S2AQUA – Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture (S2AQUAcoLAB), in accordance with Article 7 of the S2AQUAcoLAB Research Grant Regulations, hereby announces that a call for applications has been opened for a Research Grant (Master’s) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or similar areas.
The call for applications for a Research Grant is intended to support research activities within the scope of the SKINS Project – Skin Biomarkers: Advances in the Health and Sustainability of Salmonid Aquaculture (Operation No. 21638), co-financed by the European Union through the Algarve 2030 and COMPETE 2030 Operational Programs, under the Portugal 2030 framework.
1. The Work Plan:
The programme of activities for the research fellow to be hired includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
- Development of three-dimensional (3D) cell models (organoids) derived from salmon skin;
- Optimization of organoid growth and differentiation conditions, including testing various media, growth factors, three-dimensional matrices, etc.;
- Monitoring the proliferation, viability, and growth of the organoids;
- Molecular and functional characterization of the developed 3D models;
- Establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells from salmon fibroblasts;
- Analysis and interpretation of experimental data, preparation of technical and scientific reports, writing of scientific articles, as well as active participation in project meetings and activities.
2. Desired profile:
- Level 7 Higher Education (Master’s) in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or similar areas;
- Proven experience in cell biology, particularly in the use of cells derived from fish or marine animals; 3. Ability to work independently.
Applicants must be enrolled in an integrated master’s, master’s or doctoral programme, or in a non-degree integrated course, in the educational project of a higher education institution developed in association or cooperation with one or more R&D units.
3. Other requirements:
- a) Be highly motivated, demonstrate independence, and have the ability to propose new approaches;
- b) Ability to adapt and integrate into a team;
- c) Advanced level of English;
- d) Autonomy and proactivity.
4. Type and duration of the fellowship
A Master’s Research Grant will be awarded.
The fellowship is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026, and will last for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal in accordance with Article 15 of the S2AQUAcoLAB Fellowship Regulations on a full-time basis. The work to be carried out under this fellowship is temporary in nature and will not continue beyond the conclusion of the project.
The scholarship must be carried out on an exclusive basis, in accordance with S2AQUAcoLAB’s scholarship regulations (Regulamento Bolsas de Investigação S2AQUAcoLAB), and FCT’s scholarship regulations based on Portuguese law 40/2004, of 18 August (Statute of the Research Fellow) amended by Decree-Law 123/2019, of 28 August.
5. Beneficiaries (conditions required)
The scholarship is intended for holders of a Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry or similar fields.
Applicants must be enrolled in an integrated master’s, master’s or doctoral programme, or in a non-degree course that is part of the educational project of a higher education institution developed in association or cooperation with one or more R&D units.
6. Submission of applications
The call is open between April 6, and 11:59 p.m. on April 20, 2026. To apply for this research fellowship you must send an email to geral@s2aquacolab.pt with the subject S2AQUAcoLAB/Bolsa/Ref_03/2026.
Each candidate may submit only one application, failing which all applications submitted will be cancelled. The application will only be valid if all the mandatory documents have been submitted. False declarations or acts of plagiarism are grounds for cancellation of the application, without prejudice to the adoption of other sanctioning measures.
Find out more information about this opportunity here.