S2AQUA Research Scholarship 2026 in Portugal

The S2AQUA Research Scholarship 2026 in Portugal is now accepting applications from bachelor graduates in multiple fields. Offered by S2AQUA - Collaborative Laboratory for Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture, this paid research grant supports work on the MultiAlive project - a cutting‑edge initiative to detect toxic algal blooms and predict contamination in offshore bivalve aquaculture. Selected candidates receive a monthly maintenance allowance of €1,090.98 for 8 months of full‑time research (40 hours per week). The scholarship requires enrollment in a master's, integrated master's, doctoral, or non‑degree program at a Portuguese higher education institution. The position is based in Olhão, Portugal at the Pilot Fish Farming Station.  Read on for complete details about eligibility, work plan, selection criteria, and how to apply.

S2AQUA Research Scholarship 2026 in Portugal

Are you a recent bachelor graduate in marine biology, biotechnology, or a related field, eager to gain hands‑on research experience in a world‑class aquaculture laboratory? The S2AQUA Research Scholarship 2026 offers a unique paid opportunity to join a cutting‑edge project in Portugal. The MultiAlive project uses multi‑observational techniques to detect toxic algal blooms and predict contamination in offshore bivalve aquaculture. As a research fellow, you will participate in field trips, water and bivalve sampling, phytoplankton identification, biotoxin analysis by liquid chromatography, data interpretation, and scientific writing. You will work under the guidance of Dr. Catarina Braga at the S2AQUAcoLAB facilities in Olhão, southern Portugal.

This is not a standard scholarship for paying tuition fees - it is a paid research grant that supports your work while you pursue further studies (e.g., a master’s degree). The grant lasts 8 months and provides a monthly allowance of €1,090.98 - well above the cost of living in Portugal’s Algarve region. If you are motivated, have laboratory and field experience, and are ready to contribute to sustainable aquaculture, this could be the perfect step toward a research career. In this guide, we will cover everything about the S2AQUA Research Scholarship 2026 : the work plan, eligibility, financial benefits, required documents, and the step‑by‑step application process.

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Scholarship Details at a Glance

1. Scholarship Name: Research Grant for Graduates (Bachelor’s Degree)
2. Host Organisation: S2AQUA - Collaborative Laboratory for a Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture (S2AQUAcoLAB)
3. Location: Olhão, Portugal (Pilot Fish Farming Station, Ria Formosa Natural Park)
4. Project: MultiAlive - Multi‑observational techniques for detection of toxic algal blooms and prediction of contamination in offshore bivalve aquaculture
5. Duration: 8 months (full‑time, 40 hours/week)

What is financial benefits of S2AQUA Research Scholarship in Portugal?

Selected fellows receive:

1. Monthly maintenance allowance - €1,090.98 per month (according to the FCT scholarship table).
2. Reimbursement of voluntary social insurance - First level, if applicable.
3. Personal accident insurance - Provided during the fellowship period.
4. No tuition or registration fees - This is not a study scholarship; it is a research grant.

Note: The scholarship is not a salary or employment contract. It is a temporary research grant paid exclusively (exclusivity regime). Payments are made monthly by bank transfer.

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The Work Plan - What You Will Do

As a research fellow, your tasks will include:

1. Field trips and water sampling - Collecting samples for phytoplankton and bivalve mollusk analysis.
2. Phytoplankton community characterisation - Identifying and quantifying phytoplankton species in collected samples.
3. Marine biotoxin detection - Identifying and quantifying phytoplankton species that produce marine biotoxins.
4. Sample preparation and extraction - Preparing bivalve samples for marine biotoxin analysis using liquid chromatography (HPLC and/or LC‑MS/MS) .
5. Data analysis and interpretation - Analysing experimental data, preparing technical and scientific reports, and writing scientific articles.
6. Communication - Producing and compiling communication materials, participating in meetings and project activities.

Working hours: 40 hours per week, with willingness to work on holidays and weekends when required.

What is Eligibility Criteria Portugal S2AQUA Research Scholarship?

To qualify for this research scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Academic and Nationality

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fields.
2. Be a Portuguese citizen, citizen of an EU member state, or a citizen of a third country (non‑EU).
3. Reside in Portugal permanently and habitually at the time of application.

Enrollment Requirement

1. Be enrolled in one of the following at a Portuguese higher education institution:
   1. Integrated master’s program
   2. Master’s program
   3. Doctoral program
   4. Non‑degree course that is part of an educational project in partnership with R&D units

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Experience and Skills (Desired Profile)

1. Experience in biological sampling of phytoplankton and bivalve mollusks.
2. Experience in identifying and quantifying phytoplankton species, especially those producing marine biotoxins.
3. Experience in preparing and extracting bivalve samples for marine biotoxin analysis using liquid chromatography (HPLC, LC‑MS/MS).
4. Experience in data analysis and compilation.
5. Experience in developing and/or carrying out national and international research projects.
6. Experience in producing communication materials and organising events.
7. Advanced level of English (written and spoken).
8. High motivation, adaptability, team integration, autonomy, and proactivity.
9. Willingness to work on holidays and weekends when necessary.

