Call for applications for a Research Grant (“Bolsa de Investigação“) for a PhD student or a Master’s degree holder enrolled in a non\-degree awarding course, at Instituto de Telecomunicações, within the scope of the Project CoolEnergy – Collaborative Energy Trading Platform, co\-promotion R\&D project No. 24862 \- CoolEnergy, co\-financed by the Portugal 2030 Program (PT 2030\) under the Regional Operational Program for the Center (CENTRO 2030\) and by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project will be carried out at the Instituto de Telecomunicações, within the Power Systems Laboratory, located at the University of Beira Interior, Covilhã. **Scientific Area:** Basic Sciences and Enabling Technologies **Group:** Power Systems \- Cv **Admission Requirements:** Research grants are intended: - for students enrolled in a degree\-conferring course to carry out R\&D activities with the aim to consolidate their scientific training through the development of research work leading to the attainment of the respective academic degree or completion of the course (integrated or not in R\&D projects). - for students enrolled in courses that do not confer an academic degree but which are integrated in an educational project of a higher education institution and are developed in association or cooperation with one or several R\&D units. Additionally, in what concerns the admission requirements for this research grant in particular: - The candidate should have strong knowledge in the field of Electrical Engineering or related areas. - In addition, the candidate should demonstrate solid knowledge in electric power systems and in the development of optimization algorithms and intelligent systems. - The ability to apply advanced artificial intelligence techniques in the development of innovative solutions will be highly valued. - The candidate should possess excellent programming skills, as well as expertise in artificial intelligence and other advanced computational methodologies. - The candidate should also be motivated and self\-disciplined, with a proven ability to work in teams, particularly in international environments. - Finally, solid proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required. **Work Objectives:** The candidate’s work will encompass scientific and technological research activities, including simulation, experimental validation, as well as the dissemination and publication of the obtained results. The candidate will be responsible for: (1\) conducting an in\-depth review of the specialized literature to identify the main requirements for the development of a platform for energy trading based on the peer\-to\-peer concept; (2\) carrying out a comprehensive review of the scientific literature to identify state of the art forecasting models, with particular focus on artificial intelligence techniques, namely machine learning and deep learning; (3\) analysing mathematical models applicable to renewable energy generation technologies and electrical energy storage systems; (4\) developing forecasting models based on artificial intelligence, considering variables such as renewable energy production, energy consumption, electricity prices, and the state of charge of energy storage systems; (5\) validating the developed mathematical and forecasting models, ensuring their accuracy, reliability, and compliance with the established requirements; (6\) developing and implementing the negotiation layer of the platform, including different P2P negotiation mechanisms and architectures; (7\) performing computational simulation and experimental validation of the developed platform, ensuring its accuracy, robustness, and compliance with the defined requirements. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to collaborate with other researchers and institutions, promoting knowledge exchange and contributing to participation in scientific conferences and to the publication of results in high\-impact international journals. **Applicable legislation:** A fellowship will be celebrated according to “Estatuto do Bolseiro de Investigação”, Law no. 40/2004, dated on 18th of August (Status of Scientific Research Fellow \- https://dre.pt/dre/legislacao\-consolidada/lei/2004\-58216179\), in its actual redaction, by Fellowship Regulation of Fundação para Ciência e Tecnologia (https://files.dre.pt/2s/2019/12/241000000/0009100105\.pdf), according to Reg. 950/2019, dated on 16th of December, and also by “Regulation of Instituto de Telecomunicações’ fellowships”. **Place of work:** The work will be developed at the premises of Instituto de Telecomunicações – Covilhã, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Maria do Rosário Calado. **Duration:** 12 months, with the possibility of renewal (according to the regulations defined by FCT). Start date: April 16th, 2026 or soon thereafter. **Monthly salary:** 1309,64€ according to the table of grant amounts awarded directly by FCT for positions held in Portugal (https://www.fct.pt/wp\-content/uploads/2025/02/Tabela\_valores\_SMM\_2025\.pdf). The payment will be made by bank transfer. **Selection criteria:** * C1 (30%) Evaluation of academic experience * C2 (30%) Experience in the scientific area of the project * C3 (20%) Research experience * C4 (20%) Publications/communications in the area Candidates may be interviewed for clarification of any aspect related to the above criteria Each criteria, and the final classification F will be evaluated in a scale (0\-20\). The candidates will be ordered according to: F \= C1 x 30% \+ C2 x 30% \+ C3 x 20% \+ C4 x 20% In case of a tie, the tied candidates will be ordered according to C1, then C2\... The Jury has the right to not admit any of the candidates that applied for this position whenever they consider that no candidate meets the minimum requirements for the position. **Jury:** * Prof. Maria do Rosário Alves Calado, Universidade da Beira Interior (President of the jury) * Prof. Sílvio José Pinto Simões Mariano, Universidade da Beira Interior * Prof. José Álvaro Nunes Pombo, Universidade da Beira Interior * Prof. António Eduardo Vitória do Espírito Santo, Universidade da Beira Interior (Substitute) **Communication of the results:** Results will be published at the Instituto de Telecomunicações, Lisboa. The selected candidate will be notified by email. After the notification of the results, candidates have 10 working days if they wish to contest the decision. **Required Documents:** - Cover letter explaining the interest in the position and relevant background; - Detailed Curriculum Vitae with transcripts, - Copy of the relevant certificates (Copy of the Degree Certificate(s), if applicable); - Proof of enrollment (or proof of acceptance) in a higher education course or declaration of honour confirming that complies with the conditions to enroll in the required/preferable higher education course. NOTE: The proof of enrollment in a higher education course must be made until the contract is signed. Apply online clicking on the “Apply Now” button in this form https://www.it.pt/Positions/OtherResearchPosition/8322 E\-mail submissions will not be considered. (The cover letter and the CV are mandatory documents in the online application platform) All the selection process is conducted through the IT web portal. No actions outside this platform are valid. **Application Period:** 27\-03\-2026 to 10\-04\-2026 **Assistance:** Send Email **Published on:** 26\-03\-2026