研发启动活动研究员

A call is open for the award of one (1) Research Initiation Grant (BII) for Bachelor's or Master's students, within the scope of the project Experimental Characterisation of Creep Behaviour of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives and Foams for Predictive Modelling, with financial support from the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), I.P., under the following conditions: Scientific area: Engineering or related fields Work plan: Experimental characterisation of creep behaviour of pressure-sensitive adhesives and foams for predictive modelling. 1. Duration and Terms: Duration of 12 months, starting in November 2026, potentially renewable up to the extent permitted by the relevant regulations. The granting of the scholarships does not generate or entitle a legal-labour relationship, it is exercised under an exclusive dedication regime, and the Scholarship holder is granted the Scholarship Holder Status, in accordance with the Regulation for Research Grants of the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., both in their current wording. 2. Activity objective: This project focused on advancing the predictive modelling of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and foam tapes used in high-performance electronic assemblies. This work package is dedicated to the experimental characterisation campaign that will underpin the constitutive model developed within the project. The student will perform a comprehensive series of mechanical and creep tests on two transfer tape PSAs and two foam tape PSAs, covering both unconstrained and confined states, across two temperatures (25°C and 55°C). The experimental dataset generated will directly feed the model calibration and validation activities of the project. The candidate is expected to contribute to the following tasks: • Preparing and manufacturing specimens of transfer tape and foam PSA materials according to relevant standards (DIN 53504, ASTM D3574, ASTM D2095). • Performing uniaxial bulk tension and compression testing at room temperature (25°C) and 55°C using a universal testing machine equipped with an environmental chamber and video-extensometry. • Conducting Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) shear sweep tests across a wide frequency range (0.01–100 Hz) and temperature ramp to generate master curves and extract Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) shift parameters. • Performing baseline creep tests in the thickness direction (tension for transfer tapes, compression for foam tapes) at multiple load levels and both target temperatures using the in-house creep testing apparatus. • Conducting confined tension ("poker chip") tests following ASTM D2095 to characterise the volumetric response and calibrate the bulk modulus of the adhesive films. • Performing volumetric compression tests using a confined die setup to determine the bulk modulus and cell-collapse behaviour of the foam materials. • Ensuring data quality through a minimum of five repetitions per test configuration and condition. • Processing, analysing and reporting experimental results in compliance with project milestones, and contributing to the preparation of scientific publications. 3. Scientific supervision: Dr. Lucas da Silva. The work will be carried out in INEGI or FEUP facilities in Porto. 4. Admission requirements: The scholarship is intended for Bachelor’s or Master’s students in Engineering or related fields. 5. Academic Qualifications: The following are considered preferential conditions for the evaluation of candidates: • Experience in the manufacturing and mechanical testing of adhesive or polymeric joints. • Familiarity with DMA testing and viscoelastic characterisation of polymers. • Experience in creep testing equipment and data acquisition systems. • Knowledge of pressure-sensitive adhesive materials and their mechanical behaviour. • Experience in writing scientific journal papers. • Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail. • Problem-solving and critical reasoning. • Autonomy and effective time management. • Resilience and adaptability. • Collaborative mindset and teamwork. • Proactivity and scientific curiosity. • High proficiency in English, with strong written and oral communication skills. 6. Academic degrees obtained in foreign countries shall be registered by a Portuguese institution, according to the DL 66/2018, of August 16th, and the Ordinance nr. 33/2019, of January 25th. It is mandatory to present the certificate to sign the contract. More information is available on: 7. Monthly allowance: The scholarship amount corresponds to € 701,12 according to FCT () The scholarship payment will be made by bank transfer. 8. Applicable Legislation: Research Fellow Statute, approved by Law No. 40/2004 of August 18th, in the current wording published by Decree-Law No. 123/2019 of August 28; Regulation of Research Grants of the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. in force (Regulation No. 950 / 2019 of 16 December). 10.Selection methods/criteria: The selection process initially consists of a curriculum evaluation according to the mentioned criteria. This evaluation results in the selection of candidates that go on to the interview phase. The final assessment is calculated based on a weight of 60% of the curriculum assessment and 40% of the interview. The selection criteria are as follows: academic background, qualifications, adequacy between the candidate's profile and the fellowship's objectives, motivation and relevant experience for the project in question, in accordance with the admission requirements described above. The jury reserves the right not to fill the place in the competition, if it deems that there are no candidates who meet its requirements. 11. Composition of the evaluation panel: Dr. Lucas da Silva (President), Dr. Ricardo Carbas (Vowel), Dr. Beatriz Simões (Vowel). Dr. Eduardo Marques (Vowel), Dr. Alireza Akhavan-Safar (Alternate Vowel). 12. Publication/notification of results: The final results of the assessment will be sent by email. After being notified, candidates have 10 working days to submit a formal rebuttal by email (). 13. Submission of applications: Applications must include the following documents: • Motivation letter, stating the adequacy of the curriculum to the position. • Curriculum vitae, in which the candidate's education in the areas mentioned in item 5 of this announcement should be clearly stated. • Certificate of qualifications. • Proof of enrollment for the 2026/2027 academic year. 14. Expressions of interest should be sent between the 30 of october and 13th November 2026 through the official INEGI website www.inegi.pt in Work in INEGI by pressing ApplyR&D Initiation Activity Fellowship _ Reference number: BII UPAL 64/2026. 15. Scholarship Support Centre: The support centre for scholarship holders works from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 12 pm, at the People Management Services.