1 Research Grant position for a Master's or Bachelor's degree holder to develop Edge AI algorithms within the scope of the INSIGHTS project

Offer Description

NOTICE NO. 92/2026

COMPETITION FOR THE AWARD OF A GRANT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE RESEARCH GRANT REGULATIONS OF UALG

Title: 1 Research Grant position for a Master's or Bachelor's degree holder to develop Edge AI algorithms within the scope of the INSIGHTS project.

A call is open for the award of one Research Grant under the scope of the R&D project AI.INSIGHTS: AI-Powered Real-Time Anonymous User Echo, hosted by the Visual Computing Lab, NOVA LINCS – University of Algarve, project reference ALGARVE-FEDER-02964500 - AI.INSIGHTS (24298), funded under PT2030-SIID - I&D Empresarial - Copromoção, under the following conditions:

1. Scientific Area: Computer Engineering.
2. Admission Requirements:
   1. Academic qualifications: Applicants holding a Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or related fields are eligible to apply, provided they commit to submitting proof of enrolment and registration before the research grant agreement is signed. Alternatively, applicants holding a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or related fields are eligible, provided they are enrolled in a Master's programme at the University of Algarve in a relevant area, or commit to submitting proof of enrolment and registration before the grant agreement is formalised.
   2. For admission and curriculum assessment purposes, particular consideration will be given to demonstrated expertise: (i) computer vision; (ii) deep learning, namely the implementation and training of CNN and/or Transformer networks, as well as proficiency in Python with PyTorch and/or Keras; (iii) utilisation of LLMs and VLMs; (iv) utilisation of Git, reproducible environments, testing and code documentation. It is further recorded that knowledge and prior use of edge AI boards constitute a non-mandatory requirement.
   3. Technical-scientific oral and written proficiency in English is mandatory, with a minimum proficiency level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or an equivalent qualification. A C1 level or documented experience in producing technical documentation, reports, software documentation, or scientific publications in English will be considered an asset. This requirement stems from the need to read and prepare technical documentation, communicate effectively with the project team and international partners, and participate in R&D meetings. Failure to provide adequate evidence of technical English proficiency, or to demonstrate the required level of competence, will constitute grounds for exclusion from the selection process.
   4. Taking into account paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 6 of the Research Grants Regulations of the Foundation for Science and Technology or paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 5 of the University of the Algarve's Research Fellowship Regulations: "1. Research grants, hereinafter referred to as BI, are intended for R&D activities by students enrolled in an integrated master's degree, a master's degree or a doctorate, with a view to consolidating their scientific training through the development of research work leading to the award of the respective academic degree, whether or not integrated into R&D projects. 2. The scholarships referred to in this article may also be intended for the performance of R&D activities by graduates or masters enrolled in non-degree courses integrated into the educational project of a higher education institution, developed in association or cooperation with one or more R&D units."
   5. Preference and Selection Condition: Preference will be given to applicants holding a Master's degree who undertake to enroll in a UAlg doctoral programme under the conditions specified above. Applicants holding a Bachelor's degree may be selected only if no Master's degree holders who meet the admission requirements apply, or, where such applicants do apply, if they do not possess the required academic background and/or the experience corresponding to the requirements established in this call for applications.
3. Project Objectives: The research activities will focus on the design, implementation, and evaluation of computer vision, affective computing, and active learning algorithms optimised for deployment on resource-constrained edge AI devices, encompassing, but not limited to: (i) visual emotion classification; (ii) audio-based emotion classification; (iii) attention modelling; (iv) individual and group engagement classification; and (v) human and group behaviour classification.
4. Applicable Legislation and Regulations: Research Fellow Statute, approved by Law No. 40/2004 of August 18, as amended by Decree-Law No. 65/2024 of October 1, and the University of Algarve Research Grant Regulations (https://files.dre.pt/2s/2021/10/210000000/0013700149.pdf).
5. Workplace: The work will be carried out on-site, under an exclusive dedication regime, at the Visual Computing Lab, UAlg, Building 32, Room 1.50, Instituto Superior de Engenharia of Universidade do Algarve, Penha Campus, Faro, Portugal, under the scientific supervision of Professor João Rodrigues.
6. Duration of grant(s): The grant will last 12 months, with the start date scheduled for November 2026. The grant contract may be renewed until the end of the project (30 September 2028), taking into account the University of Algarve Research Grant Regulations (https://files.dre.pt/2s/2021/10/210000000/0013700149.pdf).
7. Monthly maintenance allowance amount: The monthly maintenance allowance depends on the type of research grant applicable to the selected candidate, in accordance with the FCT grant value table in force for 2026: €1,359.64 for the Research Grant category applicable to Master's degree holders enrolled in a doctoral programme, or €1,090.98 for the Research Grant category applicable to Bachelor's degree holders enrolled in a Master's programme. The maintenance allowance will be paid monthly by bank transfer. https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Tabela-de-Valores-SMM-2026.pdf).
8. Candidate evaluation: In accordance with the provisions of Article 11.2 of the Foundation for Science and Technology Research Grant Regulations in the Science and Technology field, candidates will be assessed on the basis of Curriculum Evaluation (CE, 0–20 points) and Interview (I, 0–20 points). The curriculum evaluation considers the candidate's merit, the relevance of their academic and scientific background, research experience and relevant technical development work, programming and software engineering skills, quality of technical documentation and scientific or technical outputs, and proficiency in technical English. The interview is intended to clarify or confirm curricular, technical, or linguistic aspects. The Final Classification (FC) will be calculated using the formula FC = 0.80 × CE + 0.20 × I, on a scale of 0 to 20 points, rounded to two decimal places.

