Master Research Grant in Production Engineering or related fields

through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

Bearing in mind Regulation No. 437/2020 on Research Grants of the Polytechnic University of Setúbal (UNIPS), published in the 2nd series of the Official Gazette No. 83, of April 28, it is made public that, by order of 29-07-2026 from the Dean of the UNIPS, a competition is open for the award of a Master Research Grant aimed for carrying out R&D activities for candidates enrolled in a Master Degree, in the area of Production Engineering or related fields, within the scope of the Strapshell project - advancing oyster cultivation through sustainable tape systems, funded by IFAP/MAR2030- MAR-021.1.1-FEMPA-10029, with the period for receiving applications from 31-08-2026 to 11-09-2026, in accordance with the following conditions:

1. Duration of the Scholarship - The grant is valid for 12 months and may be renewed until December 31, 2027, the final date for completion of the respective project.
2. Recipients - The scholarship is intended for candidates with the following profile:
   • Students enrolled on a master's degree in production engineering or related fields. Note: At the time of hiring, the selected candidate must provide proof of enrollment for the 2026/2027 academic year.
   • Knowledge of technical drawing and 3D modelling.
   • A sense of responsibility and the ability to communicate and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
3. Financial component - According to the Table, contained in Annex I to the FCT Scholarship Regulation, approved by Regulation No. 950/2019, published in the Diário da República, 2nd series of December 16 (updated version), the value of the Scholarship corresponds to € 1090,98 being paid monthly, by bank transfer.
4. Workplace - The work will be carried out on an exclusive basis at the Setúbal School of Technology, part of the Setúbal University Institute (ESTSetúbal/UNIPS), and at the company Marvelous Wave, Lda/Aquanostra, under the scientific supervision of Visiting Adjunct Professor, Susana Cravo.
5. Activity plan - The candidate will carry out duties within the grant project in which UNIPS is participating and carry out activities in the following areas:
   • Design of the gate drive mechanism for the automation of the hydraulic system.
   • Supervision of the assembly of the support structure.
   • Automation of the hydraulic gate systems.
   • Testing, validation and calibration of the hydraulic gate system.
   • Project report.
6. Assessment and ranking criteria: Assessment of Academic Qualifications and Motivation Letter (scored out of 15)
   • a) Academic Qualifications (weighting 0,30) - Maximum 15 values
     • Enrolment in a master's degree in production engineering or related areas - 15 values
     • Enrolment in a master's degree in mechanical engineering or related fields - 10 values
   • b) Assessment of knowledge of digital transformation as applied to the project area (weighting 0,20) - Maximum 15 values
     • With knowledge and experience in 3D modeling and technical drawing - 15 values
     • With knowledge of 3D modeling and technical drawing - 10 values
     • Without knowledge of 3D modeling and technical drawing - 0 values
   • c) General analysis of the Curriculum Vitae (weighting 0,30) - Maximum 15 values
     • Very good - 15 values
     • Good - 10 values
     • Satisfies - 5 values
     • Does not satisfy - 0 values
   • d) General analysis of the Motivation Letter (weighting 0,20) - Maximum 15 values
     • Very good (highlights motivational factors related to the activities to be performed as a fellow, which are appropriately aligned with the role) - 15 values
     • Good - 10 values
     • Satisfies - 5 values
     • Does not satisfy - 0 values
7. Selection Interview (0-5 value scale). The interview includes four evaluation criteria, and the final score is calculated using the following formula: E = MI + CTT + SC + EFV
   • Motivation and Interest (MI)
   • Theoretical and Technical Knowledge (CTT)
   • Critical Thinking (SC)
   • Verbal Expression and Fluency (EFV)
   Each parameter is scored from 0 to 1.25 points, based on the candidate's demonstration of competence or behavior. When provided for in the competition notice, the interview is a compulsory and eliminatory selection method.
8. Each candidate's score will be calculated by adding the scores obtained from the CURRICULUM EVALUATION_MOTIVATION LETTER, and the SELECTION INTERVIEW.
9. Each candidate's score will be calculated by adding the scores obtained through the selection methods specified in the previous section, and the ranking of candidates will be expressed on a scale of 0 to 20 points, rounded to the nearest tenth.
10. To be approved, the candidate must achieve a minimum total score of 9.5 points and must have obtained at least half of the maximum possible score in Curriculum Assessment method.
11. In the event of a tie, the tiebreaker will be the candidate who achieved the higher score in the Interview component.
12. Based on the final ranking list, a recruitment reserve will be established, which will be used for the eventual hiring of successful candidates if those ranked in positions eligible for hiring withdraw.
13. Application documents - The application must be accompanied by the following documentation:
    • Letter of motivation addressed to the Dean of the UNIPS;
    • Candidacy form (signed);
    • Detailed CV;
    • Certificates of qualifications for academic degrees held;
    • Proof of enrollment for the 2026/2027 academic year, for the course and degree attended at a Portuguese Higher Education Institution, issued by the respective academic services;
    • Documents relating to residence in Portugal (for applicants who are not citizens of Portugal or another European Union Member State).
14. How to submit your application - The application must be made by filling out the standard form, available on the UNIPS website, at www.unips.pt, and sent to bolsas.investigacao.dgp@ips.pt or through the address, Campus do IPS, Estefanilha, 2910 761 Setúbal, until the application deadline.
15. The jury is made up of:
    • President: Doctor Afonso Manuel da Costa de Sousa Leite, Adjunct Professor at the ESTSetúbal/UNIPS
    • Effective vowels: Doctor Valdemar Rebelo Duarte, Adjunct Professor at the ESTSetúbal/UNIPS; Doctor Ana Luísa Lopes Antunes, Adjunct Professor at the ESTSetúbal/UNIPS
    • Substitute members: Doctor Pedro Miguel Palma Rendas, Visiting Adjunct Professor at the ESTSetúbal/UNIPS; Doctor João Pedro Ribeiro Marques, Visiting Adjunct Professor at the ESTSetúbal/UNIPS
16. Applicable legislation and regulations - The scholarship is awarded under Law No. 40/2004 of August 18, in its updated version (Statute of the Scientific Research Fellow) and Regulation of Scholarships and Research of the Foundation for Science and Technology, available for consultation at https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/regulamento.phtml.pt.

Where to apply

E-mail: bolsas.investigacao.dgp@ips.pt

Requirements

Research Field: Engineering

Education Level: Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications: Knowledge of technical drawing and 3D modelling

Specific Requirements:

• Students enrolled on a master's degree in production engineering or related fields. Note: At the time of hiring, the selected candidate must provide proof of enrollment for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Internal Application form(s) needed: Form.Candidatura_Bolsas_Investigacao_UNIPS.pdf (English, 399.61 KB - PDF)

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal

Country: Portugal

State/Province: Portugal

City: Setúbal

Postal Code: 2910-761

Street: Estrada Vale de Chaves-Campus do IPS

Contact

State/Province: Setúbal

City: Setúbal

Website: https://www.unips.pt

Street: Campus do UNIPS-Estefanilha

Postal Code: 2910-761

E-Mail: bolsas.investigacao.dgp@ips.pt