Scientific Research Fellowship (BI) 101/2026

University of Algarve; Portugal; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Algarve invites applications for a 12-month research grant to assess the homeostatic status of 60 cork oak trees using FT-IR spectroscopy and quantitative proteomics (SWATH-MS). The project also aims to detect Phytophthora cinnamomi in soil samples, under supervision at CIMA and FCT of UAlg.

The competition is open from 28/10/2026 to 10/11/2026; admission requires a Master’s in relevant biological sciences.

Qualifications

• Admission requirements specify a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biological Chemistry, Cell Biology, or related fields.
• Scholarships are intended for R&D activities by students enrolled in higher degree programs, including master's and PhD.
• Enrolment in a doctoral degree programme is considered for the evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Assess homeostatic status of 60 cork oak trees using FT-IR and SWATH-MS.
• Detect and isolate Phytophthora cinnamomi from soil samples.
• Work at CIMA and FCT of UAlg under supervision.

Education

Master's degree in Biochemistry, Biological Chemistry, Cell Biology, or related fields

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Algarve Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 10 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Country Portugal Type of Contract Not Applicable Job Status Not Applicable Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? European Union / Next Generation EU Reference Number ALGARVE-FEDER-03316200 OAKHIMEDES Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

NOTICE NO. 101/2026

COMPETITION FOR THE AWARD OF A GRANT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE RESEARCH GRANT REGULATIONS OFUALG

Scientific Area: Biological Sciences .

Admission Requirements: Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Biological Chemistry, Cell Biology, or related fields.

Taking into account paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 6 of the Research Grants Regulations of the Foundation for Science and Technology or paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 5 of the University of the Algarve’s Research Fellowship Regulations:

“1. Research grants, hereinafter referred to as BI, are intended for R&D activities by students enrolled in an integrated master's degree, a master's degree or a doctorate, with a view to consolidating their scientific training through the development of research work leading to the award of the respective academic degree, whether or not integrated into R&D projects.

2. The scholarships referred to in this article may also be intended for the performance of R&D activities by graduates or masters enrolled in non-degree courses integrated into the educational project of a higher education institution, developed in association or cooperation with one or more R&D units.”

Project Objectives: Assess the homeostatic status of 60 cork oak trees using two different techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and quantitative proteomics (SWATH-MS). Detection and isolation of Phytophthora cinnamomi from soil samples.

Workplace: The work will be carried out at CIMA (Centre for Marine and Environmental Research) and FCT (Faculty of Sciences and Technology) of UAlg (University of Algarve), under the scientific supervision of Professor Ana Cristina Hurtado de Matos Coelho and PhD Adriana Cavaco Guerreiro.

• Duration of grant(s): The grant will last12months, with the start date scheduled for 04 january of 2027. The grant contract may be renewed until the end of the project (30/09/2029) , taking into account theUniversity of Algarve Research Grant Regulations ( https://files.dre.pt/2s/2021/10/210000000/0013700149.pdf ).
• Candidate evaluation: In accordance with the provisions of Article 11.2 of the Foundation for Science and Technology Research Grant Regulations In the Science and Technology field, the evaluation of candidates will be based solely on the following criteria:

a) Merit of the candidate (MC – 60%), assessed through curriculum vitae evaluation, taking into account academic qualifications, the relevance of the candidate’s academic background to the scientific field of the research grant, research experience, and participation in projects and other scientific activities relevant to the work plan.

b) Enrolment in a doctoral degree programme (EDP – 20%), assessed by considering the relevance of the scientific field of the doctoral programme to the objectives and work plan of the research grant.

The final classification (FC), expressed on a scale of 0 to 20 points, will be calculated according to the following formula: FC = 0.60 × MC + 0.20 × EDP. Where: MC – Merit of the candidate (0 to 20 points); EDP – Enrolment in a doctoral degree programme (0 to 20 points).

The evaluation process may include an interview with the candidates or a portion of them, to be selected by the Evaluation Panel, which will have a maximum weighting of 20%.

Composition of the Application Evaluation Board: The Application Evaluation Board is composed of three full members and one alternate (all PhDs):

Publication/Notification of Results: The final evaluation results will be published on the UAlg website, in a list ordered by the final grade obtained, and the successful candidate will be notified via email.

Application Deadline and Submission Method: The competition is open from28/10/2026to 10/11/2026.

Applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

• Official identification document (simple copy or legal equivalent). Applicants of non-Portuguese nationality must present a residence permit, permanent residence certificate, or long-term resident status, valid on the scholarship start date. Any of these may be replaced, in its absence, by a declaration of honor by the candidate. However, this must be submitted during the scholarship contracting phase, under penalty of forfeiture of the scholarship award;
• Copy of the qualification certificates for the academic degrees held, specifying the final grade and, if possible, the grades obtained in all courses taken;
• Other documents deemed relevant due to the type and modality of the scholarship.

Documents to be submitted for the scholarship agreement:

• Individual Taxpayer Registry (INV) information, if the applicant is a nationality other than Portuguese, must be submitted during the scholarship agreement process, under penalty of forfeiture of the scholarship award;
• Documents proving that the applicant meets the requirements for the respective type of scholarship, namely, proof of enrollment and registration and the study cycle or course that does not confer an academic degree;
• Declaration of the advisor(s) assuming responsibility for supervising the work plan, in accordance with Article 5-A of the Research Scholarship Statute, as well as guaranteeing the necessary conditions for the successful development of the work and compliance with the duties set forth in Article 13 of the Research Scholarship Statute;

d. Declaration of Commitment to the Exclusive Dedication Regime.

Deadlines and Procedures for Complaints and Appeals:

Candidates may, if they so wish, comment on the draft decision to award the requested scholarship, at a hearing for interested parties within 10 business days, under the terms and for the purposes set forth in Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Procedure.

Candidates have the right to complain to the evaluation panel within 10 business days regarding the commission or omission of any act.

An appeal may be filed against the final decision of the application evaluation panel to the Rector within 10 business days of notification.

After receiving all required documentation, a scholarship contract will be signed with the selected candidate(s) in accordance with the attached template.

Evaluation of Fellow(s):

At the end of each fellowship contract period, the advisor will evaluate the fellow(s)' work by applying the following criteria, in accordance with the attached template:

a) Achievement of objectives (80%) – Assessment of the extent to which the objectives and tasks outlined in the work plan have been achieved, taking into account the scientific and technical quality of the activities carried out, the rigour in the execution of procedures, and the results obtained.

b) Behavioural competencies (10%) – Assessment of the competencies demonstrated during the period under review, particularly organisational skills, autonomy, responsibility, scientific rigour, and the ability to integrate into and collaborate with the research team.

c) Personal attitude (10%) – Assessment of the commitment, interest, motivation, and availability demonstrated in carrying out research activities, as well as initiative and receptiveness to the guidance and recommendations provided by the supervisory team.

The University of Algarve reserves the right to cancel the fellowship award process, within the scope of the Project in question, whenever funding is not awarded or the scholarship duration exceeds the project completion date.

University of Algarve, 13 of october of 2026

The Principal Investigator

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Biological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Specific Requirements

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Eligibility criteria

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Selection process

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Additional comments

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description