Research Technician – Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals Area

iBET is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join our Natural Bioactives and Nutraceuticals Area. The selected candidate will work in a project financed by IPAMEI – PRR – Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência, “Agenda VIIAFOOD – Plataforma para a Valorização, Industrialização e Inovação comercial para o Agroalimentar”, framed in the notice nº 02/C05-i01/2022.

As a research technician in this project, you will contribute to develop new natural ingredients with health benefits, for food and cosmetic applications. You will have a major role in evaluating the bioactivity of these new natural ingredients using preclinical assays (chemical, enzymatic and cell-based assays) for antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycaemic effects. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a wide research network in close contact with partners of the national agrifood industry.

• Evaluation of the bioactivity of natural extracts using preclinical assays: antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycaemic effect
• In vitro digestion methods and permeability studies in intestinal cells for the evaluation of bioaccessibility and bioavailability of bioactive compounds present in foods and natural matrices

Education and Experience

• Degree or master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biological Engineering or similar and at least one year research experience in mammalian cell culture techniques.

Technical Skills

• Experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, including 3D cell culture.
• Experience in bioactivity assays (antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic activities) of natural compounds and extracts using chemical and cell-based assays;
• Experience in in vitro digestion methods for foods and cell permeability assays;
• Experience in cell and molecular biology techniques namely Western Blotting, PCR, immunofluorescence assay and image analysis;
• Experience in chromatographic techniques, namely HPLC, for the analysis of natural bioactive compounds;
• Good knowledge/Proficiency in English, spoken and written

Soft Skills

• Goal-driven profile
• Good communication and organization skills
• Motivation to work as a team player as well as individually
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment coupled with a proven ability to learn.
• Initiative and creativity to generate new scientific ideas in research or development activities.

We offer an opportunity to work in an open and collaborative environment with a highly qualified, dynamic, and project-driven team.

iBET is heavily committed to enabling scientists and training students for excellence, encouraging, and fostering collaboration and innovation.

At iBET you will meet a young and international community with low average age, very gender-balanced, of around 255 qualified professionals, including more than 100 PhDs, in addition to the student community.

We offer initial and continuous training according to the level of career development, including scientific and soft skills, and an attractive salary package in line with the best international practices.

Included in our health and wellbeing promotion program, iBET Move promotes physical and mental activity to all iBET employees.

Apply now with your detailed CV and motivation letter to jobs@ibet.pt, referring to the job reference Ref. VIIAFOOD_MSc_2025  in the subject of the email. Application will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 22nd of August 2025.