CCMAR​/IACES​/Assistant Researcher | Conservation of Sensitive Species; M​/F | Position

Assistant Researcher – Conservation of Sensitive Species

The Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR) is opening a recruitment and selection process for one position for an Assistant Researcher in Conservation of Sensitive Species. This position is open to citizens of any nationality, including stateless individuals, under a permanent employment contract to recruit and select the best candidate for activities within the Mar Plus Project - Hiring of Highly Qualified Human Resources (SME or CoLAB), funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) of the European Union, according to the following conditions:

The successful candidate will undertake comprehensive research and conservation efforts on sea horses and other endangered species. This position is intended for an Assistant Researcher in the field of Conservation of Sensitive Species to:

• Investigate the ecological relationships between seahorses and their habitats, emphasising habitat utilisation and trophic dependencies;
• Assess the physiological responses of European seahorse species under projected climate change scenarios;
• Analyse the susceptibility and physiological responses to prevalent xenobiotic pollutants;
• Detail the dietary requirements of seahorses.
• To translate findings onto functional conservation tools;
• To supervise MSc and PhD thesis;
• To translate scientific knowledge into educational and outreach programmes, including course development (in-person, online) for different target groups.

Note:

This is the initial work plan. However, the selected candidate may be assigned additional tasks and responsibilities in alignment with the CCMAR's evolving strategy, allowing for adaptation to new priorities and challenges.

The contract is expected to start in January 2025. Activities will occur at CCMAR (University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal) and other locations necessary for the proposed tasks. Working hours are 35 hours per week. The gross base monthly salary is €3,427.59 (Index 195).

The application period starts on 9th of December, 2024, and ends on 23rd of December, 2024, at 23:59 (Lisbon time, Portugal).

The selected candidate must have completed a PhD in Biology, Ecology, or a related field, with at least 5 years of postdoctoral experience in similar functions. The candidate must demonstrate a strong background and expertise in fish biology and ecology, primarily focusing on seahorse biology and ecology. This includes in-depth knowledge of the factors influencing their abundance and distribution in marine ecosystems, supported by a robust publication record in internationally recognised journals.

Proficiency in scientific diving is essential. The candidate must possess diving skills and demonstrate experience in developing and applying innovative techniques for monitoring seahorse species, including assessing behavioural patterns in their natural habitats and evaluating the impacts of habitat fragmentation. The candidate must have experience designing and implementing practical conservation tools to manage and preserve natural seahorse populations and other sensitive species in their habitats.

The candidate must demonstrate expertise in captive breeding techniques for seahorses, focusing on their ontogeny, reproductive biology, cultivation methods, and nutritional requirements necessary for successful breeding programs. The candidate must have experience mentoring students at various educational levels, including MSc and PhD students, demonstrating strong capabilities in mentoring and educating. High proficiency in spoken and written English (explicitly indicated in the CV) is required.