Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Researcher in Fish Welfare in Aquaculture (2-Year Position)
Who we are
The Fish Etho Group (Fish Etho Group Association, PT) is a non-profit association bridging the gaps
between science and the stakeholders in the aquaculture sector: producers, certifiers, retailers,
NGOs, policy makers and consumers. Our goal is to study and improve the welfare of farmed fishes
and other aquatic animals by applying ethological scientific knowledge into best practices in fish
farming and fisheries. Our institution is among the top international centres performing research in
the field of fish welfare, with a strong record of projects, scientific discoveries and applications to
industry and policy. We work in close collaboration with the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) at
the University of Algarve in Faro, Portugal.
Employer / Host Institution: Fish Etho Group Association
Work location: CCMAR facilities, University of Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Faro,Portugal
Contract duration: 24 months
Expected start date: April 2026
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team for a two-year fixed-
term contract. The successful candidate will perform research in aquaculture and fish ethology,
within the remit of the European Partnership for Animal Health and Welfare. The role involves
developing indicators for negative affective states in fish and evaluating environmental enrichment
strategies to promote positive welfare in sustainable aquaculture systems.
Role Overview
This position is exclusively focused on aquatic species (including seabream, seabass and eventually
other species). The researcher will split their time between two complementary projects: one
focused on identifying robust biomarkers and behavioural indicators for negative welfare states, and
the other on implementing and assessing Positive Animal Welfare practices within finfish
aquaculture.
Project 1: Novel Measures for Negative Affective States in Fish
The first component focuses on developing animal-based measures (ABMs) for negative affective
states in fish and exploring their relationship with health and disease resistance.
Key Responsibilities:
Developing ABMs for Pain & Discomfort: Investigate behavioural, affective and physiological
responses to nociceptive stimuli and management stressors such as handling, vaccination,
and transport for seabream and seabass. This includes validating indicators during
preslaughter processes, such as crowding, electrical stunning and slaughter in ice
Assessing Chronic Low Arousal (Boredom) & Fear: Compare behaviour in barren versus
enriched tanks to identify indicators of boredom and apathy in species like seabream and
seabass. Evaluate fear and frustration responses to overcrowding and stocking density
stress using markers such as cortisol, oxygen consumption, and molecular profiling.
Health Interrelationships: Study the impact of negative affective states on immune function,
including resistance to pathogens and resilience under aggressive environmental contexts.
Project 2: Promoting Positive Welfare in Aquaculture
The second component involves testing innovative husbandry practices—specifically Environmental
Enrichment (EE) to foster positive welfare states while evaluating environmental and economic
sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist on the management and execution of empirical studies in Aquaculture context, testing
EE strategies (physical, sensory, dietary, cognitive or social) in lab scale, net-pen or tank-
based systems.
Assess the implementation potential of these practices by measuring animal welfare
(behaviour, cognition, stress tolerance), and commercial feasibility in European context.
Collaborate with focus groups of farmers and experts to identify barriers and opportunities
for implementing monitoring systems and EE in EU aquaculture contexts.
Investigate how enriched rearing conditions may improve thermal resilience and stress
tolerance in the face of climate change.
Selection Criteria
Essential:
A PhD in Aquaculture, Fish Ethology, Fish Physiology, or a related biological discipline
Knowledge of animal welfare science (the Five Domains, Nature/Function/Feelings based
approaches, Operational definitions, etc)
Demonstrated experience in fish welfare assessment, particularly regarding behavioural
observation tools and physiological sampling.
Knowledge of aquaculture production systems (e.g., RAS, net-pen, or earthen ponds) in
Europe
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Ability to work independently
Desirable:
Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an asset:
Experience with neuroendocrinology, molecular markers(omics), or sensor technology.
Experience in conducting cognitive bias tests or vitality assessments in fish.
Experience in stakeholder engagement and dialogue (e.g. training in industry environment;
policy advice; NGO context)
What we offer
Integration into a consortium of 21 leading Research Performing Organisations (RPOs) with
specific expertise in fish welfare who are part of the European Partnership on Animal health
and Welfare
The opportunity to contribute to high-impact deliverables, including top rank scientific
papers, best practice guidelines for transport and stunning, and training materials for fish
welfare assessment.
Access to training courses and exchange missions to other partner institutions to foster
career development.
Possibility to apply for research projects and pursue own research interests when aligned
with FEG's mission and vision.
Possibility to extend the contract, providing that new funding applications are successful
and that both parties are aligned.
Salary according to post-doctoral experience, following the Portuguese public sector salary
table (TRU33–TRU49, depending on years after PhD completion), which corresponds
approximately to a gross yearly salary of €33.000,00–€45.000,00, in accordance with
national regulations.
Assistance with relocation (if necessary)
A collaborative, trust-based, and outcome-oriented research environment that values
autonomy, responsibility, and professional growth, with flexibility to organise working time
and tasks without micromanagement.
How to Apply
Send a CV and cover letter to
Your CV should be no longer than 3 pages (no photo required). Your cover letter (maximum 1 page)
should address:
Your motivation to work in fish welfare
Why you believe you are well-suited for this position
How your experience could contribute to our work and fish welfare in general
Application Deadline: 28th of February 2026
High-ranking candidates will be invited for an interview between 09th and 13th of March. The position
will start in 01st of April 2026.
Please note: Applications that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.
FishEthoGroup Association reserves the right to cancel or modify this call.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Fishethogroup is committed to equal opportunity and inclusive recruitment. We welcome
applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, and identities. Selection is based on merit,
skills, and experience. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request
reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.
More information:
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