About the Fellowship
The Scientific Research Fellowship (BI) 078/2025 in Primatology at the University of Algarve offers a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers to contribute to the PRIMERS – ERC 2024-STG project. This project focuses on the origins of percussive stone tool-use in non-human primates as models for early hominin behaviour. This Master-level research fellowship combines fieldwork at sanctuaries, zoos, and wild sites with controlled cognitive experiments using eye-tracking and touchscreens. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in primatology, archaeology, and evolutionary biology, developing interdisciplinary skills in experimental design, data collection, and international scientific collaboration. The project aligns with global research goals in human evolution and comparative cognition, offering a platform to generate insights into the emergence of stone tool-use and cognitive development across species, under the supervision of Dr Elisa Bandini at ICArEHB, University of Algarve.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: Scientific Research Fellowship (BI-M) – Master’s level
- Host Institution: University of Algarve
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: European Research Council (ERC)
- Location: Faro, Algarve, Portugal
- Research Field(s): Archaeology, Primatology, Evolutionary Biology
- Fellowship Type: Full-time research fellowship
- Level: Early-career / Master-level
- Fellowship Duration: 12 months, renewable until 30 September 2030
- Expected Start Date: March 2026
- Working Hours: As per institutional norms
- Funding/Compensation: Monthly maintenance allowance €1309.64; fieldwork and research expenses covered
- Required Degree/Diploma: Bachelor’s in Biology, Master’s in Biological Sciences (focus on Ecology & Evolution)
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Archaeology
- Primatology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Cognitive Experiments with Non-human Primates
- Stone Tool Use in Early Hominins
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Biological Sciences (Ecology & Evolution focus)
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology
- Proficiency in English (speaking & writing)
- Experience with captive primates and cognitive experiments (eye-tracking, touchscreens)
- Experience in organising scientific meetings/conferences
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fieldwork experience with wild primates
- Research publications in relevant fields
- Interdisciplinary collaboration experience
Not Eligible:
- Candidates without the required degrees or relevant research experience
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Monthly stipend: €1309.64 for 12 months
- Professional development and research training
- Access to ICArEHB resources and laboratory facilities
- Travel allowance for fieldwork and conferences
- Visa and relocation support for non-EU candidates
Key Responsibilities
- Design and conduct experiments on primate stone tool-use
- Collect field and captive data across multiple primate species
- Analyse behavioural data and prepare reports/publications
- Collaborate with international research teams
- Present findings at scientific meetings and conferences
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Apply via email to ebandini@ualg.pt
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic qualification certificates
- Cover letter (max 2000 words)
- Other supporting documents (optional: publications, endorsements)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 7 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 20 January 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/London)
- Interview Period: Selected candidates only, dates TBC
- Final Results Notification: After evaluation via UAlg website and email
- Fellowship Start Date: March 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: University of Algarve
- Official Fellowship Notification: UAlg Research Grants
- Apply Online Here: Email ebandini@ualg.pt
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