Scientific Research Fellowship (BI) 097/2026

Unist; Faro; Hybrid; EUR 13,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Algarve invites applications for a first-stage research grant under the MInA project in Mathematics to develop an intelligent system for monitoring water consumption using data from smart meters and applying statistical and machine-learning methods. The grant lasts 6 months, starting February 2027, with potential renewal until 31/12/2027.

Evaluation combines curricular assessment (80%) and an interview (20%).

Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, preferably in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, or related scientific field.
• Experience in programming, data processing and analysis, and machine learning will be considered preferential factors.
• Previous research experience in a relevant field will be valued.

Skills

Programming

Data processing

Data analysis

Machine learning

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

Organisation/Company University of Algarve Research Field Mathematics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Bachelor Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Country Portugal Type of Contract Not Applicable Job Status Not Applicable Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? European Union / Next Generation EU Reference Number ALGARVE-FEDER-03866300 - MInA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

NOTICE NO. 97/2026

COMPETITION FOR THE AWARD OF A GRANT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE RESEARCH GRANT REGULATIONS OFUALG

Scientific Area: Mathematics.

• Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, preferably in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related scientific field. Previous research experience in a relevant field will be valued. Training and/or experience in programming, data processing and analysis, and machine learning will be considered preferential factors.

Taking into account paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 6 of the Research Grants Regulations of the Foundation for Science and Technology or paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 5 of the University of the Algarve’s Research Fellowship Regulations:

“1. Research grants, hereinafter referred to as BI, are intended for R&D activities by students enrolled in an integrated master's degree, a master's degree or a doctorate, with a view to consolidating their scientific training through the development of research work leading to the award of the respective academic degree, whether or not integrated into R&D projects.

2. The scholarships referred to in this article may also be intended for the performance of R&D activities by graduates or masters enrolled in non‑degree courses integrated into the educational project of a higher education institution, developed in association or cooperation with one or more R&D units.”

Project Objectives: The MInA project aims to develop and validate an intelligent system for monitoring and forecasting water consumption, based on data from smart meters and using statistical and machine‑learning methods. The project will collect, structure and analyse consumption data, characterise usage patterns, identify anomalies, leaks and water losses, and develop demand forecasting models. The results will contribute to the development of digital decision‑support tools, promoting more efficient, sustainable and resilient water resources management.

Workplace: The work will be carried out at Departement of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Algarve, under the scientific supervision of Professor Clara Maria Henrique Cordeiro.

• Duration of grant(s): The grant will last6months, with the start date scheduled for February of 2027. The grant contract may be renewed until 31/12/2027, taking into account the University of Algarve Research Grant Regulations ( https://files.dre.pt/2s/2021/10/210000000/0013700149.pdf ).

Candidate evaluation: In accordance with the provisions of Article 11.2 of the Foundation for Science and Technology Research Grant Regulations In the Science and Technology field, the evaluation of candidates will be based solely on the following criteria: a curricular assessment (CA), weighted at 80%, and an interview (I), weighted at 20%, both assessed on a scale of 0 to 20 points. The three candidates with the highest scores in the curricular assessment shall be invited to interview, provided that they have obtained a score of at least 13 points in this component. The final score (FS) shall be calculated using the formula FS = 0.80 × CA + 0.20 × I. If no interview is held, the final score shall correspond to the score obtained in the curricular assessment.

Composition of the Application Evaluation Board: The Application Evaluation Board is composed of three full members and one alternate (all PhDs):

Publication/Notification of Results: The final evaluation results will be published on the Ualg website, in a list ordered by the final grade obtained, and the successful candidate will be notified via email.

Application Deadline and Submission Method: The competition is open from 15/10/2026 to 30/11/2026.

Applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

• Official identification document (simple copy or legal equivalent). Applicants of non‑Portuguese nationality must present a residence permit, permanent residence certificate, or long‑term resident status, valid on the scholarship start date. Any of these may be replaced, in its absence, by a declaration of honor by the candidate. However, this must be submitted during the scholarship contracting phase, under penalty of forfeiture of the scholarship award;
• Copy of the qualification certificates for the academic degrees held, specifying the final grade and, if possible, the grades obtained in all courses taken;
• Other documents deemed relevant due to the type and modality of the scholarship.

Documents to be submitted for the scholarship agreement:

• Individual Taxpayer Registry (INV) information, if the applicant is a nationality other than Portuguese, must be submitted during the scholarship agreement process, under penalty of forfeiture of the scholarship award;
• Documents proving that the applicant meets the requirements for the respective type of scholarship, namely, proof of enrollment and registration and the study cycle or course that does not confer an academic degree;
• Declaration of the advisor(s) assuming responsibility for supervising the work plan, in accordance with Article 5‑A of the Research Scholarship Statute, as well as guaranteeing the necessary conditions for the successful development of the work and compliance with the duties set forth in Article 13 of the Research Scholarship Statute;

d. Declaration of Commitment to the Exclusive Dedication Regime.

Deadlines and Procedures for Complaints and Appeals:

Candidates may, if they so wish, comment on the draft decision to award the requested scholarship, at a hearing for interested parties within 10 business days, under the terms and for the purposes set forth in Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Procedure.

Candidates have the right to complain to the evaluation panel within 10 business days regarding the commission or omission of any act.

An appeal may be filed against the final decision of the application evaluation panel to the Rector within 10 business days of notification.

After receiving all required documentation, a scholarship contract will be signed with the selected candidate(s) in accordance with the attached template.

Evaluation of Fellow(s):

At the end of each fellowship contract periodthe advisor will evaluate the fellow(s)' work by assesing the accomplishment of the work objectives established for the previous period.

The University of Algarve reserves the right to cancel the fellowship award process, within the scope of the Project in question, whenever funding is not awarded or the scholarship duration exceeds the project completion date.

University of Algarve, 2 of October of 2026

The Principal Investigator

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Mathematics Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Specific Requirements

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Eligibility criteria

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Selection process

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description

Additional comments

Details described in the Basic Information – Offer Description