A call is open for the award of one (1) PhD Scholarship at the Instituto de Telecomunicações, within the framework of the AstroCircuit project. This project has the objective to develop a bioelectronic platform to measure communication signals between two types of biological cells: astrocytes and neurons.

In the scope of this scholarship, the aim is to perform data analysis using advanced signal processing techniques and machine learning algorithms. The goal is to decipher patterns in the bioelectrical signals.

Project UID-50008-2025 funded by FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia.

Scientific Area:

Group:

Admission Requirements:

Candidates for this PhD Scholarship (BD) must:

i) Hold a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or related fields.

ii) Be enrolled in a doctoral program in the scientific area of Electrical Engineering.

iii) Willingness to work in the developing of signal processing and machine learning algorithms.

iv) Proficiency in the English language (written and spoken)

Work Objectives:

The candidate will develop the following activities:

i) Study the behaviour of the bioelectric communication signals between astrocytes and neurons.

ii) Study signal processing and pattern analysis algorithms.

iii) Implement machine learning algorithms focusing on bioelectrical signals clustering (astrocytes and neurons).

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://fiIes.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 research will be carried out at the Instituto de Telecomunicações – Leiria, in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC) of the University of Coimbra, under the supervision of Prof. Sérgio Manuel Maciel de Faria and Prof. Lucas Arrabal Thomaz

Duration:

1 year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance of the fellow. The maximum duration of this type of scholarship is 4 years. Start date: September2026.

Monthly salary:

The scholarship amount corresponds to €1,359.64 according to the table of monthly maintenance grant values (https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tabela-de-Valores-SMM-2026.pdf), plus social security contributions. Payment will be made via bank transfer.

Selection criteria:

• C1 (65%)

Assessment of academic and scientific curriculum

• C2 (35%)

Specific experience of the candidate in the area of biomedical signal processing.

Each criterion, as well as the final score F, will be evaluated on a scale from 0 to 20

Candidates will be ranked according to:

F \= C1 × 65% + C2 × 35%.

In case of a tie, an interview will take place.

The Jury reserves the right not to admit any of the applicants if none meet the minimum requirements.

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 65% + C2 x 35%

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. Sérgio Manuel Maciel de Faria, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria (President of the jury)
• Prof. Luís Miguel de Oliveira Pegado de Noronha e Távora, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria
• Prof. Lucas Arrabal Thomaz, Instituto de Telecomunicações Coimbra
• Prof. Telmo Rui Carvalhinho Cunha Fernandes, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria (Substitute)

Communication of the results:

Candidates will be notified by email.

Required Documents:

• Motivation letter explaining interest in the position;

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae with transcripts;

• Degree certificates:

a) Applicants holding a degree obtained abroad must, by the end of the application period, provide proof of recognition, or proof of having requested it, under Decree-Law No. 66/2018, of 16 August. Failure to present recognition of the degree at the time of hiring will result in exclusion.

b) For duly justified reasons, supporting documents for degrees or recognition may be waived at the application stage, replaced by a declaration of honour. Nevertheless, submission of the required proofs is mandatory by the scholarship contracting stage, under penalty of exclusion.

• Proof of enrolment in a higher education program or declaration of intent to enrol in a doctoral program. This proof, issued by the higher education institution, must be presented at the latest at the scholarship contracting stage.

Apply online clicking on the “Apply Now” button in this form: https://www.it.pt/Positions/OtherResearchPosition/8330

After notification of the results, candidates have 10 working days to appeal the decision.

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Note: Degrees obtained abroad are recognized by a Portuguese higher education institution under Decree-Law No. 66/2018, of 16 August, and Ordinance No. 33/2019, of 25 January. More information at: https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/degree-and-diploma-recognition

All the selection process is conducted through the IT web portal. No actions outside this platform are valid.

Application Period:

21-04-2026 to 05-05-2026

Assistance:

Send Email

Published on:

21-04-2026