Recruitment

Research Grant at the Insect Collection of the University of Madeira (UMACI)

The NatureTwins – Restorative and Sustainable Tourism with Digital Nature Twins in Madeira project aims to promote an innovative model of sustainable, inclusive tourism based on scientific knowledge, through the use of Digital Twin technology applied to the island of Madeira’s natural ecosystems. The project integrates biodiversity mapping, real-time environmental monitoring, and the development of immersive experiences, with the goal of balancing environmental conservation with visitor experience quality. Detailed digital replicas of selected natural sites will be developed and integrated into a platform that combines ecological, meteorological, and tourist flow data, enabling adaptive ecosystem management and the promotion of responsible behaviour. The project contributes to the enhancement of the natural heritage of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and supports the transition to more sustainable tourism practices. Learn more about the project here!

Cientific Area

Biology (prefered), Ecology, Natural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Engeneeringaor similar areas

Regime

Full-time

Schedule

35 hours per week

Local

Madeira Island, Portugal

Monthly Salary

1309,64€ (according with FCT, I.P.)

We are looking for a grantee to join the NatureTwins project for 12 months at the Insect Collection of the University of Madeira – UMACI, one of the main entomological collections in Macaronesia. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, grow personally and professionally, enhance their CV, and enjoy the unique nature of the Madeira archipelago.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for fieldwork in natural environments, with an interest in biodiversity, conservation, and ecological monitoring, and availability to join an interdisciplinary research project that combines science and technology applied to sustainability.

General Requirements (mandatory)

  • Master’s degree in Biology (preferred), Ecology, Natural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Engineering, or related fields;
  • Relevant experience in fieldwork and/or Ecology;
  • Good knowledge of Portuguese and/or English, spoken and written;
  • Availability to start duties on the scheduled date.

Preferred Requirements

  • Familiarity or interest in Entomology;
  • Previous experience in scientific research and/or nature conservation projects;
  • Ability to adapt to new challenges and methodologies;
  • Autonomy, sense of responsibility, and ability to work in a team;
  • Experience in using statistical analysis and GIS software (notably R and QGIS);
  • Proficient use of computer tools from a user perspective
  • ador.

WorkPlan

The grantee will carry out their activities within the scope of the NatureTwins project, actively contributing to its scientific and technological objectives and integrating into the activities of a multidisciplinary team.

The work plan includes:

  • Systematic ecological data collection from the levadas of Madeira for digital processing;
  • Sampling and identification of insects and plants;
  • Analysis of environmental parameters, including water and soil quality;
  • Monitoring of environmental conditions relevant to the conservation and management of ecosystems;
  • Photographic recording of flora and fauna species;
  • Collaboration with other project team members in integrating the collected data into the real-time monitoring platform;
  • Contribution to the development of an integrated solution combining environmental monitoring, simulation, and immersive experiences, applied to the sustainable management of tourism.

What we offer

  • The opportunity to work in ecosystems of high ecological significance, including the Laurel Forest of Madeira, designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1999;
  • Integration into a pioneering project in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, being the first to apply the Digital Twins approach to sustainable tourism;
  • Scientific experience in a biodiversity hotspot (Macaronesia), characterised by a high rate of endemism;
  • Fieldwork in the levadas of the island of Madeira, a unique, complex, and still little-studied ecosystem;
  • Integration into a multidisciplinary team, combining Ecology, Biology, Conservation, Environmental Management, and Technology;
  • Scientific and technical support from the Insect Collection of the University of Madeira (UMACI) and the Ecology and Systematics Laboratory;
  • Scientific and logistical support for the project team’s fieldwork and laboratory activities;
  • Opportunity to contribute to technical reports, scientific communications, and publications, in co-authorship with the project team.

EInstitutional framework

The field component will be carried out in the levadas of the northern area of Madeira Island. The laboratory component will take place at the Laboratory of Ecology and Systematics of the University of Madeira and at the Insect Collection of the University of Madeira (UMACI), under the scientific supervision of Professor Dora Aguín-Pombo.

Evaluation

Selection will be made based on the following criteria:

  1. Curricular Evaluation (60%)
    • Academic background and suitability for the grant profile (30%)
    • Relevant prior experience (20%)
    • Motivation video (10%). Maximum 1 minute. The clarity of motivation, suitability for the project, and communication skills will be assessed.
  1. Online interview (40%)

Selection panel

  • President: Professora Doutora Dora Aguín-Pombo
  • Member: José Manuel Martins Neto Dos Santos
  • Member: Hugo Venceslau Silva

Submission of applications

The deadline for submission of applications is 20th February 2026. Applications should be formalised by sending an email to aguin@staff.uma.pt, accompanied by the following documents:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Certificate of academic qualifications;
  • Motivation video (max. 1 min).

Failure to submit any of the requested documents will result in the exclusion of the application.

Online Interview

23rd to 27th February 2026

Start of duties

Expected from April 2026

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