The Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture Research Centre of Iscte-Conhecimento e Inovação, CVTT (ISTAR -Iscte) launches a competition for the award of 1Research Grant under the research and development (R&D) project LIVARC LIVARC - Living Architecture: Designing Symbiotic Habitats with Robots and Local Materials (Ref. 2024.17482.PEX), under the following conditions. This notice is published in Portuguese (https://istar.iscte-iul.pt/portfolio-posts/edital-para-a-atribuicao-de-…) and English but, in case of discrepancy, the English version prevails.

1. Scientific area 

Architecture, Digital Architecture, Computational Design, or a related field;

2. Funding Source 

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. [FCT, I.P.] through national funds.

3. Admission Requirements

1) Students enrolled in a master’s or integrated master’s in Architecture, Digital Architecture, Computational Design, or a related field; 

Or 

2) Graduates or holders of a master’s in Architecture, Digital Architecture, Computational Design, or a related field; enrolled in non-degree courses that are part of the educational programme of a higher education institution. 

Proof of enrolment must be provided by the time of contracting, and applicants may attach a sworn statement confirming that they meet the requirements for enrolment in an integrated master's, master's or doctorate or in a non-degree course.

If the qualification was awarded by a foreign higher education institution, it must be recognised by a Portuguese higher education institution, in accordance with the provisions of Article 25 of Decree-Law No. 66/2018 of 16 August, which approves the legal regime for the recognition of academic degrees and higher education diplomas awarded by foreign higher education institutions, and Article 4(2)(e) of Decree-Law No. 60/2018 of 3 August, where any formalities established therein must be completed by the actual contracting date.

4. Eligibility  

Applicants are eligible if they meet the requirements of Article 2(1)(a) of the Research Fellow Statute, as amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019 of 28 August, as well as  Article 6(1) and (2)  of the FCT, I.P. Research Grant Regulations. Research grants awarded to graduates or masters who are enrolled in non-degree courses may only be awarded to those who, upon signing the grant contract in question, including any possible renewals, do not exceed a cumulative period of years in this type of grant, consecutively or interpolated, in accordance with Article 6(4) and (5),of the aforesaid Regulations.

5. Work Plan 

The fellow will be integrated into the ISTAR-Iscte research team at FabLab Vitruvius and will participate in developing bionic architecture prototypes at 1:5 scale ("pet habitats"). The specific activities to be carried out are as follows: _ Computational Modelling and Design: Optimisation of compression geometries (catenary forms) using parametric design tools; preparation of digital files for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) from three-dimensional models. 

_ Digital Fabrication and Prototyping: Operation of FabLab equipment; production and assembly of sacrificial formwork and organic moulds through CNC cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing. 

_ Material Experimentation: Preparation of earth mixtures, including soil sieving, incorporation of binders and plant-based fibres, moisture control, and stabilisation; execution of earth compaction over CNC-cut moulds; installation and maintenance of the vegetative substrate (biome). 

_ Digital Twin Development and Monitoring: Creation of digital twins of the constructed prototypes, including the physical installation and configuration of sensors (temperature, humidity, deformation, among others); validation of the correct functioning of the data acquisition system; continuous monitoring of captured parameters and their correlation with the digital model, ensuring the fidelity of the virtual representation to the real behaviour of the prototype. 

_ Scientific Communication and Dissemination: Production of explanatory diagrams, photorealistic renders, and axonometric schemes to illustrate the construction process in scientific publications and progress reports.

6. Applicable legislation and regulations

Scientific Research Fellow Statute, as amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019 of 28 August, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. Research Grant Regulations, Regulation No. 950/2019, Decree-Law No. 66/2018 of 16 August (legal regime for the recognition of academic degrees and higher education diplomas awarded by foreign higher education institutions) and other applicable rules. 

7. Workplace

The work shall be developed at Information Sciences, Technologies and Architecture Research Centre of Iscte-Conhecimento e Inovação, CVTT [Iscte-Knowledge and Innovation, CVTT], under the scientific supervision of Professor Dr. Mauro Couceiro. 

