About the Program
FCiências.ID (Association for Research and Development of Sciences, Portugal) invites applications for a funded PhD Scientific Researcher (Initial Stage Researcher) position within the Research Center cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes. This role is part of the nationally funded research project “BirdRice: Reconciling agriculture with biodiversity conservation: functional equivalence and connectivity between natural wetlands and rice fields as waterbird habitats”. The project focuses on ecology, ornithology, and biodiversity conservation, examining how agricultural landscapes support waterbird populations and ecosystem services. The position is based in Lisbon, Portugal, involves extensive field-based ecological research, and contributes to applied conservation science with direct relevance to sustainable agriculture and habitat management. The appointment is full-time and expected to start in February 2026.
Program Details
- Position: PhD Scientific Researcher (Initial Stage Researcher)
- Institution: FCiências.ID (Association for Research and Development of Sciences, Portugal)
- Department/Faculty: Research Center cE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes
- Research Field: Ecology, Ornithology, Zoology
- Location: Lisbon, Portugal
- Start Date (Anticipated): 1 February 2026
- Duration: Up to 24 months
- Funding: Fully funded salaried research position
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
- Contract Type: Full-time, fixed-term employment (exclusive regime)
- Required Degree / Diploma :
- Applicants must hold a PhD degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline.
Research Focus / Area
The appointed researcher will work on the BirdRice project, contributing to the following research areas:
- Waterbird ecology in rice field agro-ecosystems
- Population monitoring and waterbird counts
- Capture, ringing, and GPS tracking of wild birds
- Movement ecology between rice fields and natural wetlands
- Dietary studies using conventional and stable isotope analyses
- Ecosystem services and disservices in agricultural landscapes
- Economic cost–benefit analysis of waterbird presence
- Applied biodiversity conservation and habitat connectivity
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Biological Sciences, Ecology, Zoology, or related fields
- Proven scientific experience in ornithology, including peer-reviewed publications
- Demonstrated autonomous fieldwork experience with wild birds
- Valid ICNF bird ringing accreditation
- Experience deploying GPS tracking devices and collecting biological samples
- Good written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Participation in national or international ecological research projects
- Experience in scientific project coordination or management
- Accreditation to perform animal experimentation procedures
- Experience supervising postgraduate students or technical staff
- Proven knowledge of the Tagus Estuary and Lower Tagus River Basin
- Proficiency in Portuguese and English
Key Features of the Program
- Gross monthly salary of €2,351.53
- Holiday and Christmas allowances under Portuguese Labour Law
- Food allowance in accordance with national regulations
- Research position within a leading ecology and biodiversity research centre
- Extensive fieldwork and data analysis opportunities
- Contribution to high-impact conservation and agro-ecology research
- Active involvement in scientific dissemination and stakeholder engagement
- Strong institutional commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted through the FCiências.ID online recruitment platform.
Required Documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
- Motivation letter demonstrating suitability for the position (in English)
- Up to five scientific publications relevant to the work plan
- Copy of ICNF ringing permit
- Copy of PhD degree certificate
- Optional documents supporting additional qualifications or experience
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 8 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 21 January 2026 (23:59, Europe/Lisbon)
- Expected Start Date: 1 February 2026
- Posted On: 7 January 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: FCiências.ID
- Official Notification: click here
- Application Portal: click here
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