PhD Researcher (Assistant Researcher Level) in Marine Biology and Ecology – International Tender (IT057-25-16302) University of Coimbra in Portugal

The University of Coimbra is inviting applications for an international tender to fill one vacancy for a PhD Researcher, equivalent to the category of Assistant Researcher, in the scientific areas of Marine Biology and Ecology. The position is based at the Center for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Portugal. This opportunity is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the CENTRO2030 program, with a gross monthly wage of 3,501.28 euros and a contract duration of three years, renewable up to a maximum of six years.

The successful candidate will plan and execute zooplankton and ichthyoplankton monitoring programs in marine and estuarine environments, collect and process laboratory samples (including taxonomic identification, counting, and biomass determination), and determine secondary production. Responsibilities also include managing and analyzing long-term ecological databases, applying advanced statistical methodologies (such as GLMs, GAMs, PCA, and time series analysis), modeling biodiversity trends, secondary production, and larval growth in response to environmental and climatic variables, and determining lipid profiles of zooplankton and fish larvae. The role further involves preparing technical reports and scientific articles, participating in communication and knowledge transfer activities for the scientific community, stakeholders, and the public, and developing research proposals and funding applications.

Applicants must hold a PhD in marine biology, ecology, or a closely related field, with a scientific background that demonstrates the ability to thoroughly develop work in the main field(s) of the tender. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and not prohibited from public sector employment. Proficiency at C1 level (CEFR) in Portuguese or English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Application materials include a dated and signed CV for the last five years, copies of qualification certificates, 3–6 significant papers, and other relevant documents. Foreign PhD holders must present degree recognition at contract signing, with costs covered by the University of Coimbra for selected candidates. All documents must be submitted in Portuguese or English, except where otherwise specified.

The selection process consists of an assessment of scientific background and CV (90%) and an interview (10%). Only the top four candidates from the CV assessment will be invited to interview. The final score is calculated based on both components. The position is open for 10 days following publication in the Diário da República, with the application deadline set for January 7, 2026. The University of Coimbra actively promotes equal opportunities and non-discrimination in employment and professional development.

To apply, candidates must register and submit their application via the electronic platform at https://apply.uc.pt/IT057-25-16302, uploading all required documents in PDF format. For further details, consult the full job description and tender timetable available on the Apply UC platform and the EURAXESS Portugal Portal. For questions or to schedule a consultation of the tender records, contact the Human Resources Management Service at [email protected].

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovation and sustainability in the management of marine resources in Portugal's Central Region, working within a dynamic research environment at one of Portugal's leading universities.