   The following are mandatory cumulative requirements, which must be demonstrated through the curriculum vitae, technical portfolio, supporting documentation, and/or the interview process. Applicants must provide evidence of proven experience in all of the following areas: (a.1) computer vision; (a.2) deep learning, namely the implementation and training of CNN and/or Transformer networks, as well as proficiency in Python with PyTorch and/or Keras; (a.3) utilisation of LLMs and VLMs; (a.4) utilisation of Git, reproducible environments, testing and code documentation. It is further recorded that knowledge and prior use of edge AI boards constitute a non-mandatory requirement.

   The mandatory requirement of oral and written technical-scientific proficiency in English, at a minimum level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or an equivalent qualification, with C1 level proficiency considered an asset, will be assessed during the eligibility review and, where applicable, during the interview. Failure to provide adequate evidence or demonstrate the required level of proficiency will result in the applicant's exclusion from the competition.

9. Evaluation Process: The ranking of applicants and the proposal for recruitment shall comply with the preference condition established in the admission and evaluation requirements. Where the recruitment of a candidate holding a Bachelor's degree is proposed, the evaluation committee's ranking report must explicitly justify either the absence of eligible candidates holding a Master's degree or their unsuitability in terms of the required academic background and/or the experience demanded by this call. The Evaluation Panel reserves the right not to recommend the award of the research grant to any candidate obtaining a final score below 14 (fourteen) points on the 0–20 scale. Candidates with a curricular assessment score below 13 (thirteen) points on the 0–20 scale shall not be admitted to interview.
10. Composition of the Application Evaluation Board: The Application Evaluation Board is composed of three full members and one alternate (all PhDs):
    • João Miguel Fernandes Rodrigues (Presidente) (Professor coordenador principal; Instituto Superior de Engenharia);
    • Pedro Jorge Sequeira Cardoso (2º Vogal efetivo) (Professor coordenador; Instituto Superior de Engenharia);
    • Jaime Afonso do Nascimento Carvalho Martins (1º Vogal efetivo) (Professor adjunto; Instituto Superior de Engenharia);
    • Roberto Célio Lau Lam (1º Vogal suplente) (Professor adjunto; Instituto Superior de Engenharia);
11. Publication/Notification of Results: The final evaluation results will be published on the UAlg website, in a list ordered by the final grade obtained, and the successful candidate will be notified via email.
12. Application Deadline and Submission Method: The competition is open from 21/09/2026 to 09/10/2026.
13. Applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
    1. Official identification document (simple copy or legal equivalent). Applicants of non-Portuguese nationality must present a residence permit, permanent residence certificate, or long-term resident status, valid on the scholarship start date. Any of these may be replaced, in its absence, by a declaration of honor by the candidate. However, this must be submitted during the scholarship contracting phase, under penalty of forfeiture of the scholarship award;
    2. Curriculum Vitae;
    3. Copy of the qualification certificates for the academic degrees held, specifying the final grade and, if possible, the grades obtained in all courses taken;
    4. Other documents deemed relevant due to the type and modality of the scholarship.
    5. The Application for Application to the Competition, dated and signed, must be addressed to the President of the Competition Evaluation Panel, https://www.ualg.pt/sites/default/files/documentos/2022-12/anexo-iii-requerimento-para-candidatura-bolsa-pt.pdf, by email to jrodrig@ualg.pt, Refª. AI.INSIGHTS_B#3. In the aforementioned application, you must expressly consent to all notifications related to the bidding process being sent to the indicated email address.
