PhD Holder Researcher

Internal code: Researcher/FCT_CMU/i3S/0210/2026

A call is opened for the position of a PhD holder, for an unfixed term work contract to carry out research duties within the project NeuroSAFE “Aprendizagem por Reforço Segura para Controlo Neural em Malha Fechada Usando Plataformas Brain-on-Chip”, with reference 2025.11917.CMU, funded by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., through the Call for Exploratory Research Projects under the CMU Portugal Program 2025.

Scientific Area: Neuroengineering

1. Project summary and work plan

The NeuroSAFE project focuses on developing safe reinforcement learning systems for closed-loop neuronal control. It combines in silico pretraining, offline learning, and online adaptation. The controllers will be validated using brain-on-chip platforms interfaced with microelectrode arrays and optogenetics.

Work plan: Validation of the developed safe reinforcement learning controllers using neuronal cultures in organ-on-chip platforms. Performance will be compared with reference strategies, assessing safety, robustness, latency, stimulation efficiency, and electrophysiological modulation, while generating datasets and analyses reusable for research.

2. Applicable Portuguese legislation

Decree No. 57/2016, of August 29 – Legal Framework for Scientific Employment (RJEC) – in its current version. Portuguese Labor Code, in its current wording

3. Jury

Chairman: Paulo Aguiar; Other Members: Miguel Aroso, Marina Silva; Substitute: José Mateus.

4. Workplace

i3S - Rua de Alfredo Allen, 208 Porto, research group Neuroengineering and Computational Neuroscience

5. Professional category and monthly remuneration

Junior Researcher

€2.408,11, corresponding to index 33 of the Tabela Remuneratória Única, whose application is intended for PhD holders with reduced post-doctoral experience or without a post-doctoral scientific curriculum.

6. Obligatory requirements for admission

1. PhD degree in neurobiology, biomedical engineering or a related area;
2. Motivation Letter in English;
3. Relevant publication record;
4. Extensive hands-on experience with organotypic hippocampal cultures, electrophysiology using microelectrode arrays, functional imaging and optogenetics in neuronal populations; knowledge of Python and/or MATLAB;
5. Fluency in written and spoken English;
6. Good teamwork and interpersonal skills;
7. Immediate availability to start the contract.

7. Evaluation of the applications and publication of the results

The evaluation of the scientific and curricular background of the candidates should focus on the activity of the last five years that the candidate considers most relevant. The five-year period may be extended by the jury, at the candidate’s request, when justified by suspension of scientific activity for socially protected reasons, namely for reasons of parental leave, prolonged serious illness, and other situations of unavailability for work that are legally protected.

Weight of the different curricular valuation criteria:

1. Detailed Curricula (70%);
2. Motivation Letter in English (20 %);
3. Interview - facultative (10%).

If the jury decides to obtain further clarifications and additional information about the curricular elements presented, the 3 (three) best candidates classified on the basis of the curriculum may be called for an interview. The final classification system of candidates is expressed on a scale of 0 to 100. Candidates who are not interviewed will have their maximum score limited to 90% of the evaluation.

Candidates who submit their application incorrectly or fail to meet the required qualifications for this competition will be excluded from admission. The jury reserves the right to request any candidate, in case of doubt, to provide supporting documents for their statements. False statements made by candidates will be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

The jury will draw up minutes of its meetings, which can be consulted at the candidate's request within 10 working days after the selection results are released.

The jury deliberates by means of a reasoned vote according to the evaluation criteria, with no abstentions allowed, and draws up a list of excluded and admitted candidates, ordered by respective classification.

All candidates are notified of the selection results by email. After notification, candidates have 10 working days to comment.

In the 90 days following the deadline for submission of applications, the jury's final decision is communicated to the candidates. Subsequently the institute Director, who is also responsible for the final decision of hiring, will ratify the decision of the jury.

This call is intended exclusively to fill the indicated position on offer and may be canceled before the final ranking list of candidates is ratified by the Director. Accordingly, the position will no longer be available.

8. Submission of applications

Applications must include all the documents proving that they fulfill the admission requirements, namely:

1. PhD degree in / Copy of certificate or diploma;
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae;
3. Motivation Letter in English
4. Other documentation relevant for the evaluation of qualifications in a related scientific area.

The submission of applications is digital, in pdf format, from the 2nd of October to the 16th of October, 2026, in the following link:

https://dozer.i3s.up.pt/applicationmanagement/#/addapplications/31ae92672af873265d52f7ef11f747

9. Start and duration of the contract

The anticipated start date of the contract is November 16th, 2026, and is subject to budget availability. The expected duration of the contract will be 6 months, eventually extendable.

10. Non-discrimination and equal access policy

i3S actively promotes a policy of non-discrimination and equal access. No applicant shall be privileged, benefited, prejudiced, or deprived of any right or exempted from any duty on the basis of ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family situation, economic situation, education, origin or social condition, genetic heritage, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin or race, territory of origin, language, religion, political or ideological beliefs, or trade union membership.

Within the framework of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, i3S adopts the Open, Transparent and Merit-based (OTM-R) principles for the recruitment of researchers, with the aim of conducting fair and transparent recruitment processes, bringing equal opportunities to all candidates.

11. Applicants with disabilities

Under the terms of Decree-Law 29/2001, of February 3, the candidate with a disability is given preference in equal ranking, which takes precedence over any other legal preference. Candidates must declare under oath their degree of disability, the type of disability and the means of communication/expression to be used in the selection process, under the terms of the aforementioned decree.

Full Announcement at: https://dozer.i3s.up.pt/fileupload/downloadfile/viewpdfnewtab/cc8084f3273418de2a6822e0dc1c85ce