PhD Positions

1. Scientific Area:

Biology or related fields

2. Admission Requirements:

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in biology or related fields, be enrolled in a doctoral program at the Polytechnic University of Bragança and possess a driver's license.

3. Work Plan:

The candidate will carry out a set of activities within the scope of the aforementioned project, namely:

1. Characterize the diversity, abundance, and composition of pollinator communities along the Bragança–Rio de Onor gradient and evaluate their spatial, seasonal, and interannual variation.
2. Support for the installation of pollinator gardens along the Bragança - Rio de Onor axis, with the definition of spaces, plants, and equipment.
3. Define procedures for the multiplication of selected plants in a greenhouse.
4. Characterize the diversity, abundance, and phenology of floral resources.
5. Identify the floral resources used by different groups or species of pollinators through palynological analysis.
6. Support the creation of a pollinator interpretation center.

4. Objectives:

To evaluate the diversity and spatio-temporal dynamics of pollinator communities, the availability and use of floral resources, and plant-pollinator interactions along an environmental gradient between Bragança and Rio de Onor.

5. Applicable legislation and regulations:

Statute of the Scientific Research Fellow, approved by Law No. 40/2004, of August 18, in its current wording; FCT, I.P. Research Grant Regulations in force (https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RBi_Republicado_2025.pdf);

Regulation No. 522/2020, published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, No. 113, of June 12 – Research Grant Regulations of the Polytechnic University of Bragança.

6. Workplace and scientific supervision:

The work will be carried out in Bragança - Mountain Research Center, under the scientific supervision of Miguel Vilas Boas and Ana Maria Villa.

7. Grant duration:

The grant will have an initial duration of 12 months, with a planned start date of 11/16/2026 (with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 36 months, including the initial period).

8. Monthly Maintenance Allowance Amount:

The grant amount corresponds to 1,359.64€, according to the table of grant values ​​awarded by FCT, I.P. in the country.

Grant recipients will benefit from personal accident insurance and, if they are not covered by any social protection scheme, they may ensure the exercise of the right to social security by joining the voluntary social security scheme, under the terms provided for in the Code of Contribution Regimes of the Social Security System. The grant amount will be paid monthly by bank transfer.

9. Selection Methods and their respective valuation:

The selection methods to be used will be as follows:

Candidates will be evaluated by curriculum evaluation through the following criteria:

1. Curriculum evaluation and academic background (40%)
2. Experience in research activities in areas related to the work in question (60%).

10. Composition of the Selection Jury:

President: Coordinating Professor, Miguel Vilas Boas

Member: Adjunct Professor Maria João Sousa

Member: Doctor Ana Maria Villa Serrano

11. Method of publication/notification of results:

The communications and final results of the evaluation will be published through the UPB application submission portal or, if necessary, by email notification.

12. Application period:

The competition is open from October 23, 2026 to November 5, 2026.

13. Method of submitting applications:

Applications can be submitted through the UPB application submission portal (http://concursos.ipb.br), including the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae;
2. Letter of motivation;
3. Certificate of undergraduate and master's qualifications;
4. Proof of enrollment in a doctoral program at IPB
5. Copy of driver's license

Documents proving the holding of academic degrees or diplomas, or enrollment in an academic degree or diploma, may be waived during the registration phase, being replaced by a declaration of honor from the candidate, with verification of this condition being mandatory during the contracting phase of the grant.

Academic degrees obtained in foreign countries need recognition by a Portuguese Institution in accordance with Decree-Law No. 66/2018, of August 16, and Ordinance No. 33/2019, of January 25. Presentation of the recognition is mandatory for signing the contract.

14. Deadlines and procedures for complaints and appeals:

If the decision to be made is unfavorable to the granting of the requested grant, candidates have a period of 10 working days, after the date of publication of the evaluation results, to express their opinion, if they wish, in a prior hearing, under the terms provided for in the Administrative Procedure Code.

An appeal against the final decision may be made to the Rector of UPB within 15 working days after the respective notification.

Where to apply

Website: https://concursos.unipb.pt/ui/#/public/concursos/detalhe/1112

Requirements

• Research Field: Biological sciences
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants should have an academic background in Biology or a related scientific field, preferably with knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas:

1. Pollinator biodiversity, ecology and plant–pollinator interactions.
2. Plant identification, vegetation surveys and floral resource assessment.
3. Palynological analysis and pollen identification.
4. Ecological data collection, processing and statistical analysis

Candidates should also demonstrate good organisational and communication skills, autonomy, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

Specific Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Biology or a related scientific field, be enrolled in a PhD programme at the Polytechnic University of Bragança, and hold a valid driving licence. Candidates must be available to carry out fieldwork, including regular travel and sampling activities along the Bragança–Rio de Onor environmental gradient.

Required application documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Motivation Letter
3. Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates.
4. Proof of enrolment in a PhD programme at the Polytechnic University of Bragança.
5. Copy of a valid driving licence.

All required documents must be submitted with the application, in accordance with the conditions set out in the official call for applications.

• Languages: PORTUGUESE — Level: Basic
• Languages: ENGLISH — Level: Excellent

Additional Information

Benefits

The grant amount corresponds to 1,359.64€, according to the table of grant values ​​awarded by FCT, I.P. in the country.

Grant recipients will benefit from personal accident insurance and, if they are not covered by any social protection scheme, they may ensure the exercise of the right to social security by joining the voluntary social security scheme, under the terms provided for in the Code of Contribution Regimes of the Social Security System. The grant amount will be paid monthly by bank transfer.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in biology or related fields, be enrolled in a doctoral program at the Polytechnic University of Bragança and possess a driver's license.

Selection process

The selection process will be based on the evaluation of the applicants' academic qualifications (40%) and scientific and technical experience in the proposed research activities (60%) The assessment will consider the candidates' academic background, experience in relevant scientific areas, particularly pollinator ecology, biodiversity monitoring, botany and palynological analysis, as well as their technical skills and ability to carry out fieldwork. An interview may be conducted with shortlisted candidates to assess their motivation, relevant knowledge and suitability for the position. The selection committee will be composed of the following members: Chair: Miguel Vilas-Boas, Coordinating Professor, Polytechnic University of Bragança; Member: Maria João Sousa, Adjunct Professor, Polytechnic University of Bragança; Member: Ana Maria Villa Serrano, PhD. The final ranking of candidates will be based on the evaluation criteria and respective weightings specified in the official call and sent to the candidates by email.

Additional comments

Documents proving the ownership of academic degrees or diplomas, or enrollment in an academic degree or diploma, may be dispensed with during the application stage, being replaced by a declaration of honor by the candidate, and verification of this condition is mandatory during the grant contracting stage. Academic degrees obtained in foreign countries require recognition by a Portuguese Institution in accordance with Decree-Law No. 66/2018, of August 16th and Ordinance No. 33/2019, of January 25th. The presentation of recognition is mandatory for the signing of the contract.

Website for additional job details: https://concursos.unipb.pt/ui/#/public/concursos/detalhe/1112

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Universidade Politécnica de Bragança - CIMO
• Country: Portugal
• State/Province: Bragança
• City: Bragança
• Postal Code: 5300-253
• Street: Campus de Santa Apolónia

Contact

• State/Province: Bragança
• City: Bragança
• Website: http://portal3.ipb.pt/index.php/pt/ipb
• Street: Campus de Sta Apolónio
• Postal Code: 5300-253
• E-Mail: mvboas@ipb.pt