Research Fellowship (BI) for master's students – Project LA CAIXA 2024 (LCF/BQ/PI24/12040006)

Job:

Research Fellowship (BI) for master's students in Marine Ecology or related fields

Fellowship Reference:

ARDITI-LACAIXA-001

Vacant posts: 1

Type of contract: Fellowship contract

Job country: Portugal

Job city: Funchal

Job Hiring company/Institute: ARDITI-Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação - Associação

Fellowship Host institution /institute: ARDITI/MARE Madeira

Main research field:

Marine Ecology

Sub research field:

Anthropogenic marine pollution/ plastic pollution/ invasive species

Job summary:

Project LA CAIXA 2024 (LCF/BQ/PI24/12040006), funded by Fundação Bancária Caixa d’Estalvis i Pensions de Barcelona, through the Postdoctoral Junior Leader Fellowships Programme, aims to recruit a master's student in Marine Ecology. The job includes conducting marine litter samplings on local beaches, as well as analyzing and identifying the marine organisms attached to the litter items.

Job description:

Project LA CAIXA 2024 (LCF/BQ/PI24/12040006), aims to research the transport of invasive species on anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) to oceanic island systems. In this context, ARDITI/MARE Madeira is looking for a master's student, preferably with proven experience in categorizing marine litter objects and processing samples of marine litter and attached organisms. We are looking for a candidate with knowledge and proven experience in the identification of North Atlantic rafting invertebrates. Ideally, the candidate should be familiar with Madeiran coastal ecosystems and the local coastal fauna.

 

Admission Requirements:

The candidate must be a master's student in the specific scientific area of Biology, more specifically in Marine Biology or similar, for the LA CAIXA 2024 (LCF/BQ/PI24/12040006) project. The candidate will contribute to the work plan detailed below, as well as previous experience, including (but not limited to):

• Background and/or proven research experience in Marine Biology;
• Experience in the characterization of marine litter items in categories of item type, material, and floating ability;
• Experience in conducting marine litter samplings on rocky shores;
• Experience in the analysis and taxonomy of North Atlantic rafting communities;
• Experience in the visual identification of North Atlantic rafting invertebrates, including common invasive species;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently;
• Fluent knowledge (spoken and written) of the English language;
• Familiarity with Madeira’s rocky shore habitats and local marine fauna

Note: Applications will not be considered if candidates do not meet Mandatory Requirements (in bold). Additional experience and/or training items listed will be valued and preferred.

Workplan:

The selected fellow will assist in the development and investigation of activities related to (but not exclusively):

• Marine litter samplings on Madeira shores;
• Visual identification of North Atlantic rafting communities, and collaborations with international experts in taxonomy;
• Analyzing patterns and frequencies of invasive species transport by marine litter;
• Tracing the origin of marine litter based on physical marks and characteristic rafting fauna;
• Evaluation, processing, and dissemination of project results;
• Preparation and presentation of scientific works related to the research and development activities of the project.

Scientific guidance and workplace:

The proposed work will be coordinated by Doctor Sabine Rech (ARDITI/MARE Madeira) and will be conducted at ARDITI/MARE Madeira, Funchal, Madeira Island (Portugal).

Duration:

3 months, eventually renewable for one more month.

Monthly fellowship subsidy:

ARDITI fellowship stipend is 1.040,98€/month, according to the table of fellowships values determined by the ARDITI (https://cloud.arditi.pt/index.php/s/89WjkokAigiFsTi?dir=undefined&path=%2FBolsas&openfile=24051256).

The fellowship stipend will be paid monthly, through bank wire. Personal accident insurance is included with the fellowship.

Applicable legislation and regulations:

The fellowship is awarded under the terms of Law nº40/2004, of 18 August (Research Fellow Status) and Regulation of Fellowships and Research of ARDITI-Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação in force:

https://cloud.arditi.pt/index.php/s/89WjkokAigiFsTi?dir=undefined&path=%2FBolsas&openfile=24051256

Estimated contract start date: July 1^st 2025.

Evaluation criteria:

The curricular selection process will be based on:

- Educational background and graduation (30%)

- Skills relevant to the work plan execution (70%)

Composition of the Selection Jury:

President, PhD., Sabine Rech (ARDITI/MARE/LA CAIXA)

Member, PhD., Joao Canning-Clode (ARDITI/MARE)

Member, PhD., Susanne Schäfer (ARDITI/MARE)

Application contents:

- Motivation Letter (emphasizing the candidate's adequacy to each evaluation criteria)

- Curriculum Vitae

- Bachelor's Degree certificate;

- Proof/Certificate of enrollment in the master's degree programme;

Announcement of the results:

The final evaluation results will be sent to all candidates, via email, through a list ordered by final score obtained.

Complaint and appeal procedures:

According to ARDITI Regulation, if wanting, after receiving the final evaluation results, the applicant has a period of 10 working days after the notification, to contest under the terms provided for in the Portuguese administrative Procedure Code (Código do Procedimento Administrativo). The candidate shall respond, in writing, to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The letter should be addressed to the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ARDITI.

Application submission and deadline:

All applications must be sent by e-mail to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The period for receiving applications runs from the 26^th May 2025 to the 6^th of June 2025 (17:00h/Lisbon Time).

The subject of the email should be: ARDITI-LACAIXA-001

 

Application deadline: 6^th of June 2025 (17:00h/Lisbon Time).

Organization contact data:

ARDITI - Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação - Associação

Edif. Madeira Tecnopolo, Piso 2

Caminho da Penteada

9020-105 Funchal

Portugal

tel. +351 291 721 220

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: http://www.arditi.pt

 

Notes:

• The selection process will be based on the principle of non-discrimination in respect of gender, age, nationality, religion, racial group, or any other possible discriminatory issue. Selection will be made only based on merit and following the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Commission Recommendation, Brussels, 11.3.2005, 2005/251/EC) and the recommendations from the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).
• ARDITI is a recognized "refugee welcoming organization" by the European Commission, follows the European Charter for Researchers and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.
• The deadline for application may be extended at any time without previous notice having in mind the requirements for the positions under this call.