Public notice for one research grant Refª BI|2026/865

Projet  DIME-FS A Decentralized File System  – refª  2024.13433.CMU

funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia 

-Application submission from 11 to 24-Mar 2026

WHO WE ARE

INESC-ID (www.inesc-id.pt) , “Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores: Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Lisboa” is a Research and Development and Innovation Organization (R&D+i)) in the fields of Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

INESC-ID’s research impact is focused on four Thematic Lines 

Energy transition

Life and health technology

Security and privacy.

Societal digital transformation.

INESC-ID promotes cooperation between academia and industry by addressing research on daily life issues, such as healthcare, space, mobility, human language technologies, agri-food, industry 4.0, and smart grids. This high level of knowledge transfer is achieved through both competitive research projects and direct contracted research. Therefore, public and private entities have access to a pool of knowledge, resources and services provided through the unique competencies available at the institution.

INESC ID has a strong international academic environment and inclusive work environment.

ONE (1) research grant for students with BSc degree with reference number BI|2026/865 under the scope of the Projet DIME-FS A Decentralized File System  – refª  2024.13433.CMU,  funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, is available under the following conditions:

OBJECTIVES | FUNCTIONS 

The goal of this project is to design and implement an overlay network architecture for DIME-FS, a decentralized file system designed to for high performance. The project will focus on adaptive topology management algorithms that dynamically organize nodes based on geographic proximity, network latency, storage capacity, and trust metrics derived from historical behavior. The data distribution heuristics implement a hybrid replication strategy that balances availability requirements with performance considerations, utilizing a risk-scoring mechanism to identify potentially malicious peers while minimizing unnecessary redundancy. The system uses a reputation-based access control mechanism where data placement decisions incorporate peer trustworthiness scores derived from participation history, network contributions, and validation consensus.

BINDING LEGISLATION 

Law 40/2004 of 18th of August (Scientific Research Fellow Status) in its current wording.

https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/lei/2004-58216179

Regulations for Research Grants of the Foundation for Science and Technology in force

https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/regulamento/950-2019-127238533

INESC-ID Lisboa Grant Regulations in force

https://www.inesc-id.pt/scholarship-regulations/

The fellowship contract is awarded on an exclusive dedication basis – art. 5 of Scientific Research Fellow Status and art. 16 of Regulations for Research Grants of the Foundation for Science and Technology.

DURATION

FIVE (5) months, starting in April 2026, renewable subject to suitable performance within the period of the project, not exceeding the maximum period set by FCT for such grants.

RENEWALL

Renewable is subject to performance if the candidate is enrolled in a 

MSc program - art. 6º, n.4 b)

https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/regulamento/950-2019-127238533

https://files.dre.pt/2s/2019/12/241000000/0009100105.pdf

subject to suitable performance within the period of the project, not exceeding the maximum period set by FCT for such grants – 2 years (included contract renewals) 

Renewable is subject to performance if the candidate is enrolled in a 

Non-degree programme – art. 6º, n. 4 a) 

https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/regulamento/950-2019-127238533

https://files.dre.pt/2s/2019/12/241000000/0009100105.pdf

subject to suitable performance within the period of the project, not exceeding the maximum period set by FCT for such grants – 1 year (included contract renewals)

MONTHLY AMOUNT

The monthly amount of the grant is 1040.98€ according to the “Regulations for Research Grants of the Foundation for Science and Technology” in force.

The payment will be made through a monthly bank transfer to a portuguese bank account, held by the grantee.

https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tabela_valores_SMM_2025.pdf 

SCIENTIFIC SUPERVISION

The activity will be supervised by :

• David Rogério Póvoa de Matos , Assistant Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico and Researcher at INESC ID.
• Guilherme Ramos, Assistant Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico and Researcher at IT.

WORKPLACE

- INESC ID - Headquarters Rua Alves Redol, 9, 1000-029 Lisboa 

- INESC-ID - Taguspark Avenida Professor Cavaco Silva, Edifício IST 2744-016 Porto Salvo 

- INESC-ID Energia IST - Departamento de Engenharia Electrotécnica e de Computadores, Área de Energia, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

Any national, foreign and stateless candidate(s) holding a BSc degree in Computer Sciences and Engineering, or closely related fields, and with a suitable scientific and professional curriculum may apply. 

The candidate(s) must be enrolled in a

MSc program - art. 6º, n.4 b)

https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/regulamento/950-2019-127238533

or

Non-degree programme – art. 6º, n. 4 a) 

https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/regulamento/950-2019-127238533

The applicants are required to have proficiency in Portuguese and English, both written and spoken, as well as being enthusiastic, proactive, collaborative and able to work individually and as a team.

