Portugal AQUA Research Scholarship 2026
International and domestic students interested in marine sciences, biotechnology, and aquaculture research now have a new funded opportunity in Portugal. The S2AQUA Collaborative Laboratory (S2AQUAcoLAB) has officially opened applications for its 2026 Research Scholarship. Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of €1,090.98, hands on scientific training, and the opportunity to contribute to a major European funded marine research project focused on toxic algal blooms and offshore aquaculture.
Hosted in Portugal’s Algarve region, this scholarship targets graduates seeking to strengthen their research credentials while preparing for future master’s or doctoral studies in marine and environmental sciences.
Scholarship Overview
The newly announced research grant operates under the MultiAlive Project, which stands for Multi observational Techniques for the Detection of Toxic Algal Blooms and the Prediction of Contamination in Offshore Bivalve Aquaculture. European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) programmes and national funding from Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) support this initiative.
The project focuses on improving detection systems for harmful algal blooms. It also examines contamination risks affecting offshore shellfish farming, an increasingly important sector for sustainable food production worldwide.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive several benefits:
- Monthly Maintenance Allowance: €1,090.98
- Full Time Funded Research: 8 month position
- Personal Accident Insurance: Coverage included
- Voluntary Social Insurance: Reimbursement where applicable
- EU Supported Project: Direct participation in European research
- Laboratory and Field Training: Hands on methods development
- Scientific Publishing: Contribute to reports and journal articles
- Master’s Thesis Development: Build your thesis within the project
- Portuguese Research Ecosystem: Access to marine biotech and aquaculture networks
Research Areas Covered
Eligible academic fields include Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Biotechnology, and related biological sciences. Applicants from closely related scientific backgrounds may also receive consideration.
What Will Scholars Work On
The selected researcher will join the MultiAlive project team and contribute to several scientific activities:
- Field expeditions and water sampling campaigns
- Analysis of phytoplankton communities
- Identification of harmful algae producing marine biotoxins
- Laboratory preparation and extraction of bivalve samples
- Marine biotoxin detection using liquid chromatography methods
- Experimental data analysis and interpretation
- Scientific report preparation
- Scientific article writing
- Communication and dissemination activities
This combination of fieldwork, laboratory research, and scientific publishing provides valuable preparation for graduate level research careers.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree (Level 6 Higher Education qualification). Your academic background should be in Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field. You must be enrolled in a Master’s programme, Integrated Master’s programme, Doctoral programme, or recognized non degree academic programme linked with research institutions.
Preferred Candidate Profile
S2AQUAcoLAB particularly seeks applicants who demonstrate experience in several areas:
- Biological sampling of phytoplankton
- Sampling of bivalve mollusks
- Identification and quantification of phytoplankton species
- Marine biotoxin producing algae research
- Experimental data processing
- Scientific project implementation
- Laboratory techniques such as HPLC or LC MS/MS
- Scientific communication activities
- Advanced English proficiency
- Teamwork, initiative, and research motivation
Nationality and Residency Requirements
Applications open themselves to Portuguese citizens, citizens of European Union member states, and citizens of non EU countries. However, you must be a permanent and habitual resident of Portugal at the time of application.
How to Apply
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Portugal S2AQUA Research Scholarship 2026 is 22 June 2026 (23:59 Lisbon Time).
Visit the S2AQUAcoLAB website today, review the full scholarship details, and prepare your application before the June deadline. Your funded marine research position in Portugal awaits.
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