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Environmental science● OpenResearch staff★ EU-FUNDEDPreview

Junior Researcher in Environmental Sciences

Join CIIMAR to investigate the cumulative ecological impacts of multiple invasive alien species in estuarine ecosystems.

Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a PhD in ecology or environmental sciences and strong expertise in ecological modeling or field sampling.

CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research - Uporto · Matosinhos, Portugal · R1 · First-stage researcher
More professors at CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research - Uporto
Invasive alien speciesEstuarine ecosystemsEcological modelingBiodiversity assessmentBenthic ecology
This is a research staff position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
Dec 19, 2026
65 days
Funding
Salaried
€2.6k/mo
Start date
January 2026
Full-time
Location
Matosinhos
Portugal

Overview

The Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) at the University of Porto invites applications for a Junior Researcher position under the project 'X-IAS - Investigating the Cumulative Effects of Multiple Invasive Species on Estuarine Ecosystems'. The successful candidate will join the Benthic Ecology and Environmental Solutions research team to conduct field sampling, laboratory analyses, and ecological modeling. Responsibilities also include data management, preparing scientific manuscripts, and coordinating stakeholder engagement and outreach activities. The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-impact marine environmental research under the supervision of Dr. Martina Ilarri.

Junior ResearcherEnvironmental SciencesEstuarine EcosystemsInvasive SpeciesEcological ModelingMarine Biology

What you'll do

  • Organize and execute field sampling campaigns targeting zooplankton, epibenthic and benthic invertebrates, and fish in estuarine environments.
  • Conduct laboratory analyses including species identification, biomass determinations, and water quality assessments.
  • Perform mesocosm experiments and prepare samples for stable isotope and external analyses.
  • Develop ecological models to analyze and visualize the isolated and combined impacts of multiple invasive alien species.
  • Manage project data, compile ecological datasets, and perform rigorous data analysis.
  • Draft technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and other dissemination materials for international journals.
  • Participate in conferences, seminars, and organize public outreach workshops.
  • Engage with stakeholders and resource managers to translate research findings into monitoring guidelines.
  • Support and co-supervise students involved in project research activities.
  • Assist with laboratory management, procurement, and stock oversight.

Requirements

Degree required: PhD in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or closely related fields

Language: English; excellent communication skills required

Instruction: English

Publications: Demonstrated experience in writing scientific publications in international scientific journals relevant to the project area

Required skills
  • Demonstrated expertise in ecological modelling, with food web model experience considered a major asset
  • Proven experience in field sampling and biodiversity assessments in marine or estuarine ecosystems
  • Hands-on experience in processing and identifying zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and fish
  • Practical experience in laboratory analysis and sample preparation
  • Track record of writing and publishing scientific papers in international journals
  • Valid driving license
Nice to have
Experience with mesocosm experimentsPrior involvement in student supervision and mentoringKnowledge of the Portuguese language
Eligibility
  • Any national, foreign, or stateless candidate holding a relevant PhD degree
  • Foreign doctoral degrees must comply with Decree-Law no. 66/2018 of 16th August prior to contract signing

Funding & terms

Type
Salaried
Amount
€2.6k/mo
Duration
Uncertain term work contract starting January 2026
Programme
COMPETE2030-FEDER
EU-FUNDEDEuropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF/FEDER) through COMPETE 2030

How to apply

Deadline: 2025-12-19

Candidates must submit their application via email to rh@ciimar.up.pt with the subject reference '2025_098_IJ_X-IAS'. The submission must include a detailed Curriculum Vitae, degree certificates, a driving license copy, and a motivation letter containing contact details. All application documents must be prepared in English and combined within a total size not exceeding 20 MB.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • BSc + MSc transcripts
  • Eligibility certificates
  • Driving license
✉Apply by email

Contact

Martina Ilarri· Principal Investigator

rh@ciimar.up.pt

https://www.ciimar.up.pt/jobs/

MI
Prof.
Martina Ilarri
Benthic Ecology and Environmental Solutions
Lab
Benthic Ecology and Environmental Solutions
CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research - Uporto
COMPETE2030-FEDERPortugal
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