The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP) and its GreenUPorto – Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre announce an international call for the recruitment of one postdoctoral researcher for the Horizon Europe-funded project ‘Wheatbiome: Unravelling the potential of the wheat microbiome for the development of healthier, more sustainable and resilient wheat-derived food & feed products’. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in agricultural sciences, focusing on plant physiology, microbiology, and molecular biology within the context of European wheat cultivation. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team at GreenUPorto, working under the supervision of Full Professor Ana Cristina Moreira Freire (Dean of FCUP) and a selection committee comprising experienced academics and researchers. The research will involve determining the soil and plant microbiome in wheat grown across different European regions, conducting laboratory-scale trials to validate microbial consortia for crop resilience, and participating in the communication and dissemination of scientific results. The role also includes supporting the writing of scientific articles and preparing periodic project reports. There is a possibility to contribute to teaching and training programs at FCUP, with up to four teaching hours per week on average. The position is fully funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme (HORIZON-CL6-2022-FARM2FORK-01-09), offering a 12-month full-time contract with a gross monthly salary of €2,351.53, renewable up to a maximum of six years. Employment includes social security and benefits as per Portuguese law. The workplace is located at the University of Porto – Pólo do Campo Alegre, in Porto, Portugal. Eligibility requires a PhD degree (awarded within the last 5 years) in agricultural sciences, plant physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related fields. Candidates with foreign PhDs must complete Portuguese degree recognition procedures before hiring. Applicants should demonstrate solid experience in plant physiology under stress conditions, proven expertise in microbiology (especially beneficial microorganisms for crop resilience), proficiency in English, and a strong publication record as first author. International experience, scientific independence, and the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams are highly valued. The selection process is competitive, based on scientific and academic career evaluation, previous experience, and motivation letter, with only candidates scoring at least 75 points considered for hiring. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official web portal (https://sigarra.up.pt/fcup/pt/cnt_cand_geral.concursos_list) within the application window from December 23, 2025, to January 15, 2026. Required documents include a signed application form, PhD certificate/diploma, detailed CV, and a brief description of relevant scientific activities from the last 5 years. Incomplete applications or failure to meet requirements will result in exclusion. For further information or queries, candidates may contact [email protected]. FCUP and GreenUPorto are committed to non-discrimination and equal access policies, ensuring fair treatment for all applicants regardless of background. The selection committee will notify candidates of decisions throughout the process, and final results will be published on the FCUP website. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their expertise in sustainable agriculture and microbiome research within a leading European research environment.

The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the CATCH project, focused on the recovery and application of char and ferrospheres from coal fly ash to green energy sources. This position is based in the Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Planning, and is funded by the Innovation and Digital Transition Program (COMPETE 2030), the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), and co-financed by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). The successful candidate will participate in the development and execution of the research project, undertaking scientific and technical activities such as sampling, materials characterization, char concentration and transformation, electrochemical characterization of electrocatalysis, custom-designed membrane development, cell construction, and ORR (oxygen reduction reaction) testing in continuous mode. The work aims to develop efficient beneficiation processes for char and ferrospheres, utilizing gravimetric, impaction, sieving, electrostatic, and magnetic methods. Analytical techniques include proximate analysis, TOC and carbon forms, XRF, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, petrographic analysis by reflected light microscopy, TEM, and SEM-EDS. The researcher will also modify char by thermal means, doping with heteroatoms, and chemical treatment, including demineralization and catalytic/microwave graphitization. Additional responsibilities include calculating material recovery and purity, characterizing thermally modified materials, monitoring cell construction and performance, supporting project management, preparing reports in English, participating in project meetings, assisting in the supervision and training of students, and disseminating results. There is also the possibility of contributing to teaching activities at FCUP, up to four hours per week on average. The position offers a monthly salary of €2,351.53 for a duration of 22 months, with exclusive dedication. Applicants must hold a PhD in Geosciences obtained within the last five years and demonstrate expertise in materials characterization, separation and concentration techniques, and thermal/chemical modification of char and ferrospheres. A strong publication record and alignment with the project objectives are essential. Applications must be submitted online, including all required documents, within the specified application window. The selection process involves evaluation of scientific and academic career, with possible interviews for top candidates. Only those scoring 70 points or higher are eligible for hiring. FCUP is committed to non-discrimination and equal access, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates. The application period runs from December 10, 2025, to December 23, 2025. For further details and to apply, visit the official call webpage.

The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP) announces an international call for the recruitment of one postdoctoral researcher in Analytical Chemistry, within the scope of Project 2023.13757.PEX, funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT). The position is based in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Chemistry Research Center of the University of Porto (CIQUP), located in Porto, Portugal. Research Focus: The successful candidate will participate in the development and execution of a research project focused on biosensing technology for allergen monitoring. Key tasks include advancing biosensing technology for allergen detection in bioaerosols, specifically through the development of electrochemical and optical immunosensors. The project aims to detect and quantify allergen loads associated with pollen and fungi, validate biosensor suitability for quantifying allergen concentrations in air samples, and optimize protocols for allergen detection in individually collected samples. Role and Responsibilities: The postdoctoral researcher will carry out scientific and technical activities related to biosensor development, allergen monitoring, and environmental sample analysis. There is also the possibility of contributing to teaching and training programs at FCUP, with up to four teaching hours per week on average. The position offers opportunities for collaboration within a dynamic research environment and participation in institutional training programs. Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must hold a PhD degree in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry, awarded within the last five years. If the degree is from a foreign institution, candidates must ensure compliance with Portuguese degree recognition regulations (Decree-Law no. 66/2018) prior to hiring. Preferred qualifications include experience in developing electrochemical immunosensors, teaching experience in higher education, and supervision of internships or master's theses. The selection process is based on scientific and academic career evaluation, with specific weighting for curriculum quality, relevant research experience, and motivation. Only candidates scoring 70 points or higher are eligible for hiring. Funding and Contract Details: The position is funded by FCT, with a monthly remuneration of €2,351.53. The contract is temporary, scheduled to begin in February 2026, and will last for 5 months, with a maximum possible duration of six years. The role requires exclusive dedication to the project. Application Process: Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official FCUP web page ( https://sigarra.up.pt/fcup/pt/cnt_cand_geral.concursos_list ) within 10 working days after publication. Required documents include a signed application form, PhD certificate, detailed CV, description of relevant scientific activities from the last five years, motivation letter, and any other supporting materials. Incomplete or incorrectly formalized applications will be excluded. For questions, contact [email protected] . Selection Committee: The committee is chaired by Helena Isabel da Costa Ribeiro (Assistant Professor), with members Joaquim Carlos Gomes Esteves da Silva (Full Professor), Carlos Alberto Rocha Gomes (Assistant Professor), and Maria Alexandra Mascarenhas Guedes (Associate Professor). The process includes evaluation of scientific and curricular background, and may involve interviews or presentations for top candidates. Equal Opportunity: FCUP is committed to non-discrimination and equal access for all candidates, regardless of background or personal circumstances. Important Dates: Application window: 18 December 2025 to 12 January 2026. Contract start date: 1 February 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers with expertise in analytical chemistry and biosensor technology to contribute to cutting-edge research in allergen monitoring and environmental analysis at a leading Portuguese institution.