Internship Opportunity in Soil Ecotoxicology to Validate Nature-based Solutions
Website GreenUPorto - Research Centre on Sustainable Agrifood Production
Academic Research Centre
About the Company :
Name of the company : GreenUPorto – Research Centre on Sustainable Agrifood Production
Type of organisation : Academic Research Centre
Field of activity : Research and Development (R&D) in Sustainable Agri-food Systems.
Location : GreenUPorto/Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), Portugal
What are the main commitments of your company?
GreenUPorto’s mission is to advance scientific research and knowledge transfer within the agri-food sector, focusing on the innovation and sustained growth of the horticulture value chain. To achieve this, its mission is built upon key strategic objectives: fostering intellectual capital through advanced training, contributing to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda by addressing climate change challenges, and promoting a circular economy through the valorisation of agri-food by-products. Furthermore, the centre is dedicated to implementing a national soil quality assessment strategy and responding to modern consumer demands for safe, nutritious, and high-quality food products. This mission is seamlessly integrated across its three main thematic lines: Plant Biology, Production and Post-harvest, which drives eco-friendly crop production; Valorisation, Consumption and Human Nutrition, which connects research to the end consumer; and Environmental Quality and Risk Assessment, which ensures the protection of agroecosystems.
Minimum education requirements : Bachelor’s Degree
Required languages spoken : English
Position summary :
Short description of the organization:
GreenUPorto is a Research Centre focused on Research and Development (R&D) in Sustainable Agri-food Systems. Its mission is to develop innovative research and knowledge transfer within the field of sustainable food production and consumption, all aimed at ensuring the well-being of future generations.
Any accomodation offered :
No
Internship description (the tasks, responsibilities, benefits) :
GreenUPorto – Research Centre on Sustainable Agrifood Production (https://www.fc.up.pt/GreenUPorto/pt/), is inviting applications for an internship aimed at students or recent graduates with a strong interest in Ecotoxicology, who wish to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory research environment.
The intern will have the opportunity to learn and actively participate in ecotoxicological assays with terrestrial organisms, following standardized ISO protocols, covering all stages of the experimental process.
Activities will include the preparation and execution of bioassays, maintenance of laboratory organism cultures, preparation of test solutions and matrices, accurate data recording, analysis and interpretation of results, as well as support in laboratory organization and upkeep. In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to be involved in a European research project (https://www.biodiversa.eu/2025/04/08/soildivine/), interacting with international partners and gaining exposure to collaborative research in an international context.
We are looking for motivated and committed candidates, willing to work as part of a team, with a proactive attitude and a strong interest in learning and contributing to ongoing research activities.
This internship offers comprehensive and practical training in ecotoxicological laboratory procedures, fostering the development of technical competencies, critical thinking, and good scientific practices within a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and collaborative research environment.
📍Field: Ecotoxicology
🔬 Focus: Terrestrial organism assays | ISO protocols
🎓 Preferred profile: Interest in ecotoxicology, environmental science, or biological sciences (previous laboratory experience is valued but not required)
Job Details :
Duration of the internship :
6 to 12 months
Period :
All year round
Application deadline :
Continuously open
Salary :
No
Weekly Workin hours :
35 hours
To which pillar of the project can the internship be associated ?
Decarbonization & climate change adaptation – Digitalization towards increased efficiency & productivity – Resilient & sustainable food systems – Business sustainability & resources valorization
