The Centre for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) in the Algarve, Portugal, opens a position for a doctoral Researcher fellowship (BD) in the Horizon2020 project PerformFISH - ‘Consumer driven Production: Integrating Innovative Approaches for Competitive and Sustainable Performance across the Mediterranean Aquaculture Value Chain — PerformFISH’ funded by the EU (ref. 727610) and co-ordinated by the University of Thessaly, Greece, under the following conditions:

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Project overall objective:
Sea bream and sea bass are by volume the third (36.4%) and fourth (28.15%) most farmed fish species in the EU, whereas their collective value (1.04 M€) surpasses that of salmon (0.78 M€), trout (0.55 M€) or mussel farming (0.49 M€). However, for the last decade overall production in the EU has remained stagnant and the industry faces significant viability and sustainability challenges and new approaches building on knowledge about the species is required to stimulate growth. One of the big challenges for aquaculture is maintaining the health and welfare of fish to maximise growth and quality. The present PhD project is embedded in the overall objectives of this 28 partner consortium and will focus on hatchery stages. Specifically, factors affecting juvenile quality will be investigated in collaboration with key industrial representatives. The aim of this research and innovation action is to increase the competitiveness of Mediterranean aquaculture by overcoming biological, technical and operational issues with innovative, cost-effective, integrated solutions, while addressing social and environmental responsibility and contributing to “Blue Growth”. The consortium comprises 28 partners from 10 European countries, including research institutes, universities and SMEs.

Profile sought:
We are seeking a highly motivated student interested in molecular and cellular biology and also whole organism biology and their interaction with their ecosystem. Previous experience in molecular biology and bioinformatics is highly desirable, along with experience in fish biology and aquaculture although full on-the-job training will be provided. The ideal candidate will also be able to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. They will interact with scientists but also with industry and will participate in hands-on knowledge transfer to industry. The position will provide the opportunity for both basic and applied scientific work and the appointed student will have the opportunity to carry out short-term research collaborations with industry as part of their training.
As a member of the consortium, the student will be expected to work co-operatively within the network and will spend up to 25% of their training with another consortium partner.
The PhD candidates can be from any nationality, including non-EU countries. The selection jury will exercise the right to contact and interview candidates should they require further information or clarification about their application. In the event that no applicant has the necessary profile the jury reserves the right to close the call without any recruitment.
During the fellowship, and in the event that the fellowship holder should resign, the jury reserves the right, upon convenience and opportunity, to assign the fellowship to the next applicant in accordance with the ranking position of the selection jury.

Supervision:
Professor Deborah M. Power, full Professor at Algarve University and senior researcher at CCMAR and Dr. Patrícia I. Pinto postdoctoral researcher at CCMAR.  

Work place:
 CCMAR, Faro, Portugal, and other places in accordance with the working plan.

Requirements:
1.   The applicant must speak English fluently and have a high proficiency in written English.
2.    The applicant must have a Batchelor and Master degree in Biosciences.

Evaluation criteria:

1.    Master Degree marks  – 25%
2.    Curriculum vitae and publications – 40%
3.    Motivation letter - 20%
4.    English language - 15%

Grant conditions: The grant will have an initial duration of 12 months, and the preferred start date is flexible and will depend on the timeframe of the most qualified applicant.  It is anticipated that, subject to a positive review, the grant will be renewed for additional periods, up to a maximum of 4 years. The fellowship must be undertaken exclusively (full time) according to the Portuguese law 40/2004, of 18 of August (Scientific Research Fellowship holder statutes), Fellowship Regulation of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology in force and the rules in force of CCMAR research grants.

The project will also support the costs of  the University PhD enrolment and annual  fees.

Monthly maintenance allowance: A maintenance allowance of 980€/net (tax free) will be paid each month through inter-bank transfer in accordance with the grant amounts set by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and the rules of CCMAR research grants in force.

Application period:  from 18 of December 2017 to 12 of January 2018.

Application documents: To apply for the position, please provide: (i) a letter of motivation including a maximum 1-page statement of your research interests, relevant skills and experience; (ii) a CV including publication list; and (iii) names and contact details of three referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation.  

If selected for the short-list, interviews will take place shortly afterwards the deadline application.  For further information, please see here or contact Professor Deborah M Power via email with any informal inquiries.
Application Submission: applications should be submitted directly through the CCMAR website (we can only accept application submitted directly to the website). You should consider your application as correctly submitted only after receiving an automatic reception confirmation email.  

Results: The judgement of the selection committee will be communicated in writing within 45 working days after the application deadline.

Selection Committee:
Professor Deborah M. Power, full Professor at Algarve University and senior researcher at CCMAR  (President of the jury); Dr. Patrícia Pinto, post-doctoral researcher at CCMAR (member) and Professor Adelino Canário, full Professor at the Algarve University and senior researcher at CCMAR  (member).

CCMAR’s non-discrimination and equal access opportunities policy – No candidate can be privileged, benefited, jeopardised or deprived of any right or exempt of any claim in regards to descendent, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, economic situation, origin, social economy, genetic heritage, disability, chronic disease, nationality, ethnicity, territory of origin, language, religion, politics and ideological beliefs and union membership.

Faro, December 18th, 2017

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