Senior Specialist in Scientific Training and Outreach

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Researcher Profile: Other Profession

Positions: Bachelor Positions

Application Deadline: 15 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon)

Country: Portugal

Type of Contract: Permanent

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 40

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

S2AQUA - Laboratório Colaborativo, Associação para uma Aquacultura Sustentável e Inteligente (S2AQUAcoLAB) is calling for applications for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Science, Biology, Marine Science, Aquaculture, or related fields, as well as additional training in Communication, Marketing, or similar fields, and at least 5 years of experience in the field.

The primary responsibility of the professional to be hired will be to support the organization and implementation of training sessions, workshops, webinars, and events, as well as the development of science communication and ocean literacy activities, while also collaborating with the communications department on S2AQUAcoLAB’s communication and outreach activities.

Funded by Programa Regional Algarve 2030, co-financed by the Fundo Social Europeu Mais (FSE+) e Orçamento de Estado.

1. Desired profile

1.1. Training and experience:

1. Higher education (bachelor's or master's degree) in Science, Biology, Marine Science, Aquaculture, or related fields;
   1. At least 5 years of professional experience in the field;
   2. Postgraduate training in Communication Sciences, Marketing or related areas (Communication, Public Relations, Organisational Communication, Communication Design, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Marketing) (preferential);

1.2. Technical skills:

1. Experience in planning, organizing, and developing training sessions, workshops, and webinars, including coordinating with trainers and participants;
2. Experience managing online learning platforms (LMS), such as Moodle or equivalent, including creating and updating courses, managing users, handling registrations, administering assessments, tracking participation, and issuing certificates;
3. Experience in the administrative and document management of training programs, preferably within the context of funded projects, including the organization of processes and related supporting documentation;
4. Experience in designing training programs, including needs assessment, defining learning objectives, organizing content, and evaluating the activities carried out;
5. Experience in the logistical organization of events, including coordinating with speakers, participants, partners, vendors, and external entities, as well as preparing venues, equipment, programs, and support materials;
6. Ability to support the preparation and adaptation of technical and scientific content for different audiences and communication channels;
7. Ability to collect, systematize, and organize indicators and evidence related to training, communication, and dissemination to support the monitoring and reporting of activities;
8. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, image editing tools, vector editing, and the production and processing of audiovisual content;
9. Experience with or interest in developing science communication and ocean literacy activities aimed at different audiences will be valued.

1.3. Other requirements:

1. Fluency in Portuguese and proficiency in English (oral and written);
2. Ability to adapt and work as part of a team;
3. High personal organisational skills and a sense of responsibility;
4. Autonomy and proactivity;
5. Innovation and creativity;
6. Ability to communicate and coordinate with trainers, participants, researchers, partners, suppliers, and other entities.

2. Tasks:

In accordance with and under the guidance of the Management and coordination of S2AQUAcoLAB, the work programme involves, in particular, the following activities:

1. Assist in the organization, planning, and implementation of training sessions, workshops, webinars, and other events organized by S2AQUAcoLAB;
2. Ensure communication and coordination with trainers, participants, partners, and other entities involved in training sessions and events;
3. Manage processes related to training sessions, including registration, documentation, materials, attendance, evaluations, and the issuance of certificates;
4. Ensure the updating and management of training platforms, as well as provide technical and logistical support during the sessions;
5. Support the logistical organization of events, including the preparation of venues, equipment, programs, materials, credentials, and other elements necessary for their successful execution;
6. Collect, organize, and monitor indicators and evidence related to training activities, events, and initiatives carried out;
7. Support the development of new training programs, in collaboration with S2AQUAcoLAB’s management, coordination, and teams;
8. Support the development and implementation of science communication and ocean literacy activities aimed at schools, communities, and other audiences;
9. Support the design and preparation of educational activities, content, and teaching materials tailored to different audiences and contexts;
10. Support collaboration with schools, school districts, “Ciência Viva” centers, municipalities, and other entities to develop educational and science outreach initiatives;
11. Support the organization and implementation of visits, awareness-raising activities, science outreach initiatives, fairs, exhibitions, open houses, and other events aimed at communication and interaction with the public;
12. Support the promotion of scientific and educational activities, presentations, and other in-person or digital initiatives aimed at non-specialist audiences;
13. Support the adaptation of scientific content, research results, and information related to ongoing projects for different audiences and communication channels;
14. Support the communication and dissemination of projects, training activities, events, or other initiatives, as well as the preparation and provision of technical information, content, and evidence, in coordination with the communications department;
15. Support the collection, systematization, and organization of communication and dissemination indicators and evidence for inclusion in project reports and activity plans, as needed;
16. Participate in and represent S2AQUAcoLAB at trade shows, exhibitions, events, science outreach activities, and other similar initiatives, when requested.

