Research Fellowship - Functional Ecology Laboratory

Open Call for a Research Fellowship

The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) is welcoming applications to a Research Fellowship, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, with the following conditions: 

1.               Duration: The fellowship duration, according to the IGC Research Fellowship Regulation approved by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, IP (FCT) is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. The fellowship contract is expected to start early in 2023, under the exclusiveness regime as required by the Research Fellowship Regulation of FCT.

2.               Subject of Activities: The selected candidate will be involved in studies on the evolution of different phytoplankton species in response to competition, focusing on traits related to metabolism, resource use, cell morphology, and population dynamics. The Functional Ecology lab is interested in understanding how species interactions, such as competition, alter the metabolism of species, their competitive ability and thus the consequences for community diversity and functioning. We work at different temporal scales, from short-term (plasticity) to long-term responses (evolution).

3.               Scientific Guidance: The selected candidate will join the Functional Ecology Laboratory (https://gulbenkian.pt/ciencia/research-groups/gghedini/), headed by Dr. Giulia Ghedini.

4.               Academic Profile and Admission Requirements: We are seeking candidates interested in studying ecological and evolutionary dynamics in marine phytoplankton. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong potential and interest in pursuing a PhD in the lab or already enrolled in a PhD programme.

A Master degree in ecology, evolutionary biology, marine biology or related areas is required.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing laboratory experiments on phytoplankton species and communities, performing metabolic and other phenotyping assays, and analyzing the data.

We are looking for candidates with:

i)          Ability to work individually and in a team;

ii)        Good communication skills, including good level of spoken and written English;

iii)       High level of initiative and rigour;

iv)       Commitment and collaboration.

Previous experience working with microorganisms in the laboratory is an advantage but not required.

According to article 3, point 1 of IGC Research Fellowship Regulation, the selected candidate must be enrolled in non-academic degree course integrated in the educational project of a higher education institution.

If the qualification has been conferred by a foreign higher education institution it must be recognized by a Portuguese higher education institution, under the terms of the provisions of article 25.º of Decree-Law n.º 66/2018, of August 16^th (https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/degree-and-diploma-recognition) , which approves the legal regime of recognition of academic degrees and diplomas of Higher Education, attributed by foreign higher education institutions, and of paragraph e) of n.º 2 of article 4.º of Decree-Law n.º 60/2018, of August 3rd, and any formalities established therein must be fulfilled by the date of the hiring act. The jury reserves the right to invite the candidate ranked immediately after to the position in question when the first ranked candidate is not recognized with the academic degree after the aforementioned formalities have been fulfilled.

5.               For Portuguese taxpayers: All candidates that where/are currently taxpayers in Portugal are required to present evidence of the fulfillment of their individual obligations towards the Portuguese Tax Authority and Social Security. Failure to comply with this requirement will be considered as a criteria for exclusion from the recruitment process.

6.           Applicable legislation and Regulation: All candidates must comply with the IGC Research Fellowship Regulation; Research Fellowship Statutes amended by Decree nº 123/2019of August 28^th; FCT Legislation and Regulations for Fellowships and the  Decree-Law n.º 66/2018, of August 16th (Legal regime for recognition of academic degrees and diplomas of higher education awarded by foreign higher education institutions).

7.           Subsidy Month Stipend: 1144,64€/month according to the table of monthly maintenance allowance amounts set out in Annex I of IGC Research Fellowship Regulation. The payment will be made by bank transfer. The selected candidate may be reimbursed the amount corresponding to the contribution to Voluntary Social Security.

8.           How to submit applications: Interested candidates should send their applications to igcpositions@igc.gulbenkian.pt in a single PDF file, named “Applicant Name_BI_FE” containing:

a.      Motivation Letter (1 page max);

b.     Curriculum Vitae (2 pages max);

c.      Two reference letters indicating the name, email and phone number of the referee.

After a pre-analysis of applications, selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

9.           Methods of Selection and Evaluation: The selection procedure shall be as follows:Curriculum (35%), motivation letter (15%), interview and reference letters (50%), if considered necessary by the jury, of the selected candidates.

10.         Jury Selection: Chair: Dr. Giulia Ghedini, Vowels: Dr. Jorge Carneiro and Dr. Caren Norden. Substitute: Dr. Marco Fumasoni.

11.         Form of Advertising / Notification of results: The assessment results will be sent to all candidates by email. There will be 10 working days for complaints/appeals after the date of publication of the Selection Minute, through the same application email.

12.         Application Period: From 04/01/2023 until 31/01/2023.   

13.         Non-discrimination and equal access policy: The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation actively promotes a non-discrimination and equal access policy, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefitted, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt  of any duties based on ancestry, age, sex, sexual preference, marital status, family and economic conditions, education, origin or social conditions, genetic heritage, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin or race, origin territory, language, religion, political or ideological convictions and union membership.