Phytoplankton Chemotaxonomy Research Grant 2026

Universidade da Madeira; Portugal; On-site; EUR 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Universidade da Madeira invites applications for a Research Grant in the field of Biological Sciences and Marine Ecology. The project focuses on pigment composition, chemotaxonomy, and biogeochemical functioning of phytoplankton in subtropical coastal waters of Madeira, with CHEMTAX and HPLC-based analyses in an R environment.

The grant spans 12 months initially (renewable up to 48 months) with a monthly allowance of €1,359.64.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in biology or related field.
• Currently enrolled in a doctoral program in biology or related field.
• Experience in phytoplankton sampling and pigment analysis.
• Proficiency in English for scientific communication.
• Knowledge of chemotaxonomy and CHEMTAX.
• Experience with HPLC or similar pigment analyses.
• Ability to analyze data in R.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize phytopigment analysis protocols.
• Characterize pigment profiles across Madeira coastal waters.
• Apply chemotaxonomic methods using CHEMTAX in R.
• Compare pigment-based estimates with microscopy and flow cytometry.
• Prepare reports and participate in meetings and publications.

Skills

Phytoplankton knowledge

Marine ecology

Biogeochemical analysis

R programming

CHEMTAX familiarity

Sample processing

Fieldwork experience

Scientific communication

Education

Master's degree in Biology

PhD enrollment

Tools

HPLC analysis

R environment

Job description

Universidade da Madeira invites applications for a Research Grant in the field of Biological Sciences and Marine Ecology. The project focuses on pigment composition, chemotaxonomy, and biogeochemical functioning of phytoplankton in subtropical coastal waters of Madeira, with CHEMTAX and HPLC-based analyses in an R environment.

The grant spans 12 months initially (renewable up to 48 months) with a monthly allowance of €1,359.64.