Are you an outstanding researcher with a bold, ambitious or disruptive scientific idea?
CCMAR invites eligible researchers to submit an Expression of Interest to select CCMAR as their Host Institution for an application to the European Research Council Consolidator Grant – ERC-2027-CoG.
Great scientific ideas need the right environment to grow.
At CCMAR, you will find a multidisciplinary scientific environment, advanced research infrastructure and dedicated support to help you develop a competitive ERC proposal, strengthen your network and pursue frontier research with the potential to transform your field.
About the ERC Consolidator Grant
The European Research Council funds investigator-driven frontier research across all scientific disciplines. ERC grants support ambitious, high-risk/high-gain projects led by researchers of any nationality and carried out at a host institution in the European Union or an associated country.
The ERC particularly welcomes pioneering ideas, unconventional approaches and research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Who can apply?
Researchers of any nationality may apply if they:
• have normally obtained their PhD 7 to 12 years before the reference date defined in the ERC call, subject to the applicable eligibility extensions;
• demonstrate a strong scientific track record and growing research independence;
• propose an ambitious and excellent frontier-research project.
Applicants should confirm their eligibility against the official ERC-2027-CoG Work Programme and call conditions.
Why choose CCMAR?
CCMAR is one of Portugal’s leading marine science research centres, based at the University of the Algarve’s Gambelas Campus in Faro.
Committed to scientific excellence and ocean sustainability, CCMAR brings together multidisciplinary teams and maintains an extensive network of national and international collaborators. Researchers benefit from modern laboratories, marine research stations, vessels and specialised technical and administrative support.
Its location near Faro International Airport and major marine ecosystems, including the Ria Formosa lagoon, offers an exceptional setting for international collaboration and field-based research.
CCMAR’s main areas of expertise include:
- Oceanography and marine observation;
- Marine biology and ecology;
- Environmental sciences and bioremediation;
- Fisheries, aquaculture and blue biotechnology;
- Marine conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Researchers from other fields are also encouraged to apply when their projects can establish strong interdisciplinary connections with CCMAR’s mission, expertise or research infrastructure.
Support offered by CCMAR
CCMAR is committed to attracting international talent and helping researchers prepare highly competitive ERC applications.
Selected candidates may benefit from:
- Scientific matchmaking and networking: virtual meetings or participation in a visitor programme to explore collaborations with CCMAR researchers and develop scientific partnerships relevant to the proposal;
- Proposal-development support: scientific feedback on project structure and positioning, together with assistance in graphics, budgeting and proposal preparation;
ERC-PT Pre-Assessment Programme: support for submission to the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology’s ERC-PT Pre-Assessment initiative, which provides international expert feedback on Part B1 and/or the full proposal; - Administrative support: guidance on the ERC submission platform, institutional documentation and other administrative requirements;
- Competitive employment conditions: contracts in the indicative range of €75,000–€115,000 per year, depending on profile and applicable conditions, with institutional support for career development and potential transition towards a permanent position if the project is funded.
How to express your interest
Interested researchers should send an Expression of Interest to: ccmarfunding@ualg.pt
Email subject: CCMAR EoI Call | ERC Consolidator Grant | [Your Name]
Please attach:
- Full CV, highlighting your most relevant scientific achievements, experience and track record;
- Motivation letter, including:
- your relevant experience and confirmation of eligibility for the ERC Consolidator Grant;
- why CCMAR is the appropriate Host Institution for the project;
- the potential scientific links with CCMAR researchers, expertise or infrastructure.
- Concept note, with the main research question, concept and planned activities of the proposed project.
Expressions of Interest will be assessed by an internal CCMAR committee based on:
- scientific excellence and potential;
- originality and ambition of the proposed project;
- relevance and feasibility;
- alignment or complementarity with CCMAR’s strategic research areas.
Important Dates
- ERC Level: ERC-2027-CoG
- ERC-PT Pre-Assessment Deadline: 5 November 2026
- ERC Submission Deadline: 12 January 2027
Candidates are encouraged to contact CCMAR as early as possible to allow sufficient time for scientific integration, proposal development and institutional preparation.
CCMAR offers the scientific environment, infrastructure and collaborative network needed to turn ambitious ideas into frontier research.
Take the next step in your research career and develop your ERC Consolidator Grant proposal with CCMAR.
Useful Links
- ERC Consolidator Grant: https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/consolidator-grant
- ERC-PT Pre-Assessment Programme: https://www.fct.pt/en/financiamento/programas-de-financiamento/programa-erc-portugal/erc-pt-pre-assessment/
