Education
and Training

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

NIMSB is building a dynamic education and training environment to support its mission of advancing precision medicine through systems biology. Training activities are closely aligned with the institute’s strategic areas:

  • Early disease detection – exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease processes.
  • Novel disease models – integrating computational, quantitative, and data-driven approaches to understand biological complexity.
  • Innovative therapeutic strategies – developing translational innovative strategies to improve diagnostics, therapeutics, and personalized medicine.
  • Our programs aim to equip researchers, clinicians, and technical professionals with the skills needed to drive future biomedical innovation.

Our programs aim to equip researchers, clinicians, and technical professionals with the skills needed to drive future biomedical innovation.

PhD programme

NIMSB brings together researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds to address fundamental and translational challenges in human health and disease, providing a vibrant environment for advanced doctoral training.

PhD students are enrolled in NOVA University doctoral programs, with their research activities primarily carried out at NIMSB as the host institution, while degrees are awarded by NOVA. Through NIMSB’s strategic partnerships, such as with theMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), PhD students may have the opportunity to engage with international research environments and develop part of their work within MDC laboratories.

Such activities should be included in NIMSB’s plan of activities and strategy and be developed under a doctoral program available from NOVA, namely:

PhD candidates at NIMSB

  • Are integrated into internationally competitive research groups.
  • Benefit from interdisciplinary supervision and close mentorship.
  • Have access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
  • Receive a competitive four-year-funded fellowship (renewable annually) complemented by additional financial support provided by NIMSB (€1,359.64 Standard FCT/NIMSB stipend + NIMSB monthly top-up €200 = 1,559.64).
  • Receive structured support to develop both scientific and transferable skills.

Join NIMSB

Prospective students should apply through NIMSB fellowship calls and NOVA doctoral programs.

NIMSB is now offering exciting opportunities for students to join them for a PhD!

Applications are now open for 9 PhD fellowships. until October 16th, 2026,for outstanding candidates interested in systems biology and precision medicine.

This is your opportunity to be part of cutting-edge science and help shape the future of precision medicine!

APPLY HERE

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE PhD PROJECTS

The available projects are aligned with the research interests of NIMSB and the prospective supervisors, with scope for further development and adaptation in dialogue with them and in light of evolving opportunities.

Supervisor
Estibaliz Gómez de Mariscal

Project Short Summary
Cell migration drives tumour growth, invasion and metastasis. During migration, intracellular architecture dynamically reorganises to drive cellular responses and adaptation to the microenvironment. Yet deciphering how this reorganisation is orchestrated is hampered by difficulties in resolving, quantifying and linking these complex dynamics. This project will develop smart microscopy and AI-powered methods to map intracellular reorganisation across cell-state trajectories during migration. Integrated with molecular approaches (spatial omics), it aims to identify key transitions and therapeutic candidates.

There are two PhD Fellowships available for this project!

Visit the Gómez-de-Mariscal Lab to learn more about the group.

A new call is OPEN NOW.

Let’s talk Reach out to us at nimsb.educational@unl.pt

Courses & Training Opportunities

NIMSB is developing a portfolio of training activities, including:

  • Doctoral and Master’s level courses
  • Summer schools and specialized workshops
  • Advanced training for clinicians, researchers, and technical staff

These initiatives aim to strengthen the link between research and clinical practice while addressing emerging skill needs.

Training Approach

Education and training at NIMSB are:

  • Developed with research groups, platforms, and partners
  • Aligned with evolving scientific and technological priorities
  • Focused on interdisciplinarity and career development