Bi-Aquavalor-Aquapred via EURAXESS

Offer Description

A call for applications is open for One Research Grant (BI-AQUAVALOR-AQUAPRED-1/2025) no âmbito do Projeto “AQUAPRED – System for controlling and preventing contaminants in mineral-medicinal waters through AI”, funded by the Interreg Sudoe programme, under Code S1/1.1/E0056, under the following conditions:

1. Scientific Area:

Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology or related fields.

2.Admission Requirements:

– Qualification Level: Equal to or higher than level 6 (Bachelor’s degree);

– The candidate must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree degree in the in the areas listed above;

– The candidate must be enrolled in a master’s/doctorate degree or in a course that does not confer an academic degree, integrated into the educational process of a higher education institution;

– Adequacy of the candidate’s training and experience to the objectives of the work to be carried out.

3. Desired Profile:

– Experience in molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction and quantification;

– Preferably knowledge of next-generation sequencing, including library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis;

– Preferably experience in collecting samples for pilot studies in the field of cosmetics, carrying out sampling and sample preservation protocols, as well as conducting surveys;

– Experience in research and innovation activities, particularly in the execution of research projects. 

4. Work Plan:

1) Execução técnico-científica do projeto, cumprindo tarefas de acordo com o cronograma previamente estabelecido pelos parceiros;

2) Harvesting, DNA extraction and sequencing of samples, as well as other parameters from the pilot study in the field of cosmetics;

3) Apoiar a atividade quotidiana dos intervenientes e partes interessadas no projeto;

4) Colaborar na realização de entregáveis e relatórios técnico-científicos.

5.Objectives:

The main objective will be to characterise the waters of six thermal spas in the SUDOE area (Portugal, Spain and France), providing data for the development of an Artificial Intelligence-based system that allows automatic preventive control over water treatment elements that do not interfere with their medicinal properties.

6. Applicable legislation and regulations:

Statute of the Scientific Research Fellow, approved by Law no. 40/2004, of August 18, in its current wording; Regulation of Research Grants of FCT, I. P., nº. 950/2019 of 16/12/2019 published in Diário da República nº. 241, 2nd Series, in force https://www.fct.pt/financiamento/programas-de-financiamento/bolsas/.

7. Workplace and scientific supervision:

The work will be developed at AquaValor – Centro de Valorização e Transferência de Tecnologia da Água (Associação), located in Chaves, under the scientific supervision of Maria José Alves and Cátia Fidalgo.

8. Duration of the scholarship(s):

The fellowship will have a duration of 12 months, starting on 01/01/2026.

9. Amount of the monthly maintenance allowance:

The grant amount corresponds to 1040,98€, according to the table of values of grants awarded by FCT, I.P. in the country.

The Scholarship Holder will benefit from personal accident insurance and, if they are not covered by any social protection regime, they can ensure the exercise of the right to social security by joining the voluntary social insurance regime, under the terms set out in the Code of Contributory Regimes of the Social Security Pension System. The scholarship amount will be paid monthly by bank transfer.

10. Selection methods and respective valuation:

The selection methods to be used will be as follows:

a) Curriculum evaluation and its suitability for the work in question (40%);

b) Experience in monitoring and managing academic and scientific projects (30%); 

c) Interview (30%).

The jury may not award the scholarship if the candidates’ classification is lower than 9.5 values.

11. Composition of the Selection Board:

Maria José Alves (chairman);

Cátia Fidalgo (voting member);

Juliana Garcia (voting member)

Luís Pinto (substitute).

12. Form of publication/notification of results:

Communications and the final results of the evaluation will be disseminated via email notification to the candidates.

13. Application deadline:

The call is open for the period between 21/10/2025 and 04/11/2025.

14. Form of presentation of applications:

Applications must be sent by 04/11/2025 to rh@aquavalor.pt, indicating the reference “BI-AQUAVALOR-AQUAPRED-1/2025” in the subject of the email, with the inclusion of the following mandatory documents:

a) Detailed Curriculum Vitae;

b) Qualification certificate(s);

c) Application letter stating the motivation for the application;

d) Other documents deemed relevant.

The documents proving the title of academic degrees or diplomas, or enrolment in an academic degree or diploma, may be dispensed with during the application stage. They are replaced by a declaration of honour from the candidate, and it is mandatory to verify this condition during the scholarship contracting stage. Academic degrees obtained in foreign countries require recognition by a Portuguese Institution in accordance with Decree-Law no. 66/2018, of August 16 and Administrative Rule no. 33/2019, of January 25. The presentation of the recognition is mandatory for the signing of the contract.

15. Time limit for complaint and appeal procedures:

If the decision to be made is unfavourable to the grant requested, the candidates have a period of 10 working days, after the date of the announcement of the results of the evaluation, to comment, if they so wish, in a prior hearing, under the terms set forth in the Administrative Procedure Code. The final decision may be appealed to the AquaValor President within 15 working days of notification.

Where to apply

E-mail: rh@aquavalor.pt