Research fellowship in the field of Cosmology

Ref: IA2019-10-BID

The Centro de Investigação em Astronomia/Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto (CAUP) opens a call for one Research Fellowship (Bolsa de Investigação - Doutor) in the field of cosmology at the Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA).

The position is offered in the context of the project UID/FIS/04434/2019 with financial support provided by the FCT/MCTES through national funds (PIDDAC).

The Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA) is the most prominent research unit in the field of Astrophysics in Portugal, integrating researchers from the University of Porto and the University of Lisbon, and is responsible for a major fraction of the national productivity in international ISI journals in this area. The research and development effort at the IA includes most of the topics at the forefront of research in Astrophysics and Space Sciences, complemented by work on instrumentation and systems with potential use in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

The position is offered in the context of the Thematic Line "Unveiling the dynamics of the Universe" and must start immediately and lasts until the 31st of December 2019. Extension beyond this period is possible but subject to a positive evaluation of the research unit FIS/04434 by the ongoing evaluation. 

The fellowship contract will comply with the Lei nº 40/2004 de 18 de Agosto (Estatuto do Bolseiro de Investigação) and ''Regulamento de Bolsas e Investigação da Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia'' in force (http://fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/docs/RegulamentoBolsasFCT.pdf).

According to the FCT table values (http:www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/valores), the monthly allowance will be €1509,80 (tax free) and will be paid monthly by bank transfer. The fellowships holders will have a personal accident insurance and, if not covered by any social protection scheme can ensure the right to social security through adherence to the voluntary social insurance scheme, pursuant to Código dos Regimes Contributivos do Sistema Previdencial de Segurança Social. Funds for traveling (conferences, collaborations, observing missions) are also available.

The work plan is to be carried out in IA, preferably in Porto node, under the supervision of a senior member.

Research work plan
The successful candidate is expected to pursue research on topics relevant to the Thematic Line "Unveiling the dynamics of the Universe" such as dark energy, modified gravity, topological defects and time variation of fundamental parameters, envisaging the science exploration of the missions in which the group is involved with: Euclid, ESPRESSO and LISA.

Application
The application, to be submitted through the web form below, must include the following information:

     •    Motivation letter with an outline of the work plan for the position;
     •    Curriculum Vitae (up to 4 pages), together with a complete list of scientific publications and a scan of the PhD degree diploma; Foreign diplomas must be certified by a Portuguese Academic Institution.
     •    Name and contact details (position, email, address) of two referees, available to provide information about the candidate (these will be contacted at the jury's discretion).

Applications will be accepted from the 18 june to 3 july, 2019.

Selection criteria and evaluation
The curricular evaluation of the candidates will be done based on:

     •    motivation letter (10%);
     •    CV, including: academic degrees; scientific productivity; indicators of scientific independence; outreach; (60%);
     •    relevance and adequacy of previous research experience and work plan to the objectives of the thematic line (20%)
     •    interview (10%), for candidates that score a minimum of 70/90 in the evaluation of the criteria above.

The applicant must have completed a PhD degree. Only applications from candidates having an adequate background in Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, or other relevant domains, will be considered.

Awarding of the contract
Following the evaluation process the contracts will be offered according to the ordering list proposed by the selection committee. The positions will be granted only if suitable candidates are found (with a minimum of 70% in the evaluation). The selected candidates will be notified by e-mail.

For inquires please contact Dr. Nelson Nunes (njnunes@fc.ul.pt).

Selection Committee
Nelson Nunes (chair)
Lara Sousa
Pedro Avelino
António da Silva (alternate)

Note 1:
In the event that the doctorate degree was awarded by a foreign higher education institution, that degree must comply with the provisions of Decree-Law no. 66/2018, of 16th October (approves the legal regime for the recognition of foreign higher academic degrees), and all formalities established therein must be complied with up to the date of hiring.
Applicants are advised to check the website of the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES) for further information: https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/degree-and-diploma-recognition.

Note 2:
The fellowship holders' functions are carried out under a scheme of exclusive dedication, in accordance with the terms established in the Research Fellowship Holder's Statute (Estatuto do Bolseiro de Investigação). For more information, see in particular article 5 - Performing Duties: https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/docs/FellowshipHolderStatute2013.pdf.

Publication Date
30 May 2019

The period for application submission has ended for this opportunity.