Post-Doctoral Researcher (2 Vacancies)

Offer Description

The Centre for Social Studies (CES) – Associate Laboratory – University of Coimbra (Portugal), invites applications for (2) two Post-Doctoral Researcher positions part-time (CES/01/2026-PD-EJMAPPING) in the FCT project “EJMAPPING: Counter-mapping environmental just conflicts in the European periphery: The case of Portugal”, funded by national fundings and FEDER, with the reference COMPETE2030-FEDER00931800, and coordinated by Gustavo García López.

CES provides a stimulating intellectual environment in the domain of social sciences and humanities. The project is a collective effort of the CES working group Ecology and Society Workshop (ECOSOC) and its themes are embedded in the research line RISE – Risks, Ecology, and Health, and the Observatory of Risks (OSIRIS).

A. Project Description

EJMAPPING: Counter-mapping environmental just conflicts in the European periphery: The case of Portugal

This project addresses theoretical and methodological gaps in Environmental justice (EJ) studies through qualitative-quantitative participatory-action research (PAR) of EJ conflicts in Portugal, analyzed through a decolonial/south framework. Our main objectives are to enrich the theory of EJ, develop a comprehensive analysis of the state of EJ conflicts in Portugal, and identify solutions to advance transitions towards equitable and ecologically-sustainable development. The overall objective of this project is to generate actionable knowledge that contributes to addressing environmental injustices, and to promote pathways for transformative, “just sustainability” (or “just transitions”), while simultaneously enriching the conceptual and methods applied to these conflicts. To address these objectives, the project combines counter-mapping methods, committed to listening to the perspectives of those who inhabit the territories and/or establishing a relationship of proximity with them. These methods will include: a) a historical analysis of conflicts and struggles for environmental justice in Portugal, b) characterizing the current state of environmental struggles through a national inquiry focusing on the period after 2018, c) producing a national map (similar to the Environmental Justice Atlas: ejatlas.org), and d) developing case studies selected from the Centro, Alentejo, and Algarve regions. In each of the case studies, methods such as interviews, participatory observation, body-territory and environmental health mapping, and image and story mapping techniques will be used.

Expected duration of the project execution: from March 1, 2026 to March 31, 2028.

B. Scientific Field

Social Sciences, with a focus in Political Ecology

C. Work plan, tasks:

This call will select candidates for two Post-Doctoral Researcher positions part-time, with the following scientific profiles:

Profile A: National mapping and historical political-economic analysis of EJ conflicts

The selected candidate will have a background in Social-environmental sciences with a specialization in Geography or related fields. He/she is expected to show multi-method methodological rigor and transdisciplinary sensitivity, proven experience in the execution and support of research projects, the ability to work collaboratively and manage tasks autonomously, and excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills in Portuguese and English.

The candidate shall have experience in quantiative methods, particularly, systematic literature reviews in the topics of environmental justice conflicts and movements, implementation and analyis of survey methods, development and maintenance of associated databases, and historical and political-economic analyses of social movements. Grounded knowledge of Portugal’s current context in the project’s topics is expected. Additionally, the selected candidate shall have proven experience in scientific and outreach activities, including presentations, writing and editing reports, publications, and scientific communication materials. Experience in project management and coordination, inclusing organization and facilitation of meetings, website maintenance, team consolidation and establishing collaborative relationships with institutional and community stakeholders, are considered a plus.

Profile B: Grounded comparative case-studies and local counter-mapping

The selected candidate will have a background in Socio-environmental sciences with a specialization in Anthropology or related fields. He/she is expected to show multi-method methodological rigor and transdisciplinary sensitivity, proven experience in the execution and support of research projects, the ability to work collaboratively and manage tasks autonomously, and excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills in Portuguese and English.