Preferential factors: 

Preference will be given to candidates with suitable scientific and professional curriculum such as:

1. BSc in Computer Science and Engineering
2. Experience on programming languages such as Python, Java and Go
3. Knowledge of cyber security techniques for overlay networks

EVALUATION CRITERIA 

The selection will be based on the following criteria:

1. [60%] Curriculum vitae
2. [30%] Motivation Letter
3. [10%] Technology knowledge 

The members of the evaluation panel assign a classification to each of the candidates on a scale of 0 to 100 points, ranking the candidates according to their classification consisting on the sum of the partial classifications assigned in each evaluation criterion, and considering the weighting factor given to each parameter. In this process abstentions are not allowed.

In the event of a tie among candidates with the same highest evaluation score, the Evaluation Panel reserves the right to conduct interviews to have a more objective assessment of specific criteria. The interview result will weigh 50% towards the final evaluation score.

Additionally, the evaluation panel retains the discretion to withhold the scholarship if the candidates fail to fulfil the stipulated requirements.

The evaluation panel may also decide not to assign the scholarship, if none of candidates meets the required conditions.

If the requirements mentioned above are not fulfilled, the evaluation panel may choose not to select a candidate.

Candidates with an average score below 70, are not recommended for hiring

Minutes of the evaluation panel meeting are drawn up with a summary of what has taken place in the meeting, as well as the votes emitted by the jury, being available to the candidates whenever requested.

EVALUATION PANEL 

Jury

Name

Professional Status

Institutions

President

David R. Matos

Researcher / Assistant Professor

INESC-ID / IST

Member

Guilherme Ramos

Researcher / Assistant Professor

INESC-ID / IT

Member

Miguel Pardal

Researcher / Assistant Professor

INESC-ID / IST

Susbtitute Member

Pedro Monteiro

Researcher / Associate Professor

INESC-ID / IST

Susbtitute Member

António Rito da Silva

Researcher / Associate Professor

INESC-ID / IST

APPLICATION 

The application and supporting documents must be submitted via email to bolsas@inesc-id.pt.

The application email should clearly state the reference of the grant on the subject. 

Refª BI|2026/865 - Projet DIME-FS – refª  2024.13433.CMU

Applications without the reference of the grant will not be considered 

The candidate should clearly state his / her consent so that the communications and notifications in the context of this call can take place to the electronic address bolsas@inesc-id.pt.

The application and supporting documents may be submitted in Portuguese or English, although the President of the evaluation panel when a member of the evaluation panel is a non-native Portuguese speaker, may request that, within a reasonable time, the candidate translates into English a document previously presented in Portuguese.

Candidates who submit their application incorrectly or who do not prove the requirements required in this public notice are excluded from admission. In case of doubt, the evaluation panel may demand any candidate to present documents proving those statements.

False statements by the candidates will be punished according to the law.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS 

The supporting documents listed below must be presented in pdf form. 

Supporting documents presented in another format will not be considered by the evaluation panel.

1. Motivation letter 

Addressed to the Evaluation Panel, including full name, and contact address, including email address and telephone.;

2. Detailed curriculum vitae;

3. Single copy of official academic degree certificate required in the ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
4. In the application submission, the candidates may replace the copy of official academic degree certificate by a declaration of honour, stating that they have the required academic degree.

It is mandatory for the approval of the fellowship contract that the selected candidate presents a single copy of the official academic degree certificate, required in education level.

2. In the application submission, the candidates from foreign education institutions may replace the copy of the official academic degree certificate by declaration of honour, stating that they have the required academic degree.

   It is mandatory for the approval of the fellowship contract that the selected candidate presents a single copy of the official diploma required in education level. 

4. Detailed list of grades 

5. Proof of enrolment required in the ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS at grant starting date;

In the application submission, the candidates may replace the proof of enrolment by a declaration of honour, stating that they are/will be enrolled in the program required ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

It is mandatory for the approval of the fellowship, that the selected candidate present the official proof of enrolment required in the ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS .

NOTIFICATION, PRIOR HEARING, COMPLAIN AND APPEAL DEADLINES 

The admitted and excluded candidates will be notified by email of the final ranking list.

After being notified, all candidates have 10 working days to submit a formal rebuttal. After that period, the evaluation panel notifies the candidates of the final report.

Excluded candidates may complain about the evaluation panel final report for 15 working days after notification or appeal to the evaluation panel decision to the INESC ID Board of Directors for 30 working days, after notification.

Non-discrimination and equal access policy

INESC-ID actively promotes a policy of non-discrimination and equal access, so that no candidate can be privileged, benefited, disadvantaged or deprived of any right or exemption from any duty owing, in particular, to ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, economic situation, education, social origin or condition, genetic heritage, reduced working capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin or race, territory of origin, language, religion, political or ideological beliefs and trade union membership.

Under the terms of D.L. No. 29/2001, of February 3, a disabled candidate has a preference when in equal classification, which prevails over any other legal preference. Candidates must declare on the application form their respective degree of disability, the type of disability and the means of communication / expression to be used in the selection process, under the terms of the aforementioned diploma.