Organisation/Company Maiêutica - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, C.R.L. Department University of Maia Research Field Computer science » Informatics Computer science » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Other Positions Country Portugal Application Deadline 18 Jun 2025 - 18:00 (Europe/London) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Aug 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 2024.07619.IACDC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
AWARD OF 2 (TWO) RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS (BI) AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAIA
BI_LOSS-J_2025-06
A call is now open for the award of two Research Fellowships (BI), hereinafter referred to as Research Fellowship (BI), under the Research Fellowship Holder Statute, under the following conditions:
1. FUNDING
The Research Fellowship (BI) is funded by the FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, within the scope of the FCT Project LOSS-J – Locate, Organize, Summarize, Suggest, and Justify (2024.07619.IACDC). The research plan outlines a structured approach to developing a software program that combines LLM, RAG, and graph technologies for handling PDF documents. The goal is to create a solution that effectively answers user queries, provides justifications from documents, and visually represents the relationships between document excerpts and query results. This project has the potential to significantly enhance the querying and visualization of information from PDF documents, demonstrating the practical application of advanced NLP and graph-based technologies.
2. SCIENTIFIC AREA
Computer Science and Information Science
3. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF THE CANDIDATE
3.1. Eligible applicants include:
a. National citizens or citizens of other European Union Member States;
b. Citizens of third-party states;
c. Stateless persons;
d. Citizens holding political refugee status.
3.2. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
a. Be enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or Information Science, or conducting research relevant to these scientific fields;
b. Hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science or Information Science and be enrolled in a non-degree granting program (CNCG);
c. Be enrolled in a Master’s program in Computer Science or Information Science.
3.3. Preference will be given to candidates who:
a. Demonstrate proficiency in English (proven by certificates, published work in English, or capacity to conduct a conversation in English);
b. Have previous experience in research activities in relevant areas such as machine learning, LLMs (large language models), RAG (retrieval-augmented generation), graph networks, or related fields;
c. Show interest in and suitability for research work in the LOSS-J Project’s areas (LLMs, RAG, graph networks, etc.).
4. WORK PLAN
The Research Fellowship (BI) holder will undertake the following activities:
a. Conduct a systematic literature review on “LLM-powered RAG” and graph networks over text;
b. Develop a process for refining text in PDF documents;
c. Implement a solution using an LLM for reasoning and general knowledge, combined with RAG for incorporating domain-specific documents, and graphs for representing relationships between document sections;
d. Implement query functionality and user interface, including packaging and deployment;
e. Participate in team meetings and report writing;
f. Draft scientific papers;
g. Participate in dissemination activities related to the research outcomes.
5. FELLOWSHIP DURATION
The Research Fellowship (BI) will be awarded on an exclusive basis for a duration of six (6) months, expected to start on August 1st, 2025, with the possibility of extension subject to request and prior authorization by the competent bodies.
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7. APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS
The call is governed by this Opening Notice, the FCT Research Grant Regulations, approved by Regulation No. 950/2019, published in Series II of the Portuguese Official Gazette on December 16, 2019, by the Research Fellowship Holder Statute, approved by Law No. 40/2004 of August 18, in its current version, and by all other applicable national and European legislation.
8. PLACE OF WORK
The work will be carried out at the facilities of LIACC – Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, either at the University of Porto or the University of Maia, under the scientific supervision of Dr. José Paulo Marques dos Santos, principal investigator of this project. However, for reasons related to the achievement of the objectives of the Work Plan and the Project, the right is reserved to appoint other Scientific Supervisors and potential Co-supervisors from LIACC.
Where to apply
E-mail projetos@maieutica.pt
Requirements
Research Field Computer science » Informatics Education Level PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
3.2. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
a. Be enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or Information Science, or conducting research relevant to these scientific fields;
b. Hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science or Information Science and be enrolled in a non-degree granting program (CNCG);
c. Be enrolled in a Master’s program in Computer Science or Information Science.
Specific Requirements
3.3. The research grant will preferably be awarded to candidates who demonstrate:
a. Demonstrate proficiency in English (proven by certificates, published work in English, or capacity to conduct a conversation in English);
b. Have previous experience in research activities in relevant areas such as machine learning, LLMs (large language models), RAG (retrieval-augmented generation), graph networks, or related fields;
c. Show interest in and suitability for research work in the LOSS-J Project’s areas (LLMs, RAG, graph networks, etc.).
Languages PORTUGUESE Level Mother Tongue
Languages ENGLISH Level Good
Research Field Computer science » Informatics
Additional Information
6. FELLOWSHIP COMPONENTS, FORM, AND FREQUENCY OF PAYMENT
6.1. For categories a. and b. in point 3.2, the monthly Research Fellowship (BI) amount is €1,309.64; for category c., the amount is €1,040.98, according to the FCT’s official monthly stipend table (https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tabela_valores_SMM_2025.pdf ).
