PhD in Enhancing Olive Grove Pest Suppression via Lacewings – Instituto Politécnico de Bragança

Key details

• Host institution: Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
• Location: Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Sta Apolónio, Bragança, Portugal
• Application deadline: July 27, 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

Research Grant (BI) – Enhancing the olive grove ground-cover vegetation toward maximizing pest suppression by lacewings

Scientific Area

Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences and related areas

Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences or related areas
• Must be pursuing a PhD in Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences or related areas
• Training and experience compatible with the work objectives
• Experience in fieldwork and sampling techniques
• Knowledge of lacewing bioecology
• Basic knowledge of botany
• Proficiency in English (written and oral) will be valued

Work Plan

Characterization of vegetation cover in olive groves; study of population dynamics of lacewings and associated pests; evaluation of the effect of vegetation on lacewing abundance; data analysis and interpretation; preparation of scientific reports.

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of vegetation cover on the abundance and population dynamics of lacewings (Chrysopidae) and associated pests, contributing to the promotion of biological control in sustainable agricultural systems.

Workplace and Supervision

The work will be carried out at CIMO, under the scientific supervision of Isabel Rodrigues.

Grant Duration

4 months, non-renewable, with a planned start date of 01/09/2026.

Monthly Maintenance Allowance

1,359.64€, according to the FCT table of grant values. Beneficiaries will receive personal accident insurance and may join the voluntary social security scheme if not covered by any social protection scheme. Payment will be made monthly by bank transfer.

Selection Methods and Weights

• Curriculum evaluation and suitability for the work: 60%
• Knowledge of lacewing bioecology and basic botany: 30%
• Experience in fieldwork and sampling techniques: 10%

If deemed necessary, interviews may be conducted with the three highest-ranked candidates, with the interview accounting for 20% of the final score. The grant may not be awarded if candidates score below 9.5.

Selection Jury

• Dr. Isabel Cristina de Sousa Rodrigues (President)
• Dr. Nuno Miguel de Sousa Rodrigues (Member)
• Dr. Begoña Isabel Antón-Domínguez (Member)
• Professor José Alberto Pereira (Alternate Member)

Notification of Results

Results will be published through the IPB application submission portal or, if necessary, by email notification.

Application Period

July 14, 2026 to July 27, 2026.

Application Submission

Applications must be submitted through the IPB application submission portal (http://concursos.ipb.pt) and include: Curriculum Vitae, Academic Qualifications Certificate, and Letter of Motivation. Documents proving academic degrees or enrollment may be replaced by a declaration of honor during the application phase, but verification is mandatory for contracting. Academic degrees obtained abroad must be recognized by a Portuguese institution in accordance with Decree-Law No. 66/2018 and Ordinance No. 33/2019.

Complaints and Appeals

Candidates have 10 working days after publication of evaluation results to request a prior hearing. An appeal against the final decision may be made to the President of IPB within 15 working days after notification.