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 possess strong knowledge in Electrical Engineering or related fields. - A solid background in electric power systems is required, as well as experience in the development of optimization algorithms and intelligent systems. - The ability to apply advanced artificial intelligence techniques to the development of innovative solutions will be highly valued. - The candidate should also demonstrate strong programming skills, as well as expertise in artificial intelligence and other advanced computational methodologies. - In addition, the candidate is expected to be motivated, autonomous, and self\-disciplined, with a proven ability to work effectively in teams, particularly in international environments. - Finally, strong proficiency in English, both written and spoken, 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 in order to identify the main requirements for the development of an energy trading platform based on the peer\-to\-peer concept; (2\) designing and developing the hardware required to build a functional prototype of a communication module, ensuring its reliability, scalability, and compatibility with different systems; (3\) implementing the software of the communication module, focusing on optimizing efficiency, security, and the integration of the solution with existing infrastructures; (4\) carrying out the prototyping and validation of the integrated solution, conducting extensive tests to evaluate its performance, robustness, and compliance with the defined technical requirements; (5\) developing and implementing the negotiation layer of the platform, including the implementation of different P2P negotiation mechanisms; (6\) performing computational simulation and experimental validation of the developed platform, ensuring its accuracy, reliability, 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 publications in high\-impact 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/XXXX 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