1 Research Grant position for a Master's or Bachelor's degree holder to do linguistic research, data validation, and co-design with the Deaf community within the scope of the SIGNFLOW project

Title: 1 Research Grant position for a Master's or Bachelor's degree holder to do linguistic research, data validation, and co-design with the Deaf community within the scope of the SIGNFLOW project.

A call is open for the award of one Research Grant under the project SIGNFLOW: Intelligent Communication and Learning Ecosystem for Sign Language, hosted by the Visual Computing Lab, NOVA LINCS – University of Algarve, project reference ALGARVE-FEDER-03682900 – SIGNFLOW – 27702, funded under PT2030-SIID – Business R&D Co-Promotion, under the following terms and conditions:

1. Scientific Area: Language Sciences.
2. Admission Requirements:
   1. Academic qualifications: Applicants holding a Master's degree in Portuguese Sign Language (LGP), Deaf Education, Teaching of Portuguese Sign Language, or related scientific fields are eligible to apply. Applicants holding a Master's degree in the area of Linguistics, Language Sciences or other related fields may also be eligible, but preferably if their Bachelor's degree completed prior to the Master's degree was in Portuguese Sign Language, Deaf Education, Teaching of Portuguese Sign Language, or a closely related field. In all cases, applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral programme, preferably at the University of Algarve, in areas relevant to the project, or undertake to submit proof of enrolment and registration before the grant agreement is signed. Alternatively, applicants holding a Bachelor's degree in Portuguese Sign Language, Portuguese Sign Language Translation and Interpretation, or a directly related scientific field are eligible, provided they are enrolled in a Master's programme, preferably at the University of Algarve, in a relevant area, or undertake to submit proof of enrolment and registration before the grant agreement is formalized. For curriculum assessment purposes, particular consideration will be given to demonstrated expertise in certified proficiency in Portuguese Sign Language (LGP); linguistic analysis of LGP; the definition and validation of annotation protocols and glossing conventions; linguistic validation of translations generated by automated systems; curation of annotated multilingual datasets; collaboration with the Deaf community, interpreters, and end users in co-design activities, usability testing, and solution validation; preparation of technical reports and scientific publications; and the ability to work in interdisciplinary environments and communicate effectively within an R&D team. The work will focus primarily on Portuguese Sign Language (LGP), which is the reference language of the SIGNFLOW project. Knowledge of, or documented experience with, other sign languages, particularly American Sign Language (ASL), will be considered an advantage, although it is not a mandatory requirement.
   2. Proficiency in Portuguese Sign Language (LGP) is mandatory, at a level equivalent to C1 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or an equivalent standard. This proficiency should preferably be demonstrated through a degree in Portuguese Sign Language Translation and Interpretation, a degree in Portuguese Sign Language, a professional certification as an LGP Interpreter, or equivalent higher education or certified training. Proficiency in Portuguese, both written and spoken, is a preferential criterion and the candidate should be able to adequately prepare technical documentation, reports, annotation protocols, and scientific texts. For non-native speakers of Portuguese, a C1 level under the CEFR (or equivalent) is also a preferencial criterion. Native speakers may satisfy this requirement through a declaration on honour. Demonstrated oral and written technical-scientific proficiency in English is considered a major asset, with a minimum level of B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or an equivalent qualification. Proven experience in producing technical documentation, reports, software documentation, scientific texts, or scientific publications in English will also be valued. This requirement reflects the need to read scientific literature, prepare technical and scientific documentation, communicate with the project team and international partners, and participate in meetings and R&D activities.
   3. 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.”
   4. Preference and Selection Condition: Preference will be given to applicants holding a Master's degree who are enrolled, or who undertake to enroll, in a 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 linguistic component of the SIGNFLOW project, including the linguistic analysis of Portuguese Sign Language (LGP) as the project's reference languages and, where appropriate, comparative analysis with other sign languages, namely American Sign language (ASL). The work will encompass the definition and validation of annotation protocols and glossing conventions, the linguistic validation of translations generated by the system, the curation of annotated multilingual datasets, collaboration with the Deaf community, interpreters, and end users through co-design sessions and usability pilots, and participation in the preparation of technical reports and scientific publications.
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 Professors Pedro J. S. Cardoso, Jorge Manuel Evangelista Baptista and Joana de Carvalho Folgado Lessa.
