CCMAR​/IA​/Assistant Researcher; M​/F | Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Marine Habitats | Position

Assistant Researcher in the Area of Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Marine Habitats

The Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR) is opening a recruitment and selection process for one position as Assistant Researcher in the area of Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Marine Habitats, this position is open to citizens of any nationality, including stateless individuals, under an uncertain term employment contract to recruit and select the best candidate for activities within the research project CORALRESCUE - Large-scale coral bycatch mitigation by active engagement of fishers in habitat conservation and restoration, and related projects according to the following conditions:

1. About CCMAR: CCMAR is one of Portugal's leading marine science research centres, rated Excellent in evaluations promoted by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). With a multidisciplinary team, well-equipped facilities, and laboratories, CCMAR engages in core areas such as research, training, business, societal engagement, and collaboration.

2. Summary and Functions:
This position is intended for an Assistant Researcher within the CORALRESCUE project, with the following responsibilities:
1. Coordinate and implement the project, including the preparation of reports and scientific publications.
2. Coordinate and participate in fishing trials to assess the effectiveness of modified fishing gear in reducing coral bycatch.
3. Engage with fishers and conduct interviews to gather information relevant to the project objectives.
4. Contribute to the development, testing and implementation of an innovative method for the rescue and transplantation of corals recovered as bycatch from fishing activities.
5. Assess coral survival and the success of restoration actions, train fishers in data collection protocols, and support the mapping of coral habitats and fishing impacts through the integration of scientific data and local ecological knowledge.
6. Support training and capacity-building activities aimed at relevant stakeholders.
7. Contribute to outreach, awareness-raising and ocean literacy activities, as well as to the development of best-practice guidelines for coral rescue and restoration.
8. Supervise students at different academic levels, particularly Master's and PhD students.
9. Contribute to the development of CCMAR's scientific strategy. 10. Secure external funding and collaborate in CCMAR's institutional initiatives.

3. Applicable Law:
Decree-Law No. 57/2016, of August 29, amended by Law No. 57/2017, of July 19. Regulatory Decree No. 11-A/2017, of December 29. Labour Code, approved by Law No. 7/2009, of February 12, in its current version. Decree-Law No. 124/99 of April 20, in its current version (Scientific Research Career By-Laws). Administrative Procedure Code. Internal Regulation for Scientific Research and Technological Development Personnel, and Science and Technology Management and Communication at Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve, here.

4.

Start Date:

The contract is expected to start in September 2026.

5. Workplace:
The activities will be carried out at CCMAR (University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal), as well as at other locations whenever required for the execution of project activities.

6.

Working Hours:

35 hours per week.

7. Monthly Salary:
The gross monthly base salary is €3,576.56 (Index 195), supplemented by inclusion in CCMAR's group life insurance scheme and the possibility of joining CCMAR's group health insurance scheme, with 50% of the cost covered by CCMAR and 50% by the employee.

8. Application Period:
The application period starts on 17th of June, 2026 and ends on 01st of July, 2026, at 23:59 (Lisbon time, Portugal).

9. Required Profile: 1. PhD in Marine Ecology, Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, Marine Sciences, or a related field, obtained more than 5 years before the Final date to receive applications.
2. Demonstrated experience in leading and coordinating research projects and multidisciplinary scientific teams.
3. Experience in coral ecology, conservation and restoration, particularly involving cold-water and temperate coral species.
4. Experience in coral husbandry…