Summary: The University of Coimbra invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship under the prestigious SYSSCA Project, aimed at revolutionizing the understanding and treatment of Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs) using systems biology and artificial intelligence. This unique opportunity will allow the selected researcher to work in close collaboration with international leaders in neurodegenerative disease research and contribute to developing biomarker discovery tools, therapeutic targets, and public outreach.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology – University of Coimbra
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Research Area | Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Rare Diseases |
| Location | Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Portugal |
| Start Date | September 2025 (negotiable) |
| Duration | Up to 33 months |
| Eligibility | PhD (awarded within last 3 years) in Bioinformatics or related fields |
| Application Deadline | 20 August 2025 |
| Application Link | Apply Here |
| Contact | Dr. Matthias Futschik (matthias.futschik@uc.pt) |
Designation
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Research Area
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Systems Biology and Network Biology
- Artificial Intelligence for Drug Repurposing
- Spinocerebellar Ataxias (Neurodegenerative Diseases)
- Omics Data Integration and Visualization
Location
Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)
University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
(UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Eligibility / Qualification
Essential:
- PhD in Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Molecular Biomedicine, or related disciplines (awarded within the past 3 years)
- Strong programming skills in R and/or Python
- Demonstrated experience with high-throughput omics data and biological databases
- Team collaboration and independent working capabilities
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
Desirable (Preferred):
- Experience in machine learning / AI methods, especially graph-based approaches
- Network biology and interaction network analysis
- Web development or scientific tool/software development
- Prior experience with disease-oriented bioinformatic studies
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to the SYSSCA Project, which applies computational and AI techniques to discover biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Spinocerebellar Ataxias. Responsibilities include:
- Integrating and curating omics and clinical datasets
- Conducting bioinformatics analyses to explore disease mechanisms
- Performing AI-based drug repurposing using network and expression-based strategies
- Developing a user-friendly web resource for SCA data
- Participating in dissemination and public engagement activities
- Optionally contributing to experimental work, science communication, and commercialization efforts
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- A motivation letter (including contact details of two referees)
- A signed and dated Curriculum Vitae
- Academic certificates
- Any other relevant supporting documents (optional)
🔗 Apply online via UC Portal: https://apply.uc.pt/IT137-25-300
📧 For inquiries, contact: Dr. Matthias Futschik at matthias.futschik@uc.pt
🌐 Project website: http://www.sysbiolab.eu/syssca.html
Last Date to Apply
🗓️ 20 August 2025
This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in rare neurodegenerative diseases while developing a strong international research profile in one of Europe’s most historic academic institutions.
