Organisation/Company: Universidade de Coimbra
Department: Divisão de Projetos e Atividades (Bolsas)
Research Field: Computer science, Biological sciences
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: Undergraduate Positions
Country: Portugal
Application Deadline: 5 May 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 35
Offer Starting Date: 16 Apr 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? NextGenerationEU
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Call for Research Initiation Grant
The University of Coimbra opens a call for the assignment of a research initiation grant, with one position, within the scope of the project 2024.07359.IACDC/2024, title INEPTITUDE - AI and NMR Spectroscopy for Product Authentication in Agricultural and Food Biotechnology.
This call is governed by this Announcement, the Research Grants Regulation of the University of Coimbra (RBI-UC), supplemented by the Research Grants Regulation of the Foundation for Science and Technology (RBI-FCT), the Research Grant Holder Statute (EBI), the Rules for the Attribution and Management of Grants within the scope of R&D Projects, the Code of Administrative Procedure (CPA), all in their current wording, and other applicable national and EU legislation.
Procedure Reference: IT137-25-164
I - Legal admission requirements
I.I - Grant Recipients:
Student enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree in Biological chemistry or Computer Science, with a view to beginning their scientific training through integration in R&D Projects.
I.II - Ineligible candidates:
Candidates who have previously received any research grants under the terms of the EBI are not eligible.
I.IV - Eligibility:
The following are eligible for the grant(s), provided they meet the requirements outlined above:
1. Portuguese nationals or nationals of other EU Member States
2. Nationals of third countries
3. Stateless persons
4. Beneficiaries of political refugee status
When the work plan takes place, in whole or in part, in foreign institutions, only candidates who can prove permanent and habitual residence in Portugal at the start of the grant are eligible.
II - Grant location: CQC-FCTUC
III - Scientific supervision/coordination of the grant: Ângelo Miguel Mendes Pinto de Figueiredo, Rui Manuel Pontes Meireles Ferreira de Brito, Maria João Pedrosa Ferreira Moreno Silvestre.
IV - Work Plan / Goals to be achieved:
Development of research work in the field of biological chemistry and computer science for the identification of molecular biomarkers for food authenticity using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Solutions and techniques based on Artificial Intelligence (Deep and Machine Learning) will be developed for the identification and specification of different botanical or geographical origins. In terms of food safety and authenticity, models will be designed to improve efficiency in the molecular identification of food adulteration or deterioration based on these biomarkers.
In light of this, the following tasks are expected to be carried out:
1. Molecular characterisation and validation tests for food biomarkers
2. Preparation and acquisition of NMR data
3. Participation in the publication of scientific articles, as well as in congresses
V - Initial grant duration:
8 months
V.I - Renewal Possibility:
Non-renewable
VI - Funding and financial conditions of the grant
VI.I - Monthly grant amount:
651.12€ (paid by bank transfer at the end of each month)
VI.II - Other financial components of the grant:
NA
VI.III - Social security:
Voluntary social security (SSV) is included when the grant has a duration of six months or more, corresponding to the first level, if the candidate opts for it, as well as mandatory personal accident insurance.
VI.IV - Funding:
The grant(s) assigned under this call will be funded by Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência (PRR) financed by the European Union - NextGenerationEU.
VII - Selection Methods:
Evaluation of the academic record (AR).
VII.I - AR - Curriculum evaluation:
The curriculum evaluation considers the candidates' academic and professional achievements based on the following weights and criteria:
1. Criterion 1 - Absolute merit of curriculum vitae
2. Criterion 2 – Academic knowledge
3. Criterion 3 – Specific knowledge related to the work plan
4. Criterion 4 - Academic background
5. Criterion 5 – The grades obtained in the subjects relevant to the type of fellowship
6. Criterion 6 – Knowledge of foreign languages, particularly English
7. Criterion 7 – Scientific dissemination actions
VII.II- Criteria evaluation:
Criteria evaluation and final classification are determined on a scale of 0 to 100.
VII.III - All candidates:
All candidates who meet the admission requirements are subject to the academic record evaluation.
VII.IV - Exclusion criteria:
Candidates who score below 50 in any selection method will be excluded.
VIII - Application Submission:
Candidates must access and register on the electronic platform https://apply.uc.pt/ to submit their application.
VIII.I- Mandatory documents to attach:
1. Curriculum Vitae, duly updated, dated, and signed;
2. Copy of academic degree certificates.
VIII.II- Other documents to attach:
1. Any other elements the candidate considers relevant.
2. Proof of enrolment – Bachelor's Degree
3. Proof of enrolment – Master Degree
4. Motivation Letter
VIII.III - Application documents:
All application documents must be submitted in Portuguese and/or English.
IX – Application deadline:
16/04/2025 to 05/05/2025
X - Activity Regime:
The grant does not create or constitute a legal-labor relationship.
XI - Notification of Candidates:
All notifications will be made through the electronic platform Apply UC.
XII - Comments and complaints:
Candidates may submit comments regarding the jury's decisions within 10 business days.
XIII - Selected candidates:
Selected candidates must declare in writing their acceptance of the grant within five business days of notification.
XIV - Full competition process:
The full competition process can be consulted by candidates, subject to prior scheduling.
XVI - Equal opportunities policy:
The University of Coimbra promotes a policy of equal opportunities between men and women.
XVII- Annual activity reports:
The grantee must submit annual activity reports for each renewal and at the end of the grant contract.
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