There is an open call for two (2) Research Scholarships (“Bolsas de Investigação”) at Instituto de Telecomunicações, in the scope of project AeroSpectrum. 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 AeroSpectrum with Nr. 26033 (COMPETE2030-FEDER-03239800)].
Scientific Area:
Wireless Technologies
Group:
Radio Systems – Av
Admission 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.
The candidate should have an academic background in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related scientific field. The preferred candidate should demonstrate knowledge or a strong interest in radio-frequency systems, wireless communications, electromagnetic spectrum monitoring, digital signal processing, software-defined radio, embedded systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and artificial intelligence. Experience in programming, laboratory instrumentation, RF measurements, antenna systems, or the integration of electronic payloads into UAV platforms will be considered an advantage. The candidate should also demonstrate autonomy, problem-solving capabilities, teamwork skills, and good written and spoken English.
Work Objectives:
The work will focus on the development and experimental validation of an airborne electromagnetic spectrum-monitoring platform. The main objectives are: To specify the technical and operational requirements of the AeroSpectrum platform. To develop and integrate an RF sensing payload based on software-defined radio technology. To design signal-acquisition, processing, and spectrum-analysis algorithms. To investigate artificial intelligence methods for signal detection, classification, and anomaly identification. To develop methods for estimating the location or direction of electromagnetic emitters. To integrate the sensing system, antennas, processing units, positioning sensors, and communication interfaces into a UAV platform. To evaluate the platform’s energy consumption, payload constraints, communication range, and operational autonomy. To conduct laboratory and field experiments in representative coastal, maritime, or aerospace scenarios. To analyse the experimental results and contribute to technical reports, scientific publications, and project demonstrations.
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).
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: September 2026 or soon thereafter.
Monthly salary:
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.
Selection criteria:
- C1 (35%)
Academic qualifications and curriculum: Assessment of the candidate’s academic background, academic performance, technical skills, and relevance of their qualifications to the project.
- C2 (25%)
Previous work in the field: Assessment of previous research, professional experience, projects, publications, or technical activities related to RF systems, spectrum monitoring, software-defined radio, signal processing, UAVs, or related areas.
- C3 (40%)
Motivation letter: Assessment of the candidate’s motivation, understanding of the project objectives, interest in the proposed research activities, and alignment of their background and career goals with the AeroSpectrum project.
Candidates may be interviewed for clarification of any aspect related to the above criteria
Each criteria, and the final classification F will be evaluated in a scale (0-20). The candidates will be ordered according to:
F = C1 x 35% + C2 x 25% + C3 x 40%
In case of a tie, the tied candidates will be ordered according to C1, then C2...
The Jury has the right to not admit any of the candidates that applied for this position whenever they consider that no candidate meets the minimum requirements for the position.
Jury:
- Prof. Nuno Miguel Gonçalves Borges de Carvalho, Universidade de Aveiro (President of the jury)
- Prof. Ricardo José Coelho de Figueiredo, Instituto de Telecomunicacoes Aveiro
- Prof. Arnaldo da Silva Rodrigues de Oliveira, Universidade de Aveiro
- Prof. Fábio Daniel Lopes Coutinho, Universidade de Aveiro (Substitute)
Communication of the results:
The selected candidates will be notified by email.
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.
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
All the selection process is conducted through the IT web portal. No actions outside this platform are valid.
Application Period:
20-08-2026 to 03-09-2026
