Call For Research Fellowship_ UIDP/00611/2020 - CITEUC - L 901956

5 Jun 2023
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Universidade de Coimbra

Department

Divisão de Projetos e Atividades (Bolsas)

Research Field

Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Portugal

Application Deadline

27 Jun 2023 - 23:59 (Europe/London)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

6 Jun 2023

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

UIDP/00611/2020

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

CALL FOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

 

University of Coimbra opens a call for  5 (five)   BI   research fellowship, in the framework of the  CITEUC  project “Centre for Earth and Space Research of the University of Coimbra” (reference: UIDP/00611/2020), financed by the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P./MCTES through national funds (PIDDAC)  in the following conditions:

 

Scientific area:   Astronomy and Astrophysics, Physics, Geosciences, History of Science History of Science and related sciences, Museum studies or conservation  .

 

Skills/Qualifications/Admission requirements:  The grants are intended for candidates with a bachelor's degree and a field compatible with the subject of the grant (see work plans below) enrolled in a master's degree or in a courses not conferring an academic degree, preferably at the University of Coimbra, in the scientific area of the subject of the grant  .

 

The RBI in paragraph 5 of article 6 only admits BI attributions to graduates or masters who are enrolled in courses that do not confer an academic degree and can only be attributed to those who do not exceed, with the completion of the scholarship contract in question, including possible renewals, an accumulated period of two years in this type of scholarship, consecutive or interpolated.

 

 “Courses not conferring an academic degree” must be related to the research fellowship’s activity type. “Courses not conferring an academic degree” are the courses referred to in paragraph e) of number 3 of article 4 of Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of 24 March, in the current wording, provided that they are developed in association or cooperation between the higher education institution and one or more R&D units, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph e) of article 3 of the Regulation for Research Fellowships of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).  

 

Although the recipients must be enrolled in a cycle of studies leading to the attribution of an academic degree or in a course not conferring an academic degree, at the time of application it is not necessary for the candidate to have made such an enrollment, and proof of enrollment must be presented until the fellowship is contractualized. Candidates are only required to meet the requirements to enroll in the training offer. If there are candidates already enrolled (including attending a course), they compete on an equal footing with those who are not enrolled.

Work plan/Objectives:   The work plan and objectives are:

1. Geomorphologic and stratigraphic characterization of putative paleoshorelines on Mars

Scientific area: Geosciences

This work will focus on the assessment of putative paleoshorelines in the surface of Mars. Several shorelines were proposed by different authors, implying the existence of a paleo-ocean in the northern plains. New high-resolution data will be used to map and analyze in detail some of the paleoshorelines previously identified by others. This project aims to review the geological evidence that suggests that an ocean once covered a significant portion of Mars' surface

 

2. Preservation of scientific records in photographic and other materials in the collections of the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra

Scientific area: Museum studies or conservation

The Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra (OGAUC) holds an invaluable collection of scientific data dating back over a century, covering the fields of astronomy and geophysics. This collection includes photographic records on glass, paper, and film. However, the physical degradation of these primary sources has become a pressing concern that needs to be addressed urgently to ensure their preservation. The proposed work falls under the theme of museum research, which focuses on managing and preventing the decay of scientific records. This involves identifying and diagnosing conservation problems, studying the best options for reconditioning, and determining the most appropriate storage conditions to ensure the longevity of the collection. By undertaking this work, the OGAUC hopes to safeguard its precious scientific records for future generations, while also reflecting on the most effective methods of preservation and storage in a controlled environment.

 

3. 3D conductivity model for Portugal mainland.

Scientific area: Physics or Geosciences

The Magnetotelluric method (MT) is a non-invasive technique that enables us to gain insights into the Earth's interior at significant depths. This June, a joint scientific campaign with our Spanish colleagues from the University of Barcelona will take place to carry out long-period MT sounding in Portugal. The resulting data will provide us with a better understanding of the Earth's resistivity beneath the crust and allow us to improve mainland Portugal's existing 3D conductivity model. This will be the first time we have access to such detailed information, which promises to deepen our knowledge of the region's geological properties.

 

4. Impact of stellar activity on the habitability of exoplanets

Scientific area: Astronomy and Astrophysics or Physics

The discovery, in 1995, of a planet around a star other than the Sun – an exoplanet – opened up a new field of research that has, among others, the objective of understanding how planetary systems form and evolve. One of the most interesting aspects of this subject is the study of the so-called stellar system habitable zone, that is, the orbital area around a star where a rocky planet can maintain liquid water on its surface. However, the traditional definition of the habitable zone does not consider the impact of the rotation and magnetic activity of stars on the habitability of planets. Thus, in this work, it is proposed to analyse the light curves of 2000 stars observed by the Kepler mission to extract information about the period of rotation and magnetic activity. Crossing the results with stellar evolution models, we hope to better define the habitable zone.

