PhD in Forest Management Planning – Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Lisbon

Key details

• Host institution: Instituto Superior de Agronomia
• Location: Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Tapada da Ajuda, Lisboa, Portugal
• Application deadline: September 11, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

The Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA), through the ForChange Group – Forest Management under Global Change at the Center for Forestry Studies (CEF), is opening a tender for one research scholarship for doctoral students. The selected candidate will join ongoing R&D activities under the supervision of Professor Dr. José G. Borges. The scholarship lasts 12 months initially, renewable up to a maximum of 24 months, with an expected start in October 2026.

Work plan

The fellow will support follow-up, coordination, and development of project activities, with research focused on forest management planning, including indicators for quantifying ecosystem services, mathematical programming methods, and spatial optimisation in forest landscapes. The role also involves preparing project reports and scientific articles, organising project meetings with partners and stakeholders, and contributing to other ForChange group projects. The workplace is CEF at ISA; costs for work outside Lisbon are covered by the project.

Candidate profile

• Holder of a Master’s degree in Forest and Natural Resource Management in the Mediterranean.
• Enrolment in the PhD programme Sustainable Land Use, speciality Forestry and Natural Resources.
• Research experience in forestry protection and in addressing wildfire risk in forest management planning.
• Experience in international projects and proficiency in English.

Funding and duration

The grant is financed by CEF/ForChange projects. The monthly allowance is €1,359.64, plus reimbursement of voluntary social insurance for scholarships lasting six months or more, in line with Regulation No. 950/2019 (FCT values table: https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tabela-de-Valores-SMM-2026.pdf). Payment is made by bank transfer.

How to apply

Applications must be sent by email to [email protected], addressed to Prof. José G. Borges, with the reference “BI-PhDSt-CEF-ForCh-Refª-BL-34-2026”. Required documents include a curriculum vitae, a copy of the qualification certificate, a motivation letter, and any other supporting documents relevant to the assessment. Proof of enrolment may exceptionally be delivered up to contracting. Degrees from foreign institutions must be recognised by a Portuguese higher education institution via DGES, or a declaration of honour may replace the certificate at application. The application period runs from August 28 to September 11, 2026.

Selection and results

Candidates are evaluated by curriculum evaluation (100%). In case of a tie, an interview is held and the final score weighs curriculum (50%) and interview (50%). The assessment committee is chaired by Prof. José G. Borges, with Dr. Susete Marques, Dr. Juan Guerra, Dr. Pedro Ochôa de Carvalho, and Dr. Brigite Botequim. Results are published alphabetically at ISA and successful candidates are notified by email. Unfavourable decisions may be challenged within 10 working days. A recruitment reserve applies for 18 months under Ordinance 233/2022. The scholarship contract follows Regulation No. 950/2019 and the Statute of the Scientific Research Fellow (Law No. 40/2004, amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019).