Job Information
Organisation/Company: Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo
Department: Process Engineering
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering; Chemistry » Biochemistry; Environmental science » Natural resources management
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: Master Positions
Application Deadline: 12 Nov 2026 - 23:09 (Europe/Lisbon)
Country: Portugal
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer Starting Date: 27 Oct 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme
Reference Number: ALT2030-FEDER-02679700
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A MASTER – 1 VACANCY
REF. CBL.002/2026/SALTO
The Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL), Portugal, invites applications for one Researcher holding a Master’s degree to contribute to the research project SALTO – “Solutions for the ALentenTejo olive sector, a path to the Sustainable Development Goals” (Reference: ALT2030-FEDER-02679700).
The project aims to develop and validate an integrated, flexible and scalable biorefinery strategy focused on the selective detoxification and valorisation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates derived from olive pomace.
The successful candidate will contribute to the scientific and experimental activities of the project, including:
- Characterisation of olive pomace hydrolysates following hydrothermal pretreatment, with identification of major inhibitory compounds, including organic acids, furan derivatives and phenolic compounds.
- Evaluation of selective acetic acid removal by an anaerobic bacterium under controlled conditions while preserving fermentable sugars.
- Optimisation of microbial growth and electron-transfer conditions through adjustment of operational parameters, including pH, substrate concentration and inhibitor tolerance.
- Assessment of composite materials for phenolic compound removal from aqueous media through adsorption and absorption mechanisms.
- Electrochemical characterisation of developed materials for use as electrodes, focusing on charge transfer between anaerobic bacteria and electrodes.
- Implementation and testing of electrochemical systems with controlled anodic potentials to enhance inhibitor degradation while avoiding the consumption of fermentable sugars.
- Construction and operation of an integrated laboratory-scale system for hydrolysate detoxification and energy recovery.
- Investigation of the reuse of generated energy or its conversion into hydrogen, contributing to a circular and sustainable biorefinery model.
The position will be based at CEBAL in Beja, Portugal, under the scientific supervision of Dr Maria da Conceição Fernandes.
Where to apply
E-mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Chemistry » Biochemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Environmental science » Natural resources management
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- A Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a related field.
- At least one year of technical and scientific experience in experimental or laboratory work involving biomass characterisation, fermentation processes, preparation of fermentation media, electrochemical studies, water treatment, and experimental data analysis and processing.
- Good knowledge of English.
- Proficiency in both written and spoken Portuguese.
Specific Requirements
The following qualifications will be considered an advantage:
- Demonstrated experience in microbiology and bioelectrochemical systems.
- Experience in the construction and optimisation of microbial fuel cells (MFCs).
- Knowledge and experience in electrochemical techniques for the characterisation of biological systems and materials.
- Statistical data analysis and development of models based on experimental results.
- Relevant scientific output in the field, including publications, conference presentations and participation in research projects.
Languages: Portuguese
Level: Excellent
Languages: English
Level: Good
Research Field: Environmental science » Natural resources management; Biological sciences » Biological engineering; Chemistry » Biochemistry
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Benefits
The successful candidate will be employed under a contract of uncertain duration, governed by private law and concluded in accordance with the applicable Portuguese Labour Code.
The monthly base salary will range from €1,499.15 to €1,762.31, depending on the candidate’s professional experience and suitability for the position, subject to applicable updates to the Portuguese Unified Remuneration Table.
The employee will also be entitled to a meal allowance for each day actually worked and to holiday and Christmas allowances, in accordance with applicable legislation.
The workplace will be CEBAL’s facilities in Beja, Portugal.
Expected starting date: December 2026.
Eligibility criteria
Applications must be submitted by email to Dr Maria da Conceição Fernandes at [contact details available in the full listing], quoting the reference CBL.002/2026/SALTO in the subject line.
Applications must include:
- A motivation letter.
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- Copies of academic degree certificates. Degrees awarded by foreign higher education institutions must comply with the applicable requirements of Portuguese Decree-Law No. 66/2018 of 16 August, including completion of any required formalities by the application deadline.
- Additional documents demonstrating compliance with the admission requirements.
- Evidence of relevant experience for the position, limited to a maximum of three documents combined into a single PDF file.
Application deadline: 11 November 2026.
Selection process
Selection criteria:
- Curriculum vitae assessment: 50%.
- Relevance of the candidate’s curriculum to the duties of the position: 50%.
The selection panel may invite the highest-ranked candidates for an individual interview. If an interview is held, the assessment will comprise curriculum vitae assessment (50%), relevance of the candidate’s curriculum to the position (40%) and individual interview (10%).
Final results will be published in descending order of classification, and all candidates will be notified by email.
Additional comments
CEBAL promotes non-discrimination and equal access to employment.
Project SALTO, co-funded by the Alentejo 2030 Regional Programme through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Personal data will be processed exclusively for the purposes of handling the application, in accordance with the GDPR.
Website for additional job details: https://www.cebal.pt/images/docs/Posicoes/2026/EDITAL%20SALTO_%20CONTRATO%20Mestre_FINAL.pdf
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Centro de Biotecnologia Agrícola e Agro-Alimentar do Alentejo (CEBAL)
Country: Portugal
State/Province: Beja
City: Beja
Postal Code: 7801-908 BEJA
Street: Rua Pedro Soares, s.n. - Campus IPBeja / ESAB
Contact
State/Province: Beja
City: Beja
Website: http://www.cebal.pt/
Street: Rua Pedro Soares, Campus do IPBeja
Postal Code: 7801-908 BEJA
