Association BIOPOLIS (CIBIO) is opening a call for one Field Technician in the framework of the LIFE WILD WOLF project (LWW; Grant Agreement 101074417). LWW is a collaborative project funded through the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) programme that aims to improve conditions for land sharing between wolves and people in urban and peri-urban areas without losing the ecological roles of wild wolves and the cultural identity of local communities. The consortium consists of 18 partners from nine countries, with an overall budget of 7M€ and a duration of 56 months. The study area in Portugal will be located in the northwest region, comprising Peneda-Gerês National Park and surrounding mountains. The selected candidate will develop work in the fields of wildlife ecology and conservation, carrying out tasks related to organization and implementation of field sampling to survey wolves and wild ungulates, definition of best procedures for habitat restoration to improve wild prey availability, evaluation of local conflicts with wolves such as attacks to domestic dogs and livestock, data compilation on drivers for wolf occurrence near urban areas, field questionnaires to determine local perceptions towards wolves, analysis of collected data, and the production of technical reports and scientific papers.

The contracting institution, Association BIOPOLIS, is a private, non-profit organization that was created in the scope of the project "BIOPOLIS - Teaming to Upgrade Excellence in Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Research, and AgroBiodiversity” (2019-2027), with direct EC funding of 15 M€ and a similar amount by CCDR Norte. BIOPOLIS aims to support the upgrade of the research unit CIBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources to a Centre of Excellence in Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Research, and AgroBiodiversity, through a teaming with a leading scientific institution, the University of Montpellier (France), and with the participation of a business partner, the Porto Business School (PBS – University of Porto, Portugal). CIBIO conducts world-class research in biodiversity and evolution, hosting more than 30 research groups, including nearly 200 researchers and over 100 MSc and PhD students worldwide. Association BIOPOLIS is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, offering attractive conditions and benefits.

We expect to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated (field) researcher from any nationality but with good providence in speaking Portuguese, with an MSc in biology or related fields, who will be integrated into a broad international consortium of top research institutions. It will be valued: i) previous experience and a solid background in wildlife ecology and conservation; ii) experience in designing and implementing monitoring and community ecology studies targeting wolves and wild ungulates; iii) experience in several field sampling methods such camera-trapping, sign surveys, acoustic surveys, GPS telemetry and sample collection for genetic analysis; iv) previous experience on fieldwork in the study area located in northwest Portugal, and v) driving license, and experience in off road driving conditions. Candidates should have a good publication record in this area (either scientific or technical), strong networking skills, good communicators, experience in public engagement activities, and speak and write Portuguese and English fluently.

The researcher will join the BIOPOLIS team within the framework of the European project LIFE WILD WOLF (LWW), which aims to improve conditions for land sharing between wolves and people in urban and peri-urban areas, without losing the ecological roles of wild wolves and the cultural identity of local communities. Field work will be conducted in northwest Portugal and will comprise the following tasks:

1. Conduct a detailed assessment of wild ungulate populations (e.g., overall distribution, relative abundance, habitat selection, mortality causes, population estimates) in the project area based on available information and additional field surveys, as well as optimize methodological procedures for regular population monitoring;

2. Develop technical documents including methodological protocols for regular monitoring and guidelines for sustainable management of wild prey populations, including best procedures for habitat restoration targeting wild ungulates;

3. Participate in field surveys targeting wolves and using camera-trapping, sign surveys, acoustic surveys, GPS telemetry, and sample collection for genetic analysis;

4. Compile available data on drivers for wolf occurrence near urban areas and evaluate local conflicts such as wolf attacks on domestic dogs and livestock;

5. Conduct field questionnaires to local stakeholders to determine human attitudes and perceptions towards wolves;

6. Analyze collected data and participate in writing technical reports and scientific publications;

7. Network with other researchers and broader public engagement via participation in field questionnaires and citizen science activities;

The work will be developed under the scientific supervision of Dr. Francisco Álvares (PI in CIBIO) and in close collaboration with the LWW team comprising several international researchers.

Portuguese Labour Code, approved by Law no. 7/2009, of 12 February, in its actual form.

The work will be carried out at the headquarters of BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, n.º7, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal. The work plan will also involve field missions across northwest Portugal, as well as attendance of meetings, both in Portugal and abroad.

The researcher will sign a non-fixed term work contract for un initial expect duration of one year, associated with the execution of the WP’s of the Europe project LWW (GA 101074417).

Candidates must submit their application by filing the required information and supporting documentation, in a digital form (PDF format), through the electronic address http://www.cibio.pt. Applications will be accepted from 28th July 2023 to 18th August 2023. The application must be formalized compulsorily by submitting at the http://www.cibio.pt the following documents (all documents in the English language and PDF format):

(i) Detailed Curriculum Vitae in English (max five pages), including the candidate's e-mail address and phone number.

(ii) Motivation Letter (max two pages) that includes a brief description of research experience and why the candidate feels suitable for the announced position.

(iii) Copy of required certificates.

(iv) Other relevant document.

Expect starting date: 1st October 2023

The Association BIOPOLIS is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. This means that the Association BIOPOLIS actively promotes employees and applicants to a policy of non-discrimination and equal access, in which no applicant may be privileged, benefited, prejudiced, or deprived of any right or exempt from any duty, namely, sex, age, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, ancestry, family status, economic situation, education, origin or social condition, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, political or ideological beliefs, union membership, or any other legally protected factor.