Position: Postdoctoral Researcher Position
Deadline: 21 April 2026
City: Braga
Country: Portugal
Institution: University of Minho, ICVS / School of Medicine
The research team led by Luísa Pinto is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an innovative project funded by the Wellcome Trust under the “Mental Health” Programme.
This project aims to address a major unmet clinical need in major depressive disorder: the lack of rapid and sustained therapeutic strategies. The selected candidate will contribute to the investigation of a neuronal vesicular transporter as a novel pharmacological target for depression, with the long-term goal of developing fast-acting and long-lasting antidepressant therapies, as well as identifying potential early diagnostic biomarkers.
The project integrates state-of-the-art methodologies, including genetic engineering, fiber photometry, and transcriptomics, combining both in vivo and in vitro approaches. Additionally, the study involves the analysis of patient samples from multiple European countries, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Portugal, Greece, France, and Turkey.
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be integrated into a dynamic and collaborative research environment at ICVS, contributing to experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, and dissemination of results.
The position is available for up to 24 months, and starting date and salary can be adjusted with the candidate.
Profile of the Candidate
- PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field
- Strong background in neurobiology and/or neuropsychiatric disorders
- Proven experience with the following techniques:
- Stereotaxic surgeries
- In vivo models of depression
- Advanced imaging techniques
- Transcriptomics
- Cell culture techniques
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Fluency in English
What We Offer
- Integration into a highly collaborative and international research environment
- Access to cutting-edge infrastructure and technologies
- Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact project in mental health
Workplace
The work will be carried out at the Institute of Life and Health Sciences (ICVS), University of Minho, located in Braga, Portugal.
Application
Applicants should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) in CiênciaVitae format, including a complete and updated list of publications
- Motivation letter
- Copy of the PhD certificate
- Two reference letters issued by senior researchers or professors in the relevant scientific area
Contact details:
Applications should be sent to: luisapinto@med.uminho.pt
Subject: Postdoctoral Position Application – Wellcome Project
