S2AQUA - Collaborative Laboratory, Association for a Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture 2026

S2AQUA - Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture (S2AQUAcoLAB), in accordance with Article 7 of the S2AQUAcoLAB Research Grant Regulations, it is hereby announced that a call for applications has been authorized for the award of a Research Grant (Bachelor’s Degree) in the field of Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Biotechnology, or similar fields.

The call for applications for a Research Grant is intended to support research activities within the scope of the MultiAliveproject—Multi-observational Techniques for the Detection of Toxic Algal Blooms and the Prediction of Contamination in Offshore Bivalve Aquaculture, project number 16952 and reference 2023.17666. ICDT, funded by the Algarve Regional Operational Program, ALGARVE2030-FEDER-00824000, by the Lisbon Regional Operational Program, LISBOA2030-FEDER-00824000, through its FEDER component, and by national funds, through the Foundation for Science and Technology.

The job description for the research fellow to be hired includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Assisting with field trips and water sampling for the analysis of phytoplankton and bivalve mollusks;

2. Characterizing the phytoplankton community by identifying and quantifying phytoplankton species in the collected samples;

3. Identification and quantification of phytoplankton species producing marine biotoxins in the collected samples;

4. Preparation and extraction of bivalve samples for the analytical determination of marine biotoxins by liquid chromatography. 

5. Analysis and interpretation of experimental data, preparation of technical and scientific reports, and writing of scientific articles.

6. Collaboration in the production and compilation of communication materials, as well as active participation in meetings and other project activities.

Desired profile

1. Level 6 of Higher Education (Bachelor's Degree);

2. Experience in biological sampling of phytoplankton and bivalve mollusks;

3. Experience in identifying and quantifying phytoplankton species, particularly phytoplankton that produce marine biotoxins;

4. Experience in data analysis and compilation;

5. Willingness to work on holidays and weekends.

Other Requirements:

1. Be highly motivated and demonstrate an interest in developing a master’s thesis within the scope of the project;

2. Ability to adapt and integrate into a team; 

3. Experience in developing and/or carrying out national and international research projects;

4. Experience in preparing and extracting samples for the analysis of marine biotoxins by liquid chromatography, HPLC, and/or LC-MS/MS;

5. Advanced level of English;

6. Autonomy and proactivity.