6. Duration of grant(s): The grant will last 12 months, with the start date scheduled for September of 2026. The grant contract may be renewed until the end of the project, 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 Article 11(2) of the University of Algarve Research Grant Regulations, applicants will be assessed on the basis of: (i) Curriculum Evaluation (CE, 80%, 0–20 points), which considers the candidate's merit, the relevance of their academic and scientific background, research experience and relevant technical development activities, certified proficiency and specific experience in Portuguese Sign Language (LGP), experience in linguistic analysis, validation of annotation protocols and glossing conventions, linguistic validation of translations, curation of multilingual datasets, co-design activities with the Deaf community, and scientific dissemination; and (ii) Interview (I, 20%, 0–20 points), intended to clarify and confirm curricular, technical, and linguistic aspects. The interview will include the participation of a Portuguese Sign Language Interpreter, who will provide a technical assessment of the candidate's demonstrated proficiency for the purposes of evaluating this specific requirement. The Final Classification (FC) will be calculated using the formula FC = 0.80 × CE + 0.20 × I, on a scale from 0 to 20 points, rounded to two decimal places. Candidates must demonstrate, through their curriculum vitae, supporting documentation, and interview, proven experience and technical competencies in the relevant areas, including: certified fluency in Portuguese Sign Language (LGP); linguistic analysis of LGP; definition and validation of annotation protocols and glossing conventions; linguistic validation of translations generated by automated systems; curation of annotated multilingual datasets; collaboration with the Deaf community, interpreters, and end users in co-design activities, usability testing, and solution validation; preparation of technical reports and scientific publications; and the ability to work in interdisciplinary environments and communicate effectively within an R&D team. The work will focus primarily on Portuguese Sign Language (LGP), the reference language of the SIGNFLOW project. Knowledge of, or documented experience with, other sign languages, particularly American Sign Language (ASL), will be considered an advantage, although it is not a mandatory requirement. The mandatory requirement of technical-scientific proficiency in English will be assessed during the admission stage and, where applicable, during the interview.
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.
10. Composition of the Application Evaluation Board: The Application Evaluation Board is composed of three full members and two alternate (all PhDs):
    • Pedro Jorge Sequeira Cardoso (Chair) (Professor coordenador; Instituto Superior de Engenharia);
    • Jorge Manuel Evangelista Baptista (1st Full Member) (Professor associado com agregação; Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais);
    • Joana de Carvalho Folgado Lessa (2nd Full Member) (Professora coordenadora; Escola Superior de Educação e Comunicação);
    • João Miguel Fernandes Rodrigues (1st Alternate Member) (Professor coordenador principal; Instituto Superior de Engenharia);
    • Jaime Afonso do Nascimento Carvalho Martins (2nd Alternate Member) (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 28/09/2026 to 12/10/2026.
13. Applications must be accompanied by the following documents:
14. 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;
15. Curriculum Vitae and supporting documents proving technical and scientific experience and skills relevant to the track;
16. Copy of the qualification certificates for the academic degrees held, specifying the final grade and, if possible, the grades obtained in all courses taken;
17. Proof of technical-scientific proficiency in English, with a minimum level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or an equivalent qualification, or, in its absence, a declaration on honour by the candidate attesting to such proficiency, without prejudice to the Evaluation Panel's right to require an oral and/or written demonstration of these skills.
18. Other documents deemed relevant due to the type and modality of the scholarship.

e) 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 pcardoso@ualg.pt, Reference: SignFlow-PhD3. 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 candidate meets the eligibility requirements for the respective type of research grant, namely evidence of enrolment and registration in a doctoral programme, Master's degree programme, integrated Master's programme, or non-degree course eligible under the applicable regulations at the University of Algarve, or, where no relevant programme is offered by the University of Algarve in the field covered by this call, at another higher education institution. Applicants must also provide proof of possession of the academic qualifications required for the relevant type of grant, where applicable.
15. 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;
    1. Declaration of Commitment to the Exclusive Dedication Regime.
16. 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.

17. Scholarship Contract:

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

18. 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:

    (a) Compliance with the established working hours and attendance requirements;

    (b) Fulfilment of the work plan, specifically with regard to linguistic validation, dataset curation, and co-design activities carried out in collaboration with the Deaf community;

    (c) Validation of pilot studies and usability reports involving Deaf participants.

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, 25 september 2026.

The Principal Investigator

Professor Pedro Jorge Sequeira Cardoso

Requirements

Research Field: Language sciences

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

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=481595

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