Research Grant – LifeTech OpenQoL project (PhD Positions)

Offer Description

A call for applications is open for 1 research grant within the scope of the LifeTech OpenQoL project: An Open and Scalable Regional Platform for Promoting Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Technologies for Quality of Life (M2030-FEDER-03052900), funded by the Madeira 2030 program, under the following conditions:

I. Scientific Area: Computer Science, Interactive Media Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields.

II. Admission Requirements:

a) General Requirements:

• The candidate must hold a Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Interactive Media Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields;
• Enrollment in a doctoral program or a non-degree course. The non-degree course must be integrated into the educational project of a higher education institution, developed in association or cooperation between the higher education institution and one or more R&D units.

b) Preferred Requirements:

• Relevant prior experience in Unity 3D programming;
• Relevant prior experience in web technologies (backend and frontend);
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and basic communication in Portuguese;
• Familiarity with VR/AR, digital accessibility, or user-centered design;
• Prior experience in research or technological development projects;
• Ability to work independently and also as a member of the LifeTech Madeira team – Center for Technologies for the Quality of Life of the Population of Madeira (https://lifetech.web.uma.pt), and to be proactive;

III. Work Plan: The candidate is expected to develop their doctorate within the context of the project, contributing to the scientific and technological objectives of LifeTech - OpenQoL and integrating into the activities of the multidisciplinary team.

The implementation of the LifeTech OpenQoL operation constitutes a structured and integrated response to the constraints identified in the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM) in the fields of digital health, rehabilitation, and technologies supporting quality of life. It assumes strategic importance for the consolidation and projection of RAM as an ecosystem of excellence and innovation in digital health and technologies supporting quality of life. This operation will allow Madeira to consolidate its national and international position as a scientific and clinical reference in critical areas of aging, rehabilitation, and well-being, promoting the effective integration of scientific knowledge, clinical practice, and technological innovation. By implementing this operation, RAM acquires an operational instrument to achieve the objectives defined in the EREI RAM 2021–2027 in the areas of Health and Well-being and Digital Technologies and Industry 4.0, also encouraging the creation of new offerings in the Tourism, Culture, and Creative Industries sectors, with emphasis on health and wellness tourism, identified as an emerging area with strong development potential in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Thus, promoting a systemic and sustainable transformation of the regional health innovation ecosystem. The proposed model is based on innovation and scientific excellence, the articulation between research and clinical practice, the creation of critical mass, and the generation of real impact on the quality of life of the population, particularly in the most vulnerable segments (elderly, people with chronic diseases, caregivers).

Based on the institutional structure previously created by LifeTech Madeira, the operation foresees the creation and operation of an open platform for technological experimentation and clinical intervention, structured on four fundamental pillars:

1. Digital Health and Personalized Rehabilitation – development and validation of virtual reality and artificial intelligence systems for cognitive, motor, and cardiorespiratory rehabilitation;
2. Psychoeducational Interventions and Digital Psychosocial Support – interactive and multimodal content to promote emotional literacy, mental health, and self-care;
3. Clinical Training and Digital Simulation – creation of training environments for healthcare professionals using immersive technologies;
4. Remote Monitoring and Continuity of Care – a regional digital, open, and integrated solution for home intervention and support in populations with needs for continuous support.

IV. Applicable legislation and regulations: Research Grant Holder Statute in its current version, University of Madeira Research Grant Regulations and FCT, IP Research Grant Regulations in their current version.

V. Workplace: The work will be carried out at LifeTech Madeira of the University of Madeira, under the scientific guidance of Prof. Dr. Mônica Cameirão.

VI. Duration of the grant(s): The grant will have a duration of 12 months. The grant contract may be renewed for a maximum of 36 months, or until the end of the project.

VII. Monthly maintenance allowance: The grant amount corresponds to R$ 1359.64, according to the value table of [relevant source].Scholarships granted directly by FCT, I.P. in the country.

VIII. Funding: The scholarship granted under this competition will be funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Madeira Regional Program 2021-2027 (Madeira 2030), by Portugal 2030 and by the European Union | Operation Code: M2030-FEDER-03052900.

IX. Selection methods:

• Curriculum evaluation (60%): This will consider the motivation letter (10%), academic background and its suitability for the position (30%), and relevant previous experience (20%).
• Interview (40%)

X. Composition of the Selection Jury:

• President: Sergi Bermúdez
• Full member: Mônica Cameirão
• Full member: Luís Ferreira
• Alternate member: Felipe Quintal

XI. Method of publication/notification of results: The admission lists, as well as the results of each selection method and final ranking lists, will be published on the website of the Human Resources Unit – Scholarship Holder Center of the University of Madeira, http://urh.uma.pt/, and the candidate will be notified by email.

XII. Application deadline and method of submitting applications:

a) Applications may be submitted within 30 working days following the publication of the Notice;

b) Applications must be formalized by sending an application letter accompanied by the following documents:

• Letter of motivation;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Academic qualifications certificate;
• Proof of enrollment in a doctoral program or non-degree course.

c) Applications must be submitted in person between 9:00 am and 12:30 pm and between 2:00 pm and 5:30 pm at the Human Resources Unit – Scholarship Holder's Center of the University of Madeira, located at Colégio dos Jesuítas, Rua dos Ferreiros, 9000-081 Funchal, or by mail to the same Service and address, and also by email to nucleo.bolseiro@mail.uma.pt, addressed to the Jury President, with the scholarship reference in the subject line.

Where to apply

E-mail: nucleo.bolseiro@mail.uma.pt

Requirements

Research Field: Other

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Internal Application form(s) needed: Edital_Bolsa_informatica final.pdf – English (355.92 KB - PDF)

Work Location(s)

Company/Institute: Universidade da Madeira

Country: Portugal

Contact

State/Province: Madeira

City: Funchal

Website: https://www.uma.pt/sobre/servicos-administrativos/unidade-de-recursos-humanos-urh/bolsas/

Street: Colégio dos Jesuítas, Rua dos Ferreiros

Postal Code: 9000-082

E-Mail: nucleo.bolseiro@mail.uma.pt