Postdoc in Intensive Care in FAPESP SAO PAULO RESEARCH FOUNDATION – Brazil

Summary

The FAPESP São Paulo Research Foundation offers a post‑doctoral fellowship in intensive care at the Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo. The fellow will join the Medical Investigation Laboratory LIM‑09 and the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit to conduct the D‑PROTECT trial, evaluating percutaneous electrical phrenic nerve stimulation and intermittent controlled ventilation to prevent ventilator‑induced diaphragmatic dysfunction in critically ill patients. The position provides a monthly stipend of R$ 12,570 plus a 10 % research contingency fund. Candidates must hold a PhD in Pulmonology or Physiotherapy and possess specific clinical and research experience. Applications are open to all nationalities and close on 19 October 2026.

Key Facts

About the Project

The D‑PROTECT study is a prospective, randomized, adaptive clinical trial that investigates whether percutaneous electrical phrenic nerve stimulation combined with intermittent controlled mechanical ventilation can prevent ventilator‑induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD) in critically ill patients. The project involves patient recruitment, application of the stimulation protocol, detailed respiratory monitoring, and analysis of outcomes related to diaphragm function and weaning success.

Key Responsibilities

• Join the Medical Investigation Laboratory LIM‑09 and the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit team
• Participate in the D‑PROTECT randomized adaptive trial
• Perform percutaneous electrical phrenic nerve stimulation procedures
• Manage patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation
• Conduct respiratory muscle ultrasonography
• Operate esophageal and gastric balloon catheters
• Monitor diaphragmatic electrical activity using a NAVA catheter (EAdi)
• Manage and organize clinical research databases using R software

Required Skills

• PhD in Pulmonology or Physiotherapy
• Experience with percutaneous electrical phrenic nerve stimulation
• Clinical intensive‑care experience with invasively ventilated patients
• Proficiency in respiratory muscle ultrasonography
• Skill in using esophageal and gastric balloon catheters
• Ability to monitor diaphragmatic activity with NAVA catheter
• Competence in R for clinical database management

Who Should Apply

Applicants must have a PhD in Pulmonology or Physiotherapy, experience with percutaneous electrical phrenic nerve stimulation, intensive‑care clinical experience managing invasively ventilated patients, proficiency in respiratory muscle ultrasonography, use of esophageal/gastric balloon catheters, monitoring diaphragmatic activity with a NAVA catheter, and competence in managing clinical research databases using R. Additional experience in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, prior involvement in ICU clinical research, and knowledge of magnetic phrenic nerve stimulation are advantageous.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend of R$ 12,570
• Research contingency fund equal to 10 % of the annual fellowship value

About the Employer

FAPESP – the São Paulo Research Foundation – funds scientific research across Brazil. The fellowship is hosted at the Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas, a leading cardiovascular and intensive‑care centre of the University of São Paulo Medical School (FMUSP). The institute combines clinical care with high‑impact research in pulmonology and respiratory intensive care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 19 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

What documents must be submitted?

A copy of the PhD diploma, an updated CV, and a one‑page statement of interest.

What is the monthly remuneration?

R$ 12,570 per month plus a 10 % research contingency fund.