 

5. For the history of the library of the former astronomical observatory of the University of Coimbra (OAUC), a statistical study of its constitution over almost 200 years

Scientific field: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Geosciences, History of Science and related sciences.

Libraries are dynamic organizations, adapting to the changes in the institutions they serve. More than just a repository of books, the library is a crucial player in the research and teaching of the institutions to which it belongs. The library of the former Observatório Astronómico da Universidade de Coimbra (1799-2013) is a case in point. The books of its collection provide valuable clues to constructing the Observatory's history, particularly about the quality and usefulness of its teaching and research. This research grant aims to conduct a comprehensive survey of the books acquired by the OAUC library throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It is intended to build up a statistically-based knowledge of the typology of these books, including information such as authors, subjects, the language of the edition, year of publication, and year of entry into the library. To this end, the existing entry/acquisition books and catalog cards will be consulted. This study will contribute to a better understanding of the history and importance of the library of the former Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra.

 

Regime: The attribution of the fellowship does not generate or entitle a relation of a legal-labour nature, and the fellowship is undertaken in an exclusive dedication regime. The fellowship holder is awarded the Fellowship Statute of the UC, in its current wording, according to the Research Fellowship Holder Statute , and according to the Regulation for Research Fellowships of the Foundation for Science and Technology, both in their current wording.

 

Location:  Observatório Geofísico e Astronómico   at the University of Coimbra.

 

Duration: twelve (12) months.

 

Renewal: Eventually renewable.

 

Scientific orientation:   

The scientific orientation depends on the project:

 1. Geomorphologic and stratigraphic characterization of putative paleoshorelines on Mars – Supervisor: Doutor David Vaz

2. Preservation of scientific records in photographic and other materials in the collections of the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra. Supervisor: Doutor Pedro Casaleiro

3. 3D conductivity model for Portugal mainland. Supervisor: Doutora Joana Ribeiro

4. Impact of stellar activity on the habitability of exoplanets. Supervisor: Doutor João Fernandes

5. For the history of the library of the former astronomical observatory of the University of Coimbra (OAUC), a statistical study of its constitution over almost 200 years. Supervisor: Doutor Fernando Figueiredo   .

 

Financial conditions: The amount of the fellowship is € 930,98 corresponding to the monthly compensation stipulated in the FCT table (https://www.fct.pt/en/financiamento/programas-de-financiamento/bolsas/ ), plus social security (Seguro Social Voluntário, first level contributions) and [FF4]   personal accidents insurance. The payment will be made by bank transfer. This amount will not be increased during the entire period of the fellowship duration.

 

Selection methods:   Curriculum evaluation (85%) e interview(15%)  .

 

Selection criteria:   

Curriculum evaluation:

Criterion A – Bachelor’s Degree Average, 25%;

Criterion B - curriculum, 30%;

Criterion C – letter of motivation, 25%;

Criterion D - letters of recommendation, 20%;

 

Candidates only move on to the interview stage if they pass the documental assessment (criteria A to D).

 

Interview, in person or by videoconference:

 Motivation 20%;

Knowledge of the subjects and general themes of the scholarship área 60%;

Verbal communication skills in Portuguese and English 20%   .

 

Jury responsible for selection:   

· David Alegre Vaz – Researcher at CITEUC, Universidade de Coimbra

 · Fernando Bandeira Figueiredo – Researcher at CITEUC, Universidade de Coimbra

 · Fernando Gutierrez Pinheiro, President - Researcher at CITEUC, Universidade de Coimbra

· Joana Alves Ribeiro – Researcher at CITEUC, Universidade de Coimbra

· João Manuel de Morais Barros Fernandes – Assistent Professor, Universidade de Coimbra

 · Pedro Júlio Enrech Casaleiro, vogal – Researcher at FCTUC, Universidade de Coimbra.