The candidate shall have experience in qualitative and comparative case study research design and implementation, within participatory-action, engaged and activist research approaches. He/she is expected to show experience with ethnographic methods including interviews, focus grups, and participant observation; and/or with counter-cartographic methods, such as body-territory, environmental health and sound and image mapping. Grounded knowledge of Portugal’s current context in the project’s topics is expected.experience in organisation and facilitation of relevant scientific and transdisciplinar events (including for ex. conferences, summer schools, and workshops) or in the dynamization of transdisciplinar networks are considered a plus.

D. Applicable Legislation and Regulations

The successful candidates will be hired under Law no. 57/2016, August 29, altered by Law 57/2017, which approves a doctoral hiring regime with a view to boosting scientific and technological employment in all areas of knowledge (RJEC). The hiring will also be governed by the Labor Code approved by Law no. 7/2009 of February 12, as currently worded.

E. Workplace

Research will be performed at the Centre for Social Studies facilities in Coimbra, Portugal, as well as in fieldwork sites in Portugal. Selected researchers will occasionally need to travel to other locations to perform research tasks.

F. Duration of the Contract

The temporary contract (“termo incerto”) will be signed for the sole purpose of the execution of the project and will automatically end with the completion of the activities foreseen in the activity plan. Moreover, according to Article 112 of the Labour Code, paragraph 2 a), a trial period of 30 days is established.

The contract will be foreseeably starting in March, 2026.

G. Application dates

From January 16 – 30, 2026. After January 30 (23h59 Lisbon time), 2026, applications will not be considered for evaluation.

H. Application process

Applications must include:

Presentation/Motivation letter with the call reference (CES/01/2026-PD-EJMAPPING) of maximum 2 pages in English in which the candidate addresses at least four points:
motivation to be part of the EJMAPPING project within the ECOSOC working group and the associated research line;
how they will execute the project tasks described above;
to what extent education and previous experience match the selecting criteria listed;
demonstration of oral and written language proficiency in both English and Portuguese (with reference to the context where the candidate learned and perfected both languages or to whether they are native speakers);
Detailed Curriculum Vitae;
Copies of degree certificates. It is mandatory to be holder of a PhD degree by the date to start the contract (note: candidates must meet the eligibility conditions and conditions indicated in point “K. Mandatory requirements”);
One publication which better represents the writing skills of the applicant and their proximity with the EJMAPPING project, in Portuguese or English;
Other relevant documents for eligibility purposes.

Applications should be sent by email to concursos@ces.uc.pt until the final deadline. Applications must include a clear indication of the reference of this call (CES/01/2026-PD-EJMAPPING)and the profile (A or B) the candidate is applying for.

Where to apply

E-mail: concursos@ces.uc.pt

Skills/Qualifications

I. Preferred selection criteria and their weighing

Profile A

Applicants must demonstrate expertise on the topic of the project, and in the research line listed above, by fulfilling the following criteria:

Academic background and research carried out in Geography or related fields, with demonstrated research related to political ecology and environmental policy and politics (publications, participation in research projects, membership in research groups or networks) (15%);
Experience in the area of environmental and climate justice, ecosocial transitions,community-based environmental initiatives. Experience studying a diversity of environmental conflicts in comparative perspective constitutes additional merit (20%);
Experience in multi-method data collection and analysis, including large-N statistical research, historical political-economic analysis, and environmental conflict mapping (20%);
Experience in research project administration, team work and communication, organisation and dissemination, event organisation and publication editorial work. Previous project management experience constitutes additional merit (15%);
Knowledge of Portugal’s current context in the project’s topics. Previous experience with research in Portugal constitutes additional merit (15%);
Level of language proficiency in both English and Portuguese (10%);
Experience with academic software (e.g., MAXQDA / NVIVO, Endnote / Zotero / Mendeley, SPSS, R Phyton), project management systems, and collaborative softwares (5%).

The jury reserves the right not to select any candidate.

