BIOCAP - Job Creation in Biotechnology

BIOCAP strengthens PhycoFerm’s scientific and organisational capacity through the creation of two highly qualified jobs in biotechnology: a Research & Development Director (CPP 1223.0) and a Biologist (CPP 2131).

These positions consolidate the company’s internal structure, support the continuous development of microalgae strains and bioactive compounds, reinforce laboratory processes and quality standards, and secure the long-term sustainability of PhycoFerm’s R&D activity.

By reinforcing qualified employment in the biotechnology sector, BIOCAP increases PhycoFerm’s competitiveness, technical autonomy and innovation capacity, and supports sustainable growth within the Algarve’s scientific and business ecosystem.

The two new positions

Research & Development Director (CPP 1223.0) Provides scientific leadership: planning and supervising R&D programmes across several workstreams, implementing SOPs and standards for quality, traceability and biosafety, aligning infrastructure, team and strategic objectives, and integrating and training new staff.

Biologist (CPP 2131) Reinforces experimental capacity: running laboratory assays, maintaining cultures and preparing samples, characterising biomass and bioactive compounds, monitoring critical process parameters, operating fermentation, extraction and stabilisation equipment, and supporting prototype development.

Project objectives

• Recruit a Research & Development Director to lead and structure the company’s scientific activity.
• Recruit a Biologist to expand experimental and analytical capacity in the laboratory.
• Strengthen technical autonomy by developing critical processes in house rather than relying on external support.
• Accelerate innovation and product development, advancing processes beyond the current TRL levels.
• Sustain company growth with a complete, fully prepared R&D team.

Expected results

Two supported jobs created by 2028, with 100% of those posts maintained three months after the operation ends, a fully operational in-house R&D unit, faster and more parallel experimental cycles, and new microalgae ingredients and bioactive compounds with high commercial potential.