CENTRE OF BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING: CEB-BI-53-2026

Organisation/Company Centro de Engenharia Biológica da Universidade do Minho Department Engenharia Biológica Research Field Biological sciences — Biological engineering Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 7 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon) Country Portugal Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 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

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE AWARD OF A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Research Fellowship (1 vacancy)

CEB-BI-

A call for applications is now open for the attribution of 1 research grant within the scope of the R&D project, Beet4pastry - Valorization of beetroot for pastry applications through whole-product utilization and the exploration of its bioactive properties, with the reference NORTE2030-FEDER- (Operação n.º 18386), Centre of Biological Engineering at University of Minho, financed by national funds through Agência Nacional de Inovação, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Innovation and Digital Transition Programme (COMPETE 2030) under the following conditions:

Scientific Area : Food Technology

The open position is intended for candidates holding a Master’s degree who, on the date of their hiring, prove their enrolment in one of the following courses:

- PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering or in Food Science and Technology and Nutrition.

Requirement for granting the fellowship:

• The applicants may apply without prior registration in the course for which the fellowship is open. The requirement to enrol in a degree course will be verified on the date of contracting the fellowship;
• Only fellowships whose selected applicants present a valid proof of enrolment in a degree course issued by a Higher Education Institution will be contracted, according to the type of the fellowship, indicating the academic year.

Applicant’s eligibility: Candidates who meet the conditions set out in Article 9 of the Research Grant Regulations, set out in Article 9 of FCT, I.P.’s Research Fellowship Regulations No. 950/2019 of 16 December 2019.

Nationals or citizens of other European Union member states, third-country nationals, stateless persons, and citizens with political refugee status are eligible to apply for this competition.

Candidate admissibility requirements:

Mandatory requirements:

• Have a master’s degree in Biochemistry, Food Science and Technology or related areas;
• Do not exceed, with the signing of the fellowship contract in question, including possible renewals, a cumulative period of four years of research fellowship intended for doctoral students.

Preferential factors:

• Experience in biochemistry, phytochemistry, or related fields, focusing on the extraction, stabilization, and characterization of plant-derived bioactive compounds.

Experience with analytical techniques, bioactivity assays, and liquid chromatography.

Workplan and objectives to be achieved :

Preparation and processing of beetroot samples to quantify bioactive compounds, specifically betalains and phenolic compounds. Determination of antioxidant activity and, where relevant, antimicrobial activity. Evaluation of the effects of thermal, mechanical, and enzymatic treatments on preserving the bioactivity of the identified compounds, and monitoring compound stability during formulation storage.

Statistical analysis of results and identification of conditions that best preserve bioactive potential.

The work will enable the establishment of characterization protocols and the selection of ingredients and processes suitable for obtaining pastry formulations that are more stable and functional, while promoting the whole-use of beetroot. The work plan also aims to consolidate and expand the scholarship holder's skills as part of their advanced training, in alignment with the doctoral program.

Applicable legislation and regulations: Research Fellow Statute (EBI), approved by Law nº. 40/2004 of August 18, in its current wording and FCT Research Fellowship Regulation, approved by Regulation nº 950/2019, published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, of December 16, 2019, in its current wording, and Scientific Research Fellowship Regulation (RBIC) of the University of Minho, approved by order nº 4998/2025, published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, nº 81, of April 28, 2025 Amended and republished through amendment statement no. 634/2025/2, published in the Official Gazette, 2nd series, no. 132, of July 11.

Host/Contracting institution and scientific supervision : The