 

Formalization of application:

It is mandatory, under penalty of non-admission to the call, to attach to the application the following

• Elements of the identity card/citizen card/passport;

• Curriculum vitae of the candidate;

• Eligibility certificates for the academic degrees held, specifying the final grade and, if possible, the grades obtained in all subjects taken, or, alternatively, a declaration of honor by the candidate on how he/she concluded the bachelor's degree up to at the end of the application period;

• Proof of enrolment in a Masters’s degree or in a non-degree-grating course (only mandatory in the contracting phase);

• Letter of motivation. The cover letter should include a clear indication of the project you are applying for;

• Letters of Recommendation (two). One of the letters must be from an integrated member of CITEUC;

• Write the application and all associated documents, including letters of motivation and recommendation, in Portuguese or English; The Declaration mentioned below, which is made in a specific form on the apply.uc.pt platform..

 

Declaration on the honor of the candidate(s) with the indication of the fellowship(s) of the typology to which the contest was held and the respective duration(s).

 

Applicants with academic degrees obtained abroad will be required to present a Certificate of Recognition in accordance with applicable law. This document is mandatory only in the contractualization phase.

 

Applications submission:  Applications must be submitted through https://apply.uc.pt/IT137-23-221   .

 

Submission of applications: Between 06/06/2023  and 27/06/2023.

 

Submission deadline date: 27/06/2023.

 

Additional information: The evaluation results will be announced within 90 working days after the end of the applications submission deadline, by notifying the applicants via email. After the announcement of the results, candidates are considered automatically notified to, if they wish to do so, comment on the results on a preliminary hearing period within 10 days after that date. After this, the selected candidates will have to declare in writing their acceptance. Unless a justification worthy of consideration is presented, if the declaration is not submitted within the referred period, it is considered that the candidate waivers the fellowship. In case of resignation or withdrawal of the selected candidate, the next candidate with the highest evaluation score will be notified immediately.

Once the selection process is completed, the fellowship contract will be drawn up in accordance with the draft contract provided by the FCT.

After the contracted period, the fellowship holder and supervisor must prepare the final report in accordance with the respective assessment criteria that were established.

 

Pursuant to subparagraph h) of Article 9 of the Portuguese Constitution, the University of Coimbra, as employer, actively promotes a policy of equal opportunities between men and women in access to employment and professional development, and acts to prevent each and every kind of discrimination.

Therefore, no one can be privileged, benefited, harmed or deprived of any right or immune from any duty on account of, in particular, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family, economic situation, education, origin or social condition, genetic heritage, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic or racial origin, territory of origin, language, religion, political or ideological beliefs and trade union membership.

 

Selection reserve list:  A selection reserve list will be constituted for the period of 6 (six) months.  

 

Requirements

Research Field

Other

Education Level

Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The grants are intended for candidates with a bachelor's degree and a field compatible with the subject of the grant (see work plans below) enrolled in a master's degree or in a courses not conferring an academic degree, preferably at the University of Coimbra, in the scientific area of the subject of the grant  .

 

The RBI in paragraph 5 of article 6 only admits BI attributions to graduates or masters who are enrolled in courses that do not confer an academic degree and can only be attributed to those who do not exceed, with the completion of the scholarship contract in question, including possible renewals, an accumulated period of two years in this type of scholarship, consecutive or interpolated.

 

 “Courses not conferring an academic degree” must be related to the research fellowship’s activity type. “Courses not conferring an academic degree” are the courses referred to in paragraph e) of number 3 of article 4 of Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of 24 March, in the current wording, provided that they are developed in association or cooperation between the higher education institution and one or more R&D units, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph e) of article 3 of the Regulation for Research Fellowships of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

 

Specific Requirements

The grants are intended for candidates with a bachelor's degree and a field compatible with the subject of the grant (see work plans below) enrolled in a master's degree or in a courses not conferring an academic degree, preferably at the University of Coimbra, in the scientific area of the subject of the grant  .

 

The RBI in paragraph 5 of article 6 only admits BI attributions to graduates or masters who are enrolled in courses that do not confer an academic degree and can only be attributed to those who do not exceed, with the completion of the scholarship contract in question, including possible renewals, an accumulated period of two years in this type of scholarship, consecutive or interpolated.

 

 “Courses not conferring an academic degree” must be related to the research fellowship’s activity type. “Courses not conferring an academic degree” are the courses referred to in paragraph e) of number 3 of article 4 of Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of 24 March, in the current wording, provided that they are developed in association or cooperation between the higher education institution and one or more R&D units, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph e) of article 3 of the Regulation for Research Fellowships of the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://apply.uc.pt/IT137-23-221

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

5

Company/Institute

Universidade de Coimbra

Country

Portugal

City

Coimbra

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://apply.uc.pt/IT137-23-221

Contact

City

Coimbra

Website

https://www.uc.pt/administracao/dpa

Street

Rua Larga

STATUS: EXPIRED