Scientific Research Fellowship (Postdoctoral) 107/2026 University of Algarve in Portugal

Scientific Research Fellowship (BIPD) 107/2026 at the University of Algarve offers a postdoctoral research opportunity within the LIT4WATER project (ALGARVE-FEDER-03714100), focused on water literacy and participatory water governance.

The fellowship is hosted at CENSE, the Center for Environment and Sustainability Research of Universidade do Algarve, in Faro, Portugal. The work centers on assessing and analyzing water literacy across different target audiences and socioterritorial contexts; co-creating and implementing tailored content, materials, and capacity-building initiatives; and evaluating how these interventions influence awareness, civic engagement, and behaviors related to water use. The project emphasizes participatory methodologies, applied research, knowledge transfer, and citizen empowerment.

This is a 12-month postdoctoral grant, with the possibility of renewal up to 30/09/2029, subject to the University of Algarve research grant regulations and project conditions. The monthly maintenance allowance is €1901.00, paid by bank transfer. The fellowship is funded under the Algarve 2030 / EU framework associated with the project, and the university notes that the award may be cancelled if funding is not secured or if the fellowship duration exceeds the project end date.

Eligibility highlights: candidates must hold a PhD in Environmental Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field. Additional requirements include a passenger-vehicle driving license and access to a personal vehicle for field trips, or the ability to remain for several days at data-collection sites. Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory, and non-native speakers must demonstrate at least C1 level. Organizational skills and strong teamwork ability are also required.

Selection criteria: applications are evaluated on academic background, knowledge of participatory discussion processes, experience in scientific and educational communication, knowledge of the field, and an interview focused on motivation and commitment to co-creation in water literacy. Candidates scoring below 10 points are not admitted to interview, and the university reserves the right not to award the fellowship if the final score is 10 or lower.

Application window: the competition is open from 20/10/2026 to 02/11/2026. Applications must be emailed to [email protected] with the reference LIT4WATER/Edital 107/2026 and must include the signed application form, identification, CV, degree certificates, and any other relevant documents. The final decision will be published on the UAlg website and notified by email.

Supervision: the scientific supervisor is Professor Margarida Ribau Teixeira, with the application evaluation board also including Maria de Belém Ferreira da Silva da Costa Freitas, Carla Maria Rolo Antunes, and Sara Isabel Cacheira Raposo.