#NOVAID294: Notice for International Call to hire a PhD Researcher NOVA.id.FCT - Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT in Portugal

PhD Researcher position in Materials Science / Cultural Heritage at NOVA.id.FCT, Portugal

NOVA.id.FCT opens an international call to hire a PhD Researcher for the GLAZE project, based at VICARTE/LAQV labs at Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica (Portugal). The work is embedded in materials science and materials engineering, with a strong focus on ceramic heritage materials, especially Iznik tiles and related historical glaze technologies.

The selected researcher will investigate ceramic heritage materials using a broad set of analytical and diagnostic methods, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy (OM), reflectance spectroscopy, and colourimetry. The role also includes historical glaze reproduction, preparation of technical reports, scientific publications, and participation in dissemination and outreach activities connected to the project’s results.

The position is a full-time, unfixed-term employment contract under Portuguese labour law, with an expected duration of 6 months and possible extension for an identical period, limited by project duration and funding. The planned start is October 2026. The gross monthly remuneration is €2,408.11 (TRU salary level 33); if the researcher opts for the full-time regime, the remuneration is two thirds of that amount.

Applicants must hold a PhD in Conservation and Restoration or a related field with emphasis on cultural heritage materials, and should have experience in physicochemical characterisation of ceramic heritage materials, especially historic tiles; experience in the history and techniques of artistic production, including reproduction of historical glass and glaze compositions based on historical recipes; experience in funded cultural heritage projects; experience in outreach activities; and good English proficiency. The call is open to national, foreign, or stateless candidates whose qualification is valid and/or recognized in Portugal.

Supervision will be provided by Professor Susana Coentro and Professor João Pedro Veiga. Applications must be submitted by email between 1 September 2026 and 14 September 2026. Candidates should send a single PDF containing a CV (including ORCID ID, Scopus ID, and Ciência ID), a motivation letter of up to two pages, and the doctoral certificate, using the subject line “#NOVAID294 – GLAZE PhD researcher application”.

More information is available on the NOVA.id.FCT website and the linked job PDF. This is a research-focused opportunity for candidates interested in the scientific study, conservation, and reconstruction of ceramic heritage materials within an interdisciplinary heritage science environment.