Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Universidade Europeia
- Department: IADE
- Research Field: Communication sciences » Other
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: Bachelor Positions
- Application Deadline: 28 Sep 2026 - 17:00 (Europe/Lisbon)
- Country: Portugal
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Offer Starting Date: 18 Sep 2026
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme
Offer Description
Grant: Research Initiation Grant (Bolsa de Iniciação à Investigação - BII) for a Bachelor’s degree holder enrolled in a Master’s programme.
Reference: IP.Algo.Listen.26
Scientific areas: Communication Sciences; Design (Human-Computer Interaction).
Scientific sub-areas: Journalism; Interaction Design; User Experience.
Summary: A call is hereby opened for the award of one Research Initiation Grant (BII) under project ALGO-LISTEN - Interfaces of Listening: How Algorithmic Personalisation Shapes User Experience (UX) in the Consumption of Journalistic Podcasts, within project UID/00711/2025 - Research Unit in Design and Communication (UNIDCOM/IADE), hosted by UNIDCOM/IADE - Universidade Europeia and funded through Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. DOI: 10.54499/UID/00711/2025.
ALGO-LISTEN investigates how interface-design decisions and algorithmic personalisation on major digital platforms affect the consumption of journalistic podcasts. It examines how user-experience architectures designed to optimise retention may influence the diversity of listeners’ informational diets.
The project adopts a mixed-methods approach, with an heuristic interface analysing and assessing usability, transparency and perceived user control over recommended content. This will be complemented by a black-box algorithmic audit using sock-puppet auditing: clean user profiles will receive controlled listening inputs, and the resulting algorithmic outputs will be documented across different sections of the user interface.
By comparing the ambient, discovery-oriented user experience of Spotify with the retention-driven user experience of YouTube, the research will examine whether interface architectures obscure algorithmic mechanisms, encourage a shift from active search to passive consumption, and contribute to filter bubbles or rabbit holes. The project aims to clarify how artificial intelligence and digital interfaces mediate the public’s relationship with journalism.
The contracting and funding entity will be Europeia ID and the host institution will be UNIDCOM/IADE, Universidade Europeia.
Where to apply
E-mail: alexandre.monteiro@universidadeeuropeia.pt
Requirements
Research Field: Communication sciences » Other
Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate:
- an interest in, or knowledge of, algorithmic gatekeeping, user experience and the digital news ecosystem;
- familiarity with heuristic evaluation, digital-platform research, or algorithmic auditing;
- an interest in journalistic podcasts and the relationship between interface design, recommendation systems and media consumption.
Specific Requirements
Work plan: The grant holder will collaborate in research activities aligned with ALGO-LISTEN’s objectives and mixed-methods design.
The activities will include:
- supporting the heuristic interface analysis of Spotify and YouTube, including the application of evaluation criteria relating to usability, transparency and perceived user control;
- supporting controlled data collection through clean user profiles and specified podcast-listening inputs;
- documenting and organising algorithmic recommendations and other outputs displayed in different sections of the platforms’ user interfaces;
- contributing to the comparative analysis and interpretation of the collected data, with attention to algorithmic gatekeeping, filter bubbles, rabbit holes and ethical research practice;
- developing a Master’s thesis within the scope of the project and contributing to the preparation and dissemination of its scientific outputs.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Research Field: Communication sciences » Other
Years of Research Experience: None
Additional Information
Benefits
Applicable legislation and regulations: The grant is governed by the Portuguese Research Fellowship Holder Statute and by the FCT, I.P. Research Grants Regulation, in its consolidated version, including the amendments approved by the Board of Directors of FCT, I.P. on 10 December 2025 and in force from 25 December 2025, except for Article 13-A, whose effects are retroactive to March 2025. The consolidated regulation is available at:
FCT Research Grants Regulation - consolidated version
Place of work: The work will be carried out at UNIDCOM/IADE - Universidade Europeia and its laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal, under the scientific supervision of Professor Milton Cappelletti, with the collaboration of Professor Paula Neves. Activities will take place at Oriente Green Campus, Moscavide, and, where relevant, at other locations connected with the research activities.
Grant duration: The grant will have a duration of 12 months, with an expected start date in October 2026, subject to the applicable legislation and regulations.
Monthly maintenance allowance: The monthly maintenance allowance is €701.12, corresponding to the amount established for this type of grant in the FCT table in force, and will be paid monthly by bank transfer. The grant also includes personal accident insurance and, where applicable and at the grant holder’s option, reimbursement of contributions to the Voluntary Social Security (SSV) scheme at the first contribution bracket, under the applicable rules.
Exclusive dedication: The fellowship will be carried out under the exclusive-dedication regime established by the Portuguese Research Fellowship Holder Statute and the FCT, I.P. Research Grants Regulation, without prejudice to the exceptions permitted by the applicable legislation.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences, Design, or a related field;
- be currently enrolled in a Master’s programme in Communication Sciences, Design, or a related field;
- have a good command of spoken and written English;
- have basic knowledge of research methods, particularly qualitative research or interface analysis.
- not have previously benefited from a research grant directly or indirectly funded by FCT.
Selection process
Selection methods: Applications will be assessed on a scale from 0 (zero) to 20 (twenty) points, rounded to two decimal places. The selection procedure comprises two stages. In the first stage, the documentary assessment score (DAS) will be calculated as DAS = [(AQ × 40) + (E × 20)] / 60. Only the three highest-ranked eligible candidates who obtain a DAS of at least 10.00 points will be invited to interview. The final score (FS) will be calculated using the formula FS = (AQ × 40%) + (E × 20%) + (INT × 40%). Each criterion score will correspond to the arithmetic mean of the scores assigned by the voting members of the Selection Jury.