3. Remuneration

The gross monthly remuneration may vary between TRU 16 (1 499,15 €) e a TRU 31 (2 299,69 €) of the Single Remuneration Table (Tabela de Remuneração Única) depending on proven professional experience.

4. Type and duration of contract

The contract is open-ended and will start at a time to be agreed with the successful candidate.

5. Supervision and place of work

The activities will be carried out under the guidance of Dr. Lídia Nicolau, Training Coordinator at S2AQUAcoLAB, in coordination with Dr. Pedro Pousão, Chair of the S2AQUAcoLAB Board of Directors. The activities will take place at Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, Av. 5 de Outubro, 8700-305, Olhão and at the S2AQUAcoLAB headquarters, located at Estação Piloto de Piscicultura de Olhão, Av. do Parque Natural da Ria Formosa s/n, 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal.

6. Applications:

The competition is between September 30 and 11:59 p.m. on October 15, 2026.

Only applications submitted directly and necessarily by email to geral@s2aquacolab.pt with reference to S2AQUAcoLAB/Ref_06/2026 will be accepted.

Each applicant may submit only one application, failing which all applications submitted will be cancelled.

The application must include the documents mentioned in point 6.1.

False declarations or acts of plagiarism are grounds for cancellation of the application, without prejudice to the adoption of other sanctioning measures.

You can apply for this competition:

A. Nationals or citizens of other European Union member states;

B. Citizens of third countries;

Para concorrer é necessário:

C. Be permanently and habitually resident in Portugal;

6.1 Admissibility Requirements for Applications

It is essential, otherwise the application will not be accepted:

D. A detailed curriculum vitae;

E. A letter of motivation (maximum one page, double spaced, Arial font, size 12) clearly and succinctly stating the reason for the application, academic and professional background, such as academic training, additional training and other situations considered relevant for the assessment of the CV, and presentation of a portfolio of previous work;

F. Certificate of permanent residence, permanent residence permit or long-term resident status, if applicable;

G. Documents proving the required conditions, namely qualification certificates indicating the degree obtained and the final classification, and recognised by a Portuguese university if it was obtained abroad;

E. Copy of ID card (in case of placement - to be sent later).

7. Jury composition

The competition jury is made up of the following members:

President: Pedro Pousão Ferreira, President of the Board - S2AQUAcoLAB;

1st Efetive Member: Lídia Nicolau, Training Coordinator - S2AQUAcoLAB;

2nd Effective Member: Letícia Domingues, Financial Manager - S2AQUAcoLAB;

1st Alternate Member: Rui Rocha, Vice-President of the Board - S2AQUAcoLAB;

2nd Substitute Member: Fernando Gonçalves, Member of the Board - S2AQUAcoLAB.

8. Selection methods and criteria

Applications considered admissible will be scored from zero (0 minimum score) to twenty (20 maximum score).

Admission to the competition: only candidates who fulfil the requirements set out in this notice will be admitted to the competition.

Assessment method: candidates will be assessed by curriculum evaluation (CA) (100%). An interview will only be held if the jury deems it necessary or in the event of a tie (E).

8.1 Curriculum evaluation (CA)

The curriculum evaluation (CA) will be expressed quantitatively from 0 to 20 values corresponding to the addition of the values obtained in the following objective criteria:

CA = 0.15 × A + 0.85 × B

where:

A - Evaluates academic merit:

1. Higher education (bachelor's or master's degree) (MANDATORY) in Science, Biology, Marine Science, Aquaculture, or related fields (0–16 points);
2. Postgraduate training in Communication Sciences, Marketing or related areas (Communication, Public Relations, Organisational Communication, Communication Design, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Marketing) (preferential factor) (0 - 4 points).

