Research Assistant – Aquatic Toxicology

Research Assistant - Aquatic Toxicology

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Contract Duration:24 months*

*possible extension of 12 months

Expected Starting Date:October/November 2026

Salary Range: 25K - 28K annual gross

Group/Unit: Espiña Research Group

Supervisor:Begoña Espiña

Employment Type: Full time

Number of Vacancies:1

Location: Braga, Portugal

Job Reference:Ref.29.26.423

Open Date for Applications:August 31st, 2026

Close Date for Applications:September 20th, 2026, 23h59m (Lisbon Time)

Profile

The Espiña Research Group is dedicated to overcome some of the most challenging issue0073 in the water environment, making responsible use of original applied research on environmental nanotechnologies. The group develops and applies nanotechnology solutions for the safe and sustainable use of water resources.

Currently, we are looking for a Research Assistant to join the group under the HARMONY project.

Job Duties

The main responsibilities will include:

• Perform regular toxicity testing of chemicals and nanomaterials.
• Carry out the aquatic organism's maintenance and culture, prepare contaminated dispersions and samples from aquaculture water, and carry out sample treatment and preparation for analysis.
• Characterise nanomaterials (including nanoplastics) in environmental matrix (seawater and biota).
• Analyse results and reporting (i.e., statistical analysis).
• Collaborate with international multidisciplinary teams.
• Write parts of technical and scientific documentation including reports and manuscripts and work planning.

Academic Qualifications

Mandatory:

• MasterDegree in Biology or Environmental Sciences.

Key Experience and Technical Skills:

• Experience in aquatic organism's maintenance and culture.
• Experience in aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation tests using diverse organisms (e.g., microalgae/cyanobacteria, microcrustacea, and filter-feeding mollusks, preferentially).
• Experience in biostatistics.

Other Valued Skills/Experience:

• Experience in applying standardised test guidelines (i.e., OECD, ISO).
• Experience in nanomaterials manipulation and characterisation using DLS, zeta potential and NTA.
• Experience in microalgae biotoxin quantification.
• Experience in analytical techniques, such as ICP-OES, HPLC-MS will be evaluated positively.
• Experience in electron and optical microscopy: preparation and investigation of biological samples and nanomaterials using confocal microscopy, TEM, and SEM with EDX will be evaluated positively.
• Experience in genomics, proteomics and/or transcriptomics will be evaluated positively.

Personal Skills

• Excellence
• Inclusion and Diversity
• Sustainability and Social Responsibility
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Innovation
• Growth Mindset

OurBenefits

• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges[1]
• Relocation support(travel expenses included)
• Guest House on-site included for the 1st month
• Private health insurance
• 30 working days of annual leave, plus 13officialholidays
• 9 days of paid sick leave per year
• Family allowance (160€/month according to family situation)
• Child allowance (200€/month for each dependent child)
• Nursery service onsite (subject to availability)
• Support for education fees of dependent children
• Support for fitness and sport expenses
• And more.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the followingmandatory documents:

a) Cover letter

b) Curriculum Vitaewith References information

c) Academic and/or Professional diplomas

d) At least one reference letter

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made by clicking the "Apply" button;
2. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above inpdf format. Academic Certificates must beincluded in the "Additional files" section using the "Add portfolio" button.

Incomplete applications or applications providing inaccurate information will not be considered.

Additional Information

Application Feedback

It is important for INL to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Background Check Disclaimer

The selected candidate may be required to complete background checks as part of our R&S process. This may include criminal, educational, employment history, and other background information relevant to the employment qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics.

[1]About INL's Diplomatic and Legal Status:

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is an Intergovernmental Organisation established by its Member States, Portugal and Spain, under international law. As such, INL enjoys a privileged diplomatic and legal status, comparable to that of other international organisations.

This unique status is governed by the INL Statute and the Headquarters Agreement with the Portuguese Republic, which provide both INL and its employees with specific rights and obligations, including:

• Exemption from certain national laws and taxes, as outlined in the Headquarters Agreement, specifically in relation to work-related matters
• Eligibility for a diplomatic ID card issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the only residency document required in Portugal for the duration of the employment contract
• Protocol obligations, including the duty to respect local regulations while exercising privileges with responsibility and discretion
• Non-application of national labour laws, as INL operates under its own legal framework and Staff Rules, approved by INL Council

INL's legal framework is designed to support a diverse and international workforce, enabling the organisation to operate independently from its Member States, drive cutting-edge research, and foster international scientific cooperation.