6.2. Payments are made monthly by bank transfer.
6.3. All fellows benefit from personal accident insurance, funded by FCT.
6.4. Fellows not covered by any social protection regime may voluntarily subscribe to the voluntary social insurance scheme, with FCT covering the related contributions as per Article 10 of the Research Fellowship Holder Statute.
Eligibility criteria
3. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF THE CANDIDATE
3.1. Eligible applicants include:
a. National citizens or citizens of other European Union Member States;
b. Citizens of third-party states;
c. Stateless persons;
d. Citizens holding political refugee status.
3.2. Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
a. Be enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or Information Science, or conducting research relevant to these scientific fields;
b. Hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science or Information Science and be enrolled in a non-degree granting program (CNCG);
c. Be enrolled in a Master’s program in Computer Science or Information Science.
Selection process
9. SELECTION METHODS
9.1. The selection will be based on Curriculum Evaluation (60%) and an Interview (40%).
9.2. Curriculum Evaluation (60%) considers:
a. Academic qualifications (40%): 20 points for case a., 15 points for case b., 10 points for case c.;
b. Professional background (20%);
c. Motivation letter detailing the applicant’s academic and/or professional background (40%).
9.3. Scores will be given on a 0–20 scale, rounded to two decimal places. The average of the jury’s scores will determine the candidate’s result.
9.4. Interview (40%) evaluates:
a. Candidate motivation (15%);
b. Overall assessment of relevant skills and profile suitability (85%).
9.5. Interview scores are also given on a 0–20 scale.
9.6. Candidates will be ranked based on their final score. In the event of a tie, the Chair has the casting vote.
9.7. The jury reserves the right not to award any Research Fellowship (BI) if none of the candidates meet the required profile.
10. SELECTION COMMITTEE
* Dr. Alexandre Sousa (University of Maia – Member)
Additional comments
***THIS INFORMATION DOES NOT REPLACE THE FULL READING OF THE CALL FOR APLICATION***
11. APPLICATION PERIOD AND SUBMISSION
11.1. The call is open from June 4 to June 18, 2025.
11.2. Applications must be submitted via email to projetos@maieutica.pt, with CC to conselhogestao@umaia.pt, including “Research Fellowship BI_LOSS-J_2025-06” in the subject line.
11.3. Applications must include:
a. Proof of academic qualifications;
b. Curriculum vitae;
c. Motivation letter addressed to the jury, detailing academic/professional background, reasons for applying, and alignment with the work plan in section 4;
d. Declaration on honor confirming exclusive commitment to the work plan;
e. Other relevant supporting documents.
11.4. Eligible candidates will be interviewed (online) on June 20, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
12. REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDING THE FELLOWSHIP
12.1. The following documents are required to formalize the contract:
a. Proof of identification (civil, tax, and, if applicable, social security);
b. Degree certificates;
c. Proof of enrollment in the relevant academic program (PhD or Master’s);
d. Supervisor’s declaration accepting responsibility for supervising the work plan (FCT template provided);
e. Work plan.
12.2. The award is conditional upon:
a. Fulfillment of all requirements in this call;
b. Positive evaluation outcome;
c. No unjustified breaches of obligations in any previous FCT-funded fellowship.
12.3. Failure to submit required documentation within the deadline will result in cancellation of the award.
13. RESULTS AND NOTIFICATION
13.1. Evaluation results will be posted on the University of Maia’s website (www.umaia.pt ) within 10 business days after the application deadline. Applicants will also be notified via email for a prior hearing. They will have 10 business days to respond. In the absence of a response, the decision becomes final.
13.2. If comments are received, the final decision will be communicated within 10 business days.
13.3. Candidates may appeal within 10 business days, or submit a formal complaint to the FCT within 30 business days of the final decision, as per Article 12 of the FCT Research Fellowship Regulation.
13.4. This Notice is published on the EURAXESS portal.
14. FUNDING DISCLOSURE
14.1. All R&D activities funded directly or indirectly by this Research Fellowship (BI) must acknowledge FCT financial support.
14.2. FCT logos must be used on all related documents, following the applicable graphic standards.
14.3. Research outputs funded under this Research Fellowship (BI) must comply with FCT open access policies.
14.4. National and EU entities may carry out monitoring and control actions, including surveys and evaluation studies, even after the fellowship ends. Fellows must cooperate and provide requested information.
15. PERSONAL DATA
15.1. The entity responsible for processing applicants’ personal data is Maiêutica – Cooperative for Higher Education, C.R.L.
15.2. Maiêutica ensures the responsible handling and protection of personal data, using appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized access or breaches.
15.3. Data will not be shared with third parties unless legally required.
15.4. Personal data will be retained for up to six (6) months after the legal and regulatory retention period ends for the project.
15.5. Candidates may contact dpo@maieutica.pt at any time to update their personal data.
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