Offer Description
A call is open for the allocation of 1 (one) research fellowship for a master, PhD student, within the Research Project entitled “HIDROPON.IA”, funded by COMPETE 2030 Programme thought of the Portugal 2030 and the European Union, taking place at the Computer Science Departament of the University of Beira Interior, under the following conditions:
Research Field: Computer Science
Objectives:
This activity focuses on the design, development, and laboratory-scale validation of the individual AI-assisted components that comprise the platform modules—where the digital twin is hosted—for managing hydroponic crops. These modules include crop profiles, customized growth plans, irrigation and nutrient management systems, as well as the integration of telemetry from the collected data with official record-keeping models such as the field logbook.
Work plan:
- Project and development of an AI-supported irrigation-management system for hydroponic crops: Design and build an AI-assisted irrigation-management system for hydroponic production. The system will integrate real-time sensor data—such as crop humidity, temperature and electrical conductivity—to generate predictions and adjust irrigation rates to each crop’s specific needs. External factors like weather conditions will also be considered to optimise water-use efficiency, ensure healthy growth, boost productivity and cut resource waste.
- Project and development of an AI-assisted fertigation (nutrient-management) system for hydroponic crops: Develop and design an AI-supported nutrient-management system for hydroponic crops. The system will rely on real-time sensor data—pH, electrical conductivity and nutrient concentration in the solution—to continually adjust nutrient dosing in line with each crop’s requirements. It will also be able to anticipate nutrient imbalances and respond dynamically, ensuring proper, healthy growth while maximising resource efficiency and minimising environmental impact.
Applicable legislation and regulations:
Research Fellowship Holder Statute, approved by Law No. 40/2004, of 18 August, in its current wording (amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019, of 28 August); Regulation for Research Studentships and Fellowships of the Foundation for Science and Technology (Regulation No. 950/2019) published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, No. 241, 16 December 2019; Regulation for Research Fellowships of the University of Beira Interior – RBIUBI (Regulation No. 100/2020) published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, n.º 27, 7 February 2020.
Work location:
The work will be developed at the HULTIG, Computer Science Department under the scientific supervision of Doctor Sebastião Pais (sebastiao@ubi.pt).
Fellowship duration and conditions:
The fellowship is open for 12 months, expected to start on July 2025. The activity is in the regime of exclusive dedication in accordance with the RBIUBI. The fellowship may be renewed for a period of 12 months, not exceeding 24 months, nor end of the project.
Selection Committee:
Applications will be assessed by a panel as follows:
President: Doctor Sebastião Pais
Vowels: Doctor Nuno Pombo and Doctor João Paulo Cordeiro
11. Documents for application:
The candidates should present:
. Motivation letter;
. Detailed Curriculum Vitae;
. Certificate of completion of the previous degree;
. Other documents considered relevant;
. Declaration of honor from the candidate stating that he/she meets the conditions for being awarded the scholarship BI according to Article 6 of the RBIUBI.
Receipt of applications:
Applications should be addressed to Doctor Sebastião Pais, Researcher Responsible for the Project, to email sebastiao@ubi.pt, with the subject “HIDROPON.IA_MSc3 – Application”.
Publication/notification of results:
The final results of the evaluation process will be published in a sorted list, by the final classification obtained, and posted in a visible and public place of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Beira Interior. The candidate(s) will be notified of the decision by e-mail.
Where to apply
E-mail: sebastiao@ubi.pt
Requirements
Research FieldComputer science » InformaticsEducation LevelMaster Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
– Hold a Master’s degree in the scientific field of Computer Science and meet the requirements to enrol in a study cycle leading to a doctoral degree.
The proof of enrolment in the 3rd cycle of studies must be provided, without exception, before the scholarship contract is signed.LanguagesENGLISHLevelGood
Additional Information
Benefits
A monthly maintenance allowance will be granted in accordance with the Annex I of the RBIUBI, with the amount of 1.309,64 € according to the updated values that can be consulted at https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tabela_valores_SMM_2025.pdf.
The fellowship holder will have a personal accident insurance and can choose to be covered by the voluntary social insurance. These values will be added to the amount of monthly maintenance allowance.
Eligibility criteria
– Hold a Master’s degree in the scientific field of Computer Science and meet the requirements to enrol in a study cycle leading to a doctoral degree.
The proof of enrolment in the 3rd cycle of studies must be provided, without exception, before the scholarship contract is signed.
Selection process
The selection process will comprise two assessment stages:
- 1st stage – Curriculum evaluation;
- 2nd stage – Interview, which may be conducted by videoconference
The 1st-stage assessment uses the following criteria: Curriculum Vitae/Academic record (45%); alignment of the candidate’s profile with the project based on relevant experience in the tasks described in the work plan (45%); fluency in spoken and written English (10%).
The three candidates with the highest scores after the 1st stage will advance to the 2nd stage.
In the final ranking, each stage will carry equal weight (50 %).
Additional comments
Applicable legislation and regulations:
Research Fellowship Holder Statute, approved by Law No. 40/2004, of 18 August, in its current wording (amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019, of 28 August); Regulation for Research Studentships and Fellowships of the Foundation for Science and Technology (Regulation No. 950/2019) published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, No. 241, 16 December 2019; Regulation for Research Fellowships of the University of Beira Interior – RBIUBI (Regulation No. 100/2020) published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, n.º 27, 7 February 2020.
Applicable legislation and regulations:
Research Fellowship Holder Statute, approved by Law No. 40/2004, of 18 August, in its current wording (amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019, of 28 August); Regulation for Research Studentships and Fellowships of the Foundation for Science and Technology (Regulation No. 950/2019) published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, No. 241, 16 December 2019; Regulation for Research Fellowships of the University of Beira Interior – RBIUBI (Regulation No. 100/2020) published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, n.º 27, 7 February 2020.