8. Duration of the grant

The duration of the grant shall be 6 months, starting on April 2026, possibly renewable for the same or a different period, up to the maximum approved funding limit or up to the maximum duration of this type of grant (whichever occurs first), and in no case may it exceed the limits defined in Article 6(3), (4) ) of Regulation No. 950/2019 of 29 November, published in Diário da República, number 241, 2nd Series, of 16 December (FCT, I.P. Research Grant Regulations).

9. Value of the monthly maintenance allowance 

The amount of the grant, on an exclusive and full-time basis, corresponds to €1040,98, according to the table of grants awarded directly or indirectly by the FCT, I.P. in Portugal (https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tabela_valores_SMM_2025.pdf) , paid monthly by bank transfer to the holder. Grant holders may also be reimbursed for the amount corresponding to Voluntary Social Security, if they join this scheme.

10. Application selection and assessment methods 

10.1 The following selection methods shall be used: curricular assessment.

10.2 Applicants shall be classified and ranked according to the previous criteria, on a scale from 0 to 100.

10.3 

a) Academic qualifications and curriculum vitae - 20% 

b) Demonstrated experience or training in digital fabrication technologies (CNC, 3D printing) - 20% 

c) Proficiency in parametric and computational design tools (Rhinoceros / Grasshopper) - 30% 

d) Knowledge of sustainable construction materials, particularly compressed earth - 15% 

e) Advanced graphic production and scientific communication skills - 15%.   

10.4 In the case of a tie, the selection panel’s chairperson has the casting vote. 

10.5 The selection panel reserves the right not to award a scholarship if none of the applicants meet the desired profile. 

10.6 This competition may be terminated up to the final ranking list of applicants is approved, remaining valid for a period of 18 months from the date of approval of the final ranking list of this procedure. (Reserve List). 

11. Composition of the Selection Panel 

Chairperson: Doutor Mauro Costa Couceiro, Investigador Principal do Iscte

Permanent Member: Doutor Ricardo Resende, Professor Associado do Iscte 

Permanent Member: Doutora Leonor Domingos, Professora Auxiliar Convidada do Iscte 

Alternate Member: Doutora Joana Gouveia Alves, Gestora de Ciência do Iscte 

12. Method of publicising/notifying the results 

12.1. The results of the assessment will be announced within a maximum of 90 business days from the deadline for submitting applications, by notifying applicants via e-mail to the e-mail address provided in the application procedure. 

12.2. Applicants shall be informed, at a preliminary hearing, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Administrative Procedure, of the likely outcome of the final decision and may, within 10 business days of this notification, comment on this decision. 

13. Application deadline

The competition is open from 12 to 26 of March of 2026, and only applications submitted within the deadline shall be accepted.

14. Formalisation of applications

 All applications must be submitted by e-mail to istar@iscte-iul.pt with the following subject ” “LIVARC_BI1_Candidate’s Name”, accompanied by the following documents:

a) Document proving country of residence, residence permit or other legally equivalent document, in the case of foreign nationals, valid on the starting date of the grant.

b) Document(s) proving the academic qualifications required for this competition, with final average and grades in all subjects taken. 

If the qualification was awarded by a foreign higher education institution, it must be recognised by a Portuguese higher education institution, in accordance with the provisions of Article 25 of Decree-Law No. 66/2018 of 16 August, which approves the legal regime for the recognition of academic degrees and higher education diplomas awarded by foreign higher education institutions, and Article 4(2)(e) of Decree-Law No. 60/2018 of 3 August, where any formalities established therein must be completed by the actual contracting date.

Documents proving academic degrees and diplomas, or their recognition when awarded by foreign higher education institutions, may be waived during the application phase and replaced by a declaration of honour from the candidate in accordance with the appropriate form. Verification of this condition shall only take place during the grant contract phase. 

c)Proof of enrolment in integrated master’s, master’s or in a non-degree course integrated into the educational project of a higher education institution, developed in association or cooperation with one or more R&D units, or a declaration of honour stating that the applicant meets the requirements for enrolment in integrated master’s, master’s or doctorate or in a non-degree course. 

14.2. All the documents should be attached in pdf format.

14.3. Applicants who do not submit all the documents referred to in items a) to c) of point 14.1 shall not be admitted to the competition.