- Academic Qualifications (AQ) - 40%: assessment of the final Bachelor’s degree classification and the classifications obtained in curricular units related to the activities to be developed, completed during the Bachelor’s programme or the taught component of the Master’s programme. Scores will be assigned as follows: 18-20, outstanding academic record and highly relevant curricular background; 16-17, very good academic record and clearly relevant background; 14-15, good academic record and relevant background; 10-13, adequate academic record or partially relevant background; 0-9, insufficient or inadequately documented academic record.
- Experience (E) - 20%: assessment of the duration, relevance, level of responsibility and documented results of research experience relevant to the work plan, including qualitative research, interface analysis, user-experience research, digital-platform research or related methods. Scores will be assigned as follows: 18-20, extensive and highly relevant experience with substantial responsibility and documented results; 16-17, substantial and clearly relevant experience; 14-15, relevant experience of moderate scope; 10-13, limited but relevant experience; 0-9, absent, insufficiently documented or irrelevant experience.
- Interview (INT) - 40%: assessment of motivation to conduct research on the project’s themes, understanding of algorithmic gatekeeping and user experience, understanding of the proposed activities, communication skills and overall suitability for the work plan. Scores will be assigned as follows: 18-20, exceptional motivation, understanding, communication and suitability; 16-17, very strong performance; 14-15, good performance; 10-13, adequate performance; 0-9, insufficient performance.
Interview procedure: The three highest-ranked eligible candidates in the documentary assessment will be invited by email. If two or more candidates are tied for third place, all candidates tied at that position will be invited. Where fewer than three candidates achieve the minimum DAS of 10.00 points, only those who meet that threshold will be interviewed. Candidates who are not invited to interview will be excluded from the second stage and will not be included in the final ranking. Failure to attend the interview at the notified date and time, without a duly substantiated reason accepted by the Selection Jury, will be deemed a withdrawal and will result in exclusion. In duly justified cases of force majeure, the Jury may authorise one rescheduling, provided that this remains compatible with the timetable of the procedure.
Minimum final score and tie-breaking: Candidates must obtain a final score of at least 10.00 points to be eligible for the award of the fellowship. Final-score ties will be resolved successively by the highest score in AQ, then E and, finally, INT.
Composition of the Selection Jury:
Chair: Professor Milton Cappelletti - UNIDCOM/IADE - Universidade Europeia.
1st full member: Professor Paula Neves - UNIDCOM/IADE - Universidade Europeia.
2nd full member: Professor Hande Ayanoglu - UNIDCOM/IADE - Universidade Europeia.
Alternate member: Professor Rui Ramos - UNIDCOM/IADE - Universidade Europeia.
Application period and submission procedure: Applications must be submitted by email to alexandre.monteiro@universidadeeuropeia.pt, with the subject line “Application - Research Initiation Grant (BII) - ALGO-LISTEN”, and must include the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and the corresponding academic transcript;
- proof of current and valid enrolment in a programme leading to a Master’s degree;
- a motivation letter;
- a declaration on honour stating that the applicant has not previously benefited from a research grant directly or indirectly funded by FCT.
For academic degrees awarded by foreign higher education institutions, recognition of the degree is required in accordance with Decree-Law No 66/2018 of 16 August. In all cases, proof of recognition must be presented before the grant is formalised.
Missing documents: Applications that do not include all mandatory documents by the application deadline will be excluded. Documents required at the application stage may not be submitted or supplemented after the deadline.
The call will remain open for 10 working days, counted from the working day immediately following publication of this notice.
Additional comments
Publication and notification of results: The provisional evaluation results will be sent to all applicants by email, using the email address provided in the application, in the form of a ranking list ordered by final score. The corresponding minutes of the selection procedure will be attached to the notification and made available for consultation. The final decision, following completion of the prior-hearing procedure where applicable, will also be communicated to all applicants by email, in accordance with the FCT, I.P. Research Grants Regulation.
Following notification of the provisional results, applicants may, if they wish, submit comments within 10 working days under the prior-hearing procedure for interested parties, pursuant to Article 121 and subsequent articles of the Portuguese Administrative Procedure Code. The final decision will be taken within a maximum of 60 working days following the conclusion of the prior-hearing or public-consultation period.
An administrative complaint may be lodged against the final decision within 15 working days, or an appeal may be submitted to the highest executive body of the funding entity within 30 working days, in both cases following notification.
The fellowship will not be awarded if no candidate satisfies all eligibility requirements and obtains a final score of at least 10.00 points.
Non-discrimination and equal access policy: UNIDCOM and IADE - Universidade Europeia promote non-discrimination and equal access. No applicant may be privileged, benefited, disadvantaged or deprived of any right, or exempted from any duty, on grounds of ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family situation, economic situation, education, social origin or condition, genetic heritage, reduced working capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin or race, territory of origin, language, religion, political or ideological convictions, or trade union membership.
This call complies with the applicable Portuguese legislation and institutional regulations governing research grants.
Website for additional job details: https://univeuropeiapt-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/alexandre_monteiro_universidadeeuropeia_pt/IQB6BVVBkDr5Q4DQh1lVxfklATIV2UKbVa5m6smkHwTMU_c?e=IeCr0y
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Europeia ID
- Country: Portugal
- State/Province: Lisbon
- City: Moscavide
- Postal Code: 1885-081
- Street: Oriente Green Campus, 1885-081 Moscavide, Portugal.
Contact
- State/Province: Portugal
- City: Moscavide
- Website: https://www.unidcom-iade.pt/
- Street: Oriente Green Campus, 1885-081 Moscavide, Portugal.
- Postal Code: 1885-081
- E-Mail: alexandre.monteiro@universidadeeuropeia.pt
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