Science Officer (Microbiologist)

Position: Science Officer (Microbiologist)

Location: MIRRI-ERIC Headquarters (Braga, Portugal) or hybrid

Employment type: Full-time

Salary: According to experience

Application deadline: The position is open until an appropriate candidate is recruited. Evaluation of candidates will be performed whenever a set of top-quality applications is received, from January 15th.

Starting date: From February 2026

Contract type: Uncertain term, funded by the Horizon Europe project MALDIBANK (https://maldibank.eu/) - Grant agreement ID: 101188201

About MIRRI-ERIC:

The Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium (MIRRI-ERIC) is a pan-European distributed research infrastructure that brings together high-quality microbial domain Biological Resource Centres (mBRCs), culture collections, and research organisations to support and promote the use of microbial resources and data in biotechnology, health, food, agriculture, and the environment. MIRRI-ERIC contributes to scientific excellence, innovation, and the European bioeconomy

About MALDIBANK
MALDIBANK is a pioneering global initiative designed to tackle microbial challenges in health, food security, and environmental sustainability. As a cloud-based, open MALDI spectra databank, it enables microorganism identification through advanced AI-driven analysis, supporting Open Science and FAIR data principles.

Position Summary

MIRRI-ERIC seeks a highly motivated and experienced Microbiologist with a strong postdoctoral research background (post doctoral experience is a plus), demonstrated scientific excellence, and experience in collaborative projects. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the MALDIBANK project scientific and operational activities, particularly in microbial characterization. The position requires both scientific expertise and strategic insight, participating in collaborative initiatives and in the implementation of open science, data and managerial best practices across the MALDIBANK consortium. The role requires strong interest in scientific topics and especially microbial biodiversity studies. Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary and international environment is fundamental to this position.

Key Responsibilities

● Provide scientific and technical support the MALDIBANK project to enhance synergies among different work packages, optimize project deliverables contributing to excellent project coordination;

● Participate in the preparation, submission, and management of European and international research projects;

● Coordinate with MALDIBANK project beneficiaries promoting top-quality internal communication and information workflows, harmonising procedures and ensuring scientific excellence;

● Support the preparation of technical reports, scientific publications, and deliverables for European projects;

● Disseminate MALDIBANK at scientific meetings and stakeholder events.

The position requires both scientific expertise and strategic insight, combining technical work with leadership in collaborative initiatives and in implementing standards and best practices across MIRRI’s network.

Required Qualifications

● PhD in Microbiology or a closely related discipline; ● Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desired experience

● Five years of postdoctoral experience in microbiology or microbial resource management;

● Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals;

● Demonstrated experience in international collaborative projects (Horizon Europe, H2020, etc.);

● Familiarity with data standards, microbial databases, and bioinformatics tools.

Desirable Skills

● Awareness of research infrastructures and the European science policy landscape.

● Excellent communication and teamwork skills;

● Ability to work independently and deliver results under limited supervision.

We Offer

● A dynamic and collaborative international environment within a European Research Infrastructure;

● Opportunities for professional growth and participation in cutting-edge European projects;

● Flexibility, including the possibility of hybrid work;

● Competitive remuneration based on experience and qualifications.

Application Procedure

Applications should include in a single PDF file:

● Motivation letter describing relevant experience and fit for the position (max. 1 page);

● Curriculum Vitae, including: ○ A list of five recent publications (last 5 years); ○ A list of projects participated in (last 5 years), indicating roles and funding programmes; ○ Contact details of two referees (name, institution, email).

Applications must be sent by email to info@mirri-eric.eu, quoting the reference “Microbiologist – MIRRI-ERIC 2025” in the subject line.

Selection Process

The candidates will be ranked according to their academic qualifications, career path and experience, in addition to their motivation letter. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (virtual or in person). MIRRI-ERIC promotes diversity and equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, religion or background.