Expert Translation & Subtitling | English, Spanish & French to Portuguese

Alexandra

Ribeiro de Carvalho

Medical and Scientific Translation & Subtitling

Bridging Life Sciences and Language

About me

I am a professional freelance translator and subtitler specializing in translations from English (primarily), Spanish, and French into Portuguese. Born and based in Portugal, I bring over 15 years of experience delivering high-quality language services.

My academic background in Biology and Microbiology, along with hands-on research experience, laid the foundation for my translation career, which began in 2009. While working on an R&D project, I was entrusted with translating scientific software user guides from English to Portuguese. This pivotal experience sparked a deep passion for translation and, in 2017, I took the leap to become a full-time professional translator.

As a language specialist, I am committed to delivering precise and culturally nuanced translations tailored to your needs. My dedication to languages and pursuit of excellence ensure that you receive top-tier translation solutions, customized to meet your specific requirements.

Professional background

I specialise in English to Portuguese translation and subtitling, with a focus on life and environmental sciences. My journey in translation began in 2009, while working on an R&D project that required translating scientific software user guides into Portuguese. My early exposure to the English language, thanks to my mother who was an English teacher, equipped me well for this task. Since then, I worked informally as a translator for many years, handling various scientific and academic materials including papers, theses, lab protocols, general scientific documentation, certificates, diplomas, and CVs for colleagues and fellow scientists. This initial experience sparked a growing passion for translation.

Freelance journey and expertise

In July 2017, I transitioned to full-time freelance translation. My first project involved translating diverse web content for the general public, including a range of materials on science communication, journalism, zoology, ecology, conservation, paleontology, archaeology, anthropology, history, culture, astronomy, meteorology, chemistry, physics, technology, adventure, and travel & tourism.

Over time, I expanded my expertise to include other languages, as well as other services: transcreation, localisation, editing/MTPE and proofreading in fields such as veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, nursing, health care, law, legal contracts, and finance.

Currently, I focus on medical, technical and literary translation, as well as media translation and subtitling, and I’m working on a master’s thesis about offensive and taboo language in independent film subtitling.

Qualifications and why you should work with me

I hold a degree in Applied Biology (Terrestrial Animal Resources) from Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, a post-graduation in Clinical Laboratory Science from Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, an MSc in Applied Microbiology from Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, and I am expected to complete an MA in Translation from Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de Lisboa in mid-2025. Additionally, I have formal training in graphic design and web design.

If you’re looking for reliability, efficiency, accuracy, thoroughness, attention to detail, competitive pricing, and excellent turnaround times, you should definitely get in touch!

My services

With extensive expertise in translating and subtitling for life and environmental sciences (and beyond), I offer precise and reliable English to Portuguese translation services. Leveraging my background in Biology, Microbiology, and research, I provide accurate translations for scientific, academic, and diverse content, ensuring attention to detail, as well as competitive rates and turnaround times.

Translation

As a professional English, Spanish, and French to Portuguese translator specialising in medical, scientific, and technical documents, I ensure accurate and reliable translations that meet the highest standards. My expertise covers a wide range of fields such as biology and microbiology, zoology, ecology, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, infectious diseases, veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, nursing and health care, law and legal contracts, or finance.

Subtitling

I ensure that your content is accurately translated and timed to match the visuals seamlessly. Whether it’s for educational videos, promotional materials, or entertainment content, I’ll work closely with you to capture the essence of your message while maintaining clarity and cultural relevance for Portuguese-speaking audiences.

Proofreading & MTPE

I use my knowledge in linguistics and machine translation systems to assist individuals and businesses in creating culturally appropriate and grammatically correct content in multiple languages. This helps them to effectively communicate with their target audience and expand their reach. My proofreading and machine translation post-editing services are crucial for companies seeking to connect with customers in various regions and languages.

More services

Localisation

As a seasoned translator and an expert in my field, I can adapt content originally created for Brazilian audiences to be best understood by speakers of European Portuguese.

Transcreation

When it comes to marketing materials, translation is more than just knowing the right idiom. I can re-create your message for Portuguese audiences, making sure you always achieve the right effect.

Copywriting

I also offer original content writing services: I can help you create web copy, package copy, blog posts and more.

My clients

Grupo Editorial Presenca
Divergent Language Solutions
Tres Pontos Language Services
CCJK
wordminds
GEO

My qualifications

Biologist

  • Degree in Biology
  • Post-graduate in Clinical Laboratory Science
  • MSc in Microbiology
  • Bio member

Translator

  • MA in Translation
  • APTRAD member
  • ATA member
  • Tremédica member
  • EMWA member
  • MET member
  • EAMT member
  • AMTA member

Subtitler

  • MA in Translation
  • ATAV member

Proudly endorsing

ProZ Certified PRO Network | Certified in English to Portuguese
Proud to be APTRAD
EMWA Member 2025
Membro ATAV

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Questions? Contact me any time, anywhere.

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