PRR Project

Summary

Agrarian sciences have a long connection with the University of the Algarve, which has educated a large number of professionals in this area. CEOT/CISCA is a multidisciplinary Research Unit that develops innovative solutions to society´s challenges in the areas of optics, computing, biology, agriculture, energy, health, and sustainability. One of the research groups, Biosensing , is dedicated to the study and development of post-harvest fruit technologies, to improve the quality, safety, and sustainability of agricultural products. Research in fruit post-harvest technologies plays a vital role in the agricultural sector, as it allows for to reduce of post-harvest losses, increases the shelf life and added value of products, preserves nutritional and sensory properties, guarantees food safety, and minimizes environmental impact. In addition, research in fruit post-harvest technologies, including sensing technology, contributes to the development of intelligent and resilient agriculture that adapts to climate change and consumer demands.The continuity of the research unit in this area requires hiring an assistant researcher with a PhD in Agricultural Sciences and experience in post-harvest technologies. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role in overseeing and executing research initiatives within the Biosensing group. Moreover, they will actively participate in national and international research projects, establishing collaborative partnerships with private companies for contracted research.To ensure excellence, the candidate should publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals and present at both national and international congresses. Their contribution will help position the organization as a group of excellence. Collaboration is deemed crucial to success; hence, the successful applicant will closely work with other researchers within the organization, as well as academic, institutional, and industrial partners. The role also encompasses the responsibility of writing progress reports and final reports on research activities.With at least 6 years of postdoctoral experience abroad, preferably in research units or academic institutions, the ideal candidate should possess theoretical and practical knowledge of post-harvest technologies. This includes expertise in storage, transport, packaging, and conservation processes for agricultural products. Familiarity with laboratory analysis techniques, non-destructive sensing technologies, and advanced knowledge of statistical analysis of experimental data are also required. Experience in the application of optical methods for the non-destructive assessment of quality is preferential, since this is one of the research lines currently pursued in CEOT/CISCA.Moreover, the ability to work collaboratively in a team, coupled with strong oral and written communication skills in Portuguese, is essential. Experience in multidisciplinary teamwork is also necessary for success in this position. The Assistant Researcher will also be responsible for supervising and providing guidance to graduate and undergraduate students and grant recipients. Additionally, organizational and coordination skills will be paramount in establishing and building collaborations both within and outside the institution.In a broader context, the Assistant Researcher will significantly contribute to a vibrant ecosystem, facilitating technology transfer and maximizing research impact. They will play a key role in meeting the growing market demand for new post-harvest solutions. This multifaceted role reflects the dynamic nature of the position and its critical importance within the research unit.