B - Evaluates previous experience in performing the required functions, according to:

1. Experience in planning, organizing, and managing training sessions, workshops, and webinars, including liaising with trainers and participants (0–5 points);
2. Experience in the administrative and documentation management of training sessions, including registrations, materials, attendance, evaluations, and certificates (0–3 points);
3. Experience managing online learning platforms (LMS), including user management, content, assessments, tracking participation, and issuing certificates (0–2 points);
4. Experience with the logistical organization of events, including coordinating with speakers, partners, vendors, and external entities (0–3 points);
5. Experience in supporting the communication and dissemination of projects, activities, events, and results (0–2 points);
6. Experience in supporting the preparation and adaptation of technical and scientific content for different audiences and in developing science communication or ocean literacy activities (0–2 points);
7. Knowledge and experience in using digital and content-production tools, including training platforms, Microsoft Office, image-editing tools, vector editing, and audiovisual content production (0–2 points);
8. Experience in collecting, organizing, and analyzing indicators and evidence related to training, communication, and dissemination (0–1 points).

If there are no candidates with experience in the activities envisaged for the position, the jury may decide not to award the candidature.

8.2. Interview

On the basis of the Curriculum Evaluation, the candidates will be ranked.

If the jury deems it necessary or in the event of a tie, an interview will be held.

The interview will take place in person or by videoconference, and its classification will correspond to the addition of the values obtained in the following criteria:

1. Relationship and communication skills and ability to create trusting relationships with clients;
2. Adaptability and ability to work as part of a team, high personal organisational skills and a sense of responsibility;
3. Motivation;
4. Autonomy, proactivity and innovation.

These criteria will be graded from zero to twenty, with the interview total resulting from the sum of the criteria being divided by five (0 to 20 points).

8.3 Final classification

The final ranking of each candidate will be decided by a simple majority of the members of the jury.

All candidates admitted to the competition will be ranked in order of the marks awarded by the selection board on the basis of the AC.

If it is necessary to carry out an E, the final classification (FC) will be obtained by the weighted sum of the curricular assessment (CA) - with a weight of 40 per cent - and the interview (E) - with a weight of 60 per cent.

CF = 0.4 × AC + 0.6 × E

The competition jury will hold the meetings necessary to reach a final decision, documenting in the minutes the procedures used, as well as all the elements deemed relevant to the construction of the final decision.

If there are no meritorious applications, the jury may decide not to award the application.

9. Communication of results

The results of the evaluation will be published by email no later than 90 working days after the deadline for submitting the application.

Candidates have a period of 10 working days after the results have been announced to give their opinion, whether they wish to or not, at a prior hearing of interested parties, under the terms of the Code of Administrative Procedure.

The final decision must be taken within 60 working days of the conclusion of the prior hearing of interested parties.

The provisions of the previous paragraphs shall not apply where the decision-making process leads to the award of the post to all candidates, in which case the decision-making process shall be equivalent to a final decision.

10. Approval

Once the process of hearing interested parties has been completed and assessed by the competition jury, the jury's final decision will be proposed for homologation by the S2AQUAcoLAB Board.

11. S2AQUAcoLAB's non-discrimination and equal opportunities policy

No candidate may be favoured, benefited, disadvantaged or deprived of any right or exempt from any claim on the grounds of descent, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, economic situation, origin, social economy, genetic inheritance, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnicity, territory of origin, language, religion, politics, ideology or trade union membership.

This notice was approved by the members of the jury on 29 September 2026.

Where to apply

E-mail: geral@s2aquacolab.pt

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: S2AQUA - Collaborative Laboratory, Association for Sustainable and Smart Aquaculture (S2AQUAcoLAB)

Country: Portugal

Contact

City: Olhão

Website: https://www.s2aquacolab.pt/

Street: Av. Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, s/n

Postal Code: 8700-194