Additional Conditions

1. Must not have previously benefited from a research fellowship in companies directly financed by FCT, regardless of duration.
2. Must submit a declaration of honour that they meet all admission requirements.

What are the Required Documents for Scholarship?

Prepare the following documents (all must be submitted by email as attachments):

1. Detailed and signed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Motivation letter - Maximum one page, double spaced, Arial font size 12
3. Copy of ID card or passport
4. Permanent residence certificate, residence permit, or long‑term resident status (if applicable)
5. Certificates of qualifications - Including degree diploma and final classification, recognised by a Portuguese university if obtained abroad
6. Proof of professional experience and training - Recommendation letters, course/training certificates (if applicable)
7. Document proving enrollment in a master’s, integrated master’s, doctoral, or non‑degree course at a Portuguese HEI
8. Updated document proving professional status - Or a sworn statement if you have no professional activity
9. Declaration of honour
10. Reference to the competition - Must be included in the email subject line: S2AQUAcoLAB/Bolsa/Ref_07/2026

What is application process S2AQUA Research Scholarship?

Follow these steps to apply for the S2AQUA Research Scholarship 2026.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Package

1. Update your CV (detailed, signed).
2. Write a one‑page motivation letter (Arial 12, double spaced).
3. Gather all certificates, transcripts, and proof of enrollment.
4. Obtain a declaration of honour (template from S2AQUAcoLAB website or request by email).

Step 2: Compile Everything into PDF Files

1. Ensure all documents are clear and legible.
2. Combine if needed, but keep each separate for clarity.

Step 3: Send Your Application by Email

1. Recipient: geral@s2aquacolab.pt
2. Subject line: S2AQUAcoLAB/Bolsa/Ref_07/2026
3. Attach all documents.
4. Send before 23:59 (Lisbon time) on 22 June 2026.

Step 4: Wait for the Selection Process

1. The jury will first evaluate your curriculum (academic record + experience) using a scoring grid (0 - 20).
2. If needed, the jury may invite you for an interview (in person or video conference).
3. The final classification will combine curriculum evaluation (40%) and interview (60%) if an interview is held.

Step 5: Receive the Results

1. Results will be published on the S2AQUAcoLAB premises and communicated by email within 90 working days after the deadline.
2. Candidates have 10 working days to present objections (pre‑hearing).
3. Final decision within 60 working days after the hearing.

Step 6: Hire and Sign Contract

1. If selected, you will need to provide additional documents (tax number, social security, bank account, etc.).
2. Sign a fellowship contract following the FCT and S2AQUAcoLAB regulations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this scholarship open to non‑EU citizens?

Yes, citizens of third countries may apply, but they must already reside in Portugal permanently and habitually.

Q2: What is the monthly allowance?

€1,090.98 per month (40 hours/week). This is a maintenance allowance, not a salary.

Q3: Do I need to be enrolled in a master’s program to apply?

Yes. You must be enrolled in an integrated master’s, master’s, doctoral, or non‑degree course at a Portuguese higher education institution at the time of application (or within 15 days after results).

Q4: Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?

The scholarship is intended for bachelor graduates who want to pursue further studies (e.g., master’s). Having a master’s degree does not automatically disqualify you, but the grant is at bachelor level (R1 - First Stage Researcher).

Q5: Is the scholarship renewable?

The contract is for 8 months and is tied to the duration of the MultiAlive project. It will not continue beyond the project end.

Q6: Will I receive health insurance?

You receive personal accident insurance. For health insurance, you may need to arrange your own or use the Portuguese national health service (SNS) depending on your status.

Q7: Where exactly will I work?

At the Olhão Pilot Fish Farming Station, Av. do Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, s/n, 8700‑194 Olhão, Portugal.

Q8: What is the selection jury?

President: Dr. Catarina Braga (researcher). Members: Priscila Goela, Renata Gonçalves, with alternates Cátia Marques and Pedro Pousão Ferreira.

Q9: What happens if I miss the document submission deadline after selection?

You have 15 days from notification of results to provide missing documents (e.g., proof of enrollment, residence permit). Failure to do so will result in the scholarship not being awarded.

Q10: Can I apply if I already hold another FCT‑funded fellowship?

No. You must not have benefited from a research fellowship in companies directly financed by FCT, regardless of duration.