Profile B

Applicants must demonstrate expertise on the topic of the project, and in the research line listed above, by fulfilling the following criteria:

Academic background and research carried out in Anthropology or related fields, with demonstrated research related to political ecology and environmental policy and politics (publications, participation in research projects, membership in research groups or networks) (15%);
Experience in the area of environmental and climate justice, ecosocial transitions,community-based environmental initiatives. Experience with water, energy, labour and/or urban environmental conflicts constitutes additional merit (20%);
Experience in participatory-action research with a focus on qualitative data collection and analysis, including semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participant observation, counter-mapping (body-territory, environmental health, and/or sound and image) (20%);
Experience in research project administration, team work and communication, organisation and dissemination, event organisation and publication editorial work. Previous postdoctoral research experience constitutes additional merit (15%);
Knowledge of Portugal’s current context in the project’s topics. Previous experience with research in Portugal constitutes additional merit (15%);
Level of language proficiency in both English and Portuguese (10%);
Experience with academic software (e.g., MAXQDA / NVIVO, Endnote / Zotero / Mendeley, SPSS, R Phyton), project management systems, and collaborative softwares (5%).

Additional Information

Benefits

J. Monthly Salary

The monthly salary for the Part-time, corresponding to 17,5 hours a week, will be 1.202,55 Euros gross (plus months 13 and 14), meal allowance, and all social security charges, in accordance with the Portuguese Labour Code.

Eligibility criteria

K. Mandatory requirements

a) Applicants must hold a PhD in the subject area indicated above;

Applicants with an academic degree and diploma issued by a foreign Higher Education Institution must present proof of recognition of the academic degree by the Portuguese Higher Education System, (law DL66/2018). Any candidate without the recognition of the degree(s) will be admitted to the competition, but during the evaluation process the selection panel, cannot:

i. recognize the candidate’s grades and assess according to the possession of such grades;

ii. give equivalence to, or validate, the grade of her/his degree;

iii. use that note or its conversion as an evaluation parameter.

In case of selection, the contract can only be signed after the recognition of the academic degree by the Portuguese authorities, under the terms of the Law-decree n66/2018, August 16. The selected candidate must deliver the recognition of the degree within 30 days after the communication of the results. After the 30 days, the jury may decide to (1) either extend the deadline for the candidate to prove the recognition; (2) assign the position to the next candidate for merit; (3) or not award the position.

b) Be proficient in Portuguese and English;

c) Demonstrate expertise on the topics of the project (see criteria A. to C. above).

Selection process

L. Selection Process

Applicants will be selected based on their scientific merit and curricular path. In case of equivalent curricular profiles, the best-positioned applicants will be short-listed for an interview, meant to assess each applicant’s potential contribution to the development of the project. The two stages of evaluation (the curricular merit assessment and the interview) will weigh 50% each in the final score. The scale applied to each criterion is 0 to 20.

The jury reserves the right to not select any applicants for the positions, if applications do not meet the necessary standards and/or profiles in terms of absolute merit.

M.Selection Panel

Gustavo García López (President)
Claudia Pato de Carvalho (Permanent member)
Antonio Pusceddu (Permanent member)
Rita Serra (Permanent member)
Antje Disterheft (Substitute member)
Rita Calvário (Substitute member)

N. Communication of Results

The results of the selection process will be emailed to all candidates, and the meeting minutes of the selection panel will become publicly available.

Additional comments

Additional comments

Equality of opportunities

CES abides by the national law that regulates the prevention, prohibition and fighting against discrimination on the grounds of racial and ethnic identity, colour, nationality, family background, territory of origin, and disability (Law nº 93/2017, 23 August; Law nº 4/2019, 10 January).

Data protection

By submitting your application, you are agreeing with the use of your personal data by CES administrative services for the sole purpose of the current call, namely to be contacted directly by CES services and allow the communication of results as in point n. of this call. CES abides by the principles of GPDR.

Contact:

Centro de Estudos Sociais

Colégio S. Jerónimo, Apartado 3087

3000-995 Coimbra, Portugal

concursos@ces.uc.pt

Website for additional job details: https://ces.uc.pt/en/agenda-noticias/emprego-bolsas-estagios

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