14. Documents to be submitted for the scholarship agreement:
    1. Individual Taxpayer Registry (INV) information, if the applicant is a nationality other than Portuguese, must be submitted during the scholarship agreement process, under penalty of forfeiture of the scholarship award;
    2. Documents proving that the applicant meets the requirements for the respective type of scholarship, namely, proof of enrollment and registration and the study cycle or course that does not confer an academic degree;
    3. Declaration of the advisor(s) assuming responsibility for supervising the work plan, in accordance with Article 5-A of the Research Scholarship Statute, as well as guaranteeing the necessary conditions for the successful development of the work and compliance with the duties set forth in Article 13 of the Research Scholarship Statute;
    4. Declaration of Commitment to the Exclusive Dedication Regime.
15. Deadlines and Procedures for Complaints and Appeals:

    Candidates may, if they so wish, comment on the draft decision to award the requested scholarship, at a hearing for interested parties within 10 business days, under the terms and for the purposes set forth in Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Procedure.

    Candidates have the right to complain to the evaluation panel within 10 business days regarding the commission or omission of any act.

    An appeal may be filed against the final decision of the application evaluation panel to the Rector within 10 business days of notification.

16. Scholarship Contract:

    After receiving all required documentation, a scholarship contract will be signed with the selected candidate(s) in accordance with the attached template.

17. Evaluation of Fellow(s):

    At the end of each fellowship contract period, the advisor will evaluate the fellow(s)' work by applying the following criteria, in accordance with the attached template:

    1. Compliance with the established working hours, attendance requirements, and the exclusive dedication regime;
    2. Fulfilment of the work plan, specifically the development of models for edge AI boards;
    3. Validation of the developed software through testing using edge AI boards.

    The University of Algarve reserves the right to cancel the fellowship award process, within the scope of the Project in question, whenever funding is not awarded or the scholarship duration exceeds the project completion date.

University of Algarve, 11 of September of 2026

The Principal Investigator

Professor (João Miguel Fernandes Rodrigues)

Where to apply

E-mail: jrodrig@ualg.pt

Requirements

• Research Field: Computer science
• Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
• Skills/Qualifications: Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description
• Specific Requirements: Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Internal Application form(s) needed

Formulario candidatura EN_3.pdf

Additional Information

• Benefits: Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description
• Eligibility criteria: Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description
• Selection process: Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description
• Additional comments: Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Website for additional job details: https://www.ualg.pt/bolsas-de-investigacao?id=481453

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: University of Algarve
• Country: Portugal
• State/Province: Campus de Gambelas e Campus da Penha
• City: Faro
• Postal Code: 8005-139

Contact

• State/Province: Faro - Algarve
• City: Faro
• Website: http://www.ualg.pt
• Street: Campus da Penha
• Postal Code: 8005-139