Research Scholarship (BI) - AstroSweep

Offer Description

Summary: There is an open call for one (1) Research Scholarship ("Bolsa de Investigação") at Instituto de Telecomunicações, in the scope of project AstroSweep. This work is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), through the Innovation and Digital Transition Programme (COMPETE 2030) of the Portugal 2030 framework [Project AstroSweep with Nr. 26627 (COMPETE2030-FEDER- 03431800)].

Scientific Area: Wireless Technologies

Group: Radio systems – Av

Work Objectives: The work will focus on the development and experimental validation of innovative technologies for rf technologies. The main objectives are: To review the state of the art in advanced materials, and high-power electronic systems. To define the technical and operational requirements of the system to be developed. To investigate innovative materials and structures for RF and microwave energy transmission, reception, or conversion. To design and simulate antennas. To optimize the efficiency of the wireless energy transmission and conversion chain. To investigate the influence of operating frequency, distance, alignment, materials, load conditions, and surrounding environment on system performance. To fabricate and integrate the proposed components and circuits into a functional laboratory prototype. To experimentally characterize the developed system using RF and microwave laboratory instrumentation. To assess conversion efficiency, received power, operating range, robustness, and adaptability to different operating conditions. To compare the experimental results with the simulations and theoretical models. To contribute to technical reports, scientific publications, project deliverables, and demonstrations of the developed technology.

Place of work: The work will be developed at the premises of Instituto de Telecomunicações at University of Aveiro, under the supervision of Prof. Nuno Miguel Gonçalves Borges de Carvalho.

Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. This type of scholarship has a maximum duration of 2 years. Start date: October 2026 or soon thereafter.

Required Documents:

• Motivation letter explaining the interest in the position;
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae with transcripts;
• Degree certificate (if applicable);
• Proof of enrollment in a higher education course or declaration of intention to enroll in a study cycle leading to an academic degree or in a course that does not confer an academic degree. *

*NOTE: Proof of enrollment, issued by the higher education institution in a study cycle leading to the award of an academic degree or in a non-degree course, must be submitted by the time of contract signing.

Apply online clicking on the “Apply Now” button in this form https://www.it.pt/Positions/OtherResearchPosition/8405

After the notification of the results, candidates have 10 working days if they wish to contest the decision.

E-mail submissions will not be considered. (The cover letter and the CV are mandatory documents in the online application platform)

NOTICE: Degrees obtained abroad are recognized by a Portuguese higher education institution under the terms of Decree-Law No. 66/2018, of August 16 and Ordinance No. 33/2019, of January 25. More information at: https://www.dges.gov.pt/pt/pagina/reconhecimento?plid=374

Where to apply

Website: https://www.it.pt/

Requirements

Research Field: Engineering » Electronic engineering

Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Specific Requirements

Research grants (BI):

• Are intended for carrying out R&D activities by students enrolled in an integrated master's or a master's degree, aiming to consolidate their scientific training through the development of research work leading to the respective academic degree, whether or not integrated into R&D projects.
• Are intended for carrying out R&D activities by graduates enrolled in non-degree courses that are part of the educational programme of a higher education institution, developed in association or cooperation with one or more R&D units.

Additional Information

Benefits

Monthly salary: 1090.98€ according to the table of grant amounts awarded directly by FCT for positions held in Portugal (www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/valores). The payment will be made by bank transfer.

Eligibility criteria

The candidate should have an academic background in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related scientific or technological field. The candidate should demonstrate knowledge or a strong interest in one or more of the following areas: RF and microwave circuits; Antennas and resonant structures; Power amplifiers and RF signal generation; Electromagnetic simulation and circuit design; Advanced, flexible, or functional materials; Electronic instrumentation and experimental measurements. Experience with electromagnetic and electronic design tools, such as CST Studio Suite, Ansys HFSS, ADS, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent software, will be valued. Experience in RF laboratory measurements, prototype fabrication, printed circuit board design, or material characterization will also be considered an advantage. The candidate should demonstrate autonomy, analytical and problem-solving capabilities, motivation for experimental research, teamwork skills, and a good command of written and spoken English.

Selection process

Selection criteria:

• Academic qualifications and curriculum — 35%
  Assessment of the candidate’s academic background, academic performance, technical competencies, scientific curriculum, and relevance of their qualifications to the objectives of the ASTROSWEEP project.
• Previous work in the field — 25%
  Assessment of previous research, professional experience, academic projects, publications, dissertations, prototypes, or technical activities related to wireless power transfer, RF energy harvesting, antennas, microwave circuits, RF-to-DC converters, power amplifiers, advanced materials, or related areas.
• Motivation letter — 40%
  Assessment of the candidate’s motivation, understanding of the ASTROSWEEP project objectives, interest in the proposed research activities, suitability of their technical interests to the work plan, and alignment of their academic and professional goals with the project.

Jury:

Prof. Dr. Nuno Carvalho
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Figueiredo
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Torres
Prof. Dr. Arnaldo Oliveira (substitute)

Communication of the results: The selected candidates will be notified by email.

Additional comments

Applicable legislation: A fellowship will be celebrated according to the regulations defined by FCT, “Regulation of Instituto de Telecomunicações’ fellowships” and “Estatuto do Bolseiro de Investigação”, according to Law no. 123/2019, dated August 28 (Status of Scientific Research Fellow), in its actual redaction, and also by Fundação para Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P. Fellowship Regulation of Fundação para Ciência e Tecnologia. For direct access to the FCT RBI go to the following link https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/regulamento.phtml.pt (Reg. 950/2019, published in the DR of 16 December).

Website for additional job details: https://www.it.pt/Positions/OtherResearchPosition/8405

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 1
• Company/Institute: Instituto de Telecomunicações - Polo Aveiro
• Country: Portugal
• State/Province: Aveiro
• City: Aveiro
• Postal Code: 3810-193
• Street: Campus Universitário de Santiago

Contact

• State/Province: Aveiro
• City: Aveiro
• Website: https://it.pt/
• Street: Campus Universitário
• Postal Code: 3810-193
• E-Mail: giiartioli@av.it.pt