership team, which may include delivering a seminar and engaging with researchers at the institute.
For informal enquiries and application support, please contact: secretaria.mia@uc.pt