Research Grant (Hybrid ML models in water supply systems) via EURAXESS

Offer Description

Reference: RG_08_DEM_TEMA_2026_CS_GilAC

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE AWARD OF RESEARCH GRANTS

A call is hereby opened for the award of one or more Research Grants (RG) under the project on the exploration of hybrid ML models in water supply systems, reference X-AI-WSS, of the Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation (TEMA) of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Aveiro, under the following conditions:

1. Scientific Area: Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics and Applications, and related fields.

2. Source of Funding: Own revenue: 2.30.400.20.10 – COOPERATION WITH SOCIETY – A. GIL ANDRADE CAMPOS.

3. Admission Requirements:

3.1. Holder of a Master’s degree enrolled in a non-degree awarding course integrated into the educational project of the University of Aveiro.

3.2. Holder of a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Sustainable Energy Systems, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or related fields.

Proof of enrolment/registration must be provided by the time of contract signing. Candidates may submit a sworn statement declaring that they meet the requirements for enrolment in an integrated Master’s, Master’s, Doctoral programme, or a non-degree awarding course.

If the qualification was awarded by a foreign higher education institution, it must be recognised by a Portuguese higher education institution, in accordance with Article 25 of Decree-Law No. 66/2018 of 16 August, which approves the legal framework for the recognition of academic degrees and higher education diplomas awarded by foreign higher education institutions, and paragraph (e) of No. 2 of Article 4 of Decree-Law No. 60/2018 of 3 August. All formalities established therein must be completed by the date of contract signing.

4. Other Requirements:
Minimum final Master’s degree average of 12 out of 20; advanced knowledge of English; advanced knowledge of Portuguese; and possession of a scientific and professional curriculum demonstrating a profile suitable for the activities to be carried out.

5. Eligibility:
Eligible candidates are those who comply with the provisions of paragraph (a) of No. 1 of Article 2 of the Research Grant Holder Statute, as amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019 of 28 August, and with Article 9 of the Regulations for Scientific Research Grants of the University of Aveiro.

6. Work Plan:
The main objective of this work is to implement a GPT/chatbot-type system using the API, based on the OpenAI GPT-4 model, together with an engineering analytics platform. In this way, customised AI agents—commonly referred to as chatbots—will be created and configured to respond to specific needs, such as information management support or service provision. This functionality promotes a more contextualised, efficient and collaborative use of artificial intelligence, fostering new ways of informing and working. The system will be applied to: (i) a decision-support system for water system managers; and (ii) an informational website for students.

7. Applicable Legislation and Regulations:
Research Grant Holder Statute, as amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019 of 28 August; Regulations for Scientific Research Grants of the University of Aveiro, Regulation No. 292/2020, published in Diário da República No. 61, Series II, of 26 March; Decree-Law No. 66/2018 of 16 August (legal framework for the recognition of academic degrees and higher education diplomas awarded by foreign higher education institutions).

8. Place of Work:
The work will be carried out at the Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Aveiro, under the scientific supervision of Professor/Doctor António Gil Andrade Campos.

9. Duration of the Grant(s):
The grant will have a duration of 3 months, with an expected start in March 2026, and may be renewed for additional 3-month periods up to the maximum limit of the approved funding. Under no circumstances may it exceed the limits defined in Nos. 5 and 6 of Article 9 of Regulation No. 292/2020 of 28 February, published in Diário da República No. 61, Series II, of 26 March (Regulations for Scientific Research Grants of the University of Aveiro).

10. Monthly Maintenance Allowance:
The grant amount corresponds to €1,309.64, in accordance with the table of monthly maintenance allowances set out in Annex III of the Regulations for Scientific Research Grants of the University of Aveiro. This amount is subject to any applicable updates. The grant holder may also be reimbursed for the amount corresponding to Voluntary Social Insurance, should they opt into this scheme.

11. Selection Methods:
The selection methods to be used are as follows: curriculum evaluation, assessing the following criteria:
(1) Academic qualifications and respective final average (40%);
(2) Proven knowledge in the areas of hydraulic water supply systems, development of software for engineering and optimisation applications, and machine learning methods (30%);
(3) Experience in research activities within the scientific area of the application (30%), with respective weightings of 40%, 30%, and 30%.

If necessary, interviews may be conducted to verify candidates’ merit. Candidates ranked below 12 out of 20 and with no knowledge in the scientific area of the application will be excluded. An intention to pursue doctoral studies will be valued.

12. Composition of the Selection Panel:
The selection panel will be composed of the Chair, Doctor António Gil d’Orey de Andrade-Campos, Full Professor; Members: Doctor Ana Luísa Oliveira Reis, Researcher; Doctor Pedro André Dias Prates, Assistant Professor; Substitute Members: Doctor João Alexandre Dias de Oliveira, Assistant Professor; and Doctor Robertt Angelo Fontes Valente, Associate Professor.

13. Application Deadline and Submission Procedure:
The call is open from 26 January to 6 February 2026, and only applications submitted within this period will be accepted.

Applications must be submitted by email and must include a cover letter accompanied by the following documents: Curriculum Vitae, academic certificates, sworn statement, and any other supporting documents deemed relevant to meeting the required criteria. Applicants must also indicate an email address to which they agree to be notified for all purposes under this procedure.

Applications must be sent by email to dem.bolsas@ua.pt by the end of the deadline, with the subject line “BI_08_DEM_TEMA_2026_CS_GilAC”. Additionally, candidates are requested to send scanned copies of the documents to Professor Doctor António Gil Andrade Campos at gilac@ua.pt.

14. Publication/Notification of Results:
The results of the evaluation will be disclosed within a maximum of 60 working days from the end of the application period, by notification to the candidates. Under the terms of the prior hearing procedure established in the Administrative Procedure Code, candidates will be informed of the likely outcome of the final decision and may submit comments within 10 working days from the date of notification. An appeal against the final results may be submitted to the Rector within 10 working days from the respective notification.

15. Validity of the Call:
The final ranking list of candidates will be valid until 30 June 2026, for the purpose of establishing a reserve selection list.

The grant contract templates and final report templates to be prepared by the grant holder and the supervisor can be consulted at
bolseiros – sgrh – University of Aveiro (ua.pt).

Where to apply

E-mail: dem.bolsas@ua.pt

Additional Information

Website for additional job details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/detail.asp?c=94450