A call is open for the allocation of 1 (one) research fellowship for PhD students or for an MSc degree holder enrolled in a non-academic degree course (BI), within the R&D Project ProPrunus - Melhoria Da Qualidade e Segurança das Frutas com Aplicação de Atmosferas Ionizantes em Instalações de Refrigeração Agroalimentar, funded by Centro 2030, taking place at the C-MAST - Centre for Mechanical and Aerospace Sciences and Technology, Department of Electromechanical Engineering of the University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, under the following conditions:

Scientific Area: 

Mechanical Engineering

Objectives:

(1) State of the Art: Literature review on ionizing atmospheres and their application in food;

(2) Specifications and requirements: Definition of technical specifications and prototype requirements;

(3) Initial prototype model: Development of initial prototype models;

(4) Computer simulation: Computer simulations to optimize the design in terms of efficiency and safety;

(5) Prototype development: functional prototype built based on the design;

(6) Laboratory Testing: The prototype is tested under controlled conditions to assess its antimicrobial efficacy on stored perishable foods. The focus is on assessing the reduction of spoilage organisms and the preservation of food quality. Adjustments based on initial test results;

(7) Pilot Tests in Real Environments: Implementation of the prototype in real storage and transportation environments. Collection of data on the effectiveness of ionizing atmospheres in real conditions;

(8) Optimization: Analysis of the data acquired during the field tests. Final adjustments and optimization of the prototype based on feedback from the tests. Preparation of reports and technical documentation;

(9) Support for the dissemination of project results;

(10) The expected outcome of the research work requires at least 2 international conference papers and 2 peer-reviewed international journal papers during the grant period.

Work plan: 

(1) State of the Art: Literature review on ionizing atmospheres and their application in food;

(2) Specifications and requirements: Definition of technical specifications and prototype requirements;

(3) Initial prototype model: Development of initial prototype models;

(4) Computer simulation: Computer simulations to optimize the design in terms of efficiency and safety;

(5) Prototype development: functional prototype built based on the design;

(6) Laboratory Testing: The prototype is tested under controlled conditions to assess its antimicrobial efficacy on stored perishable foods. The focus is on assessing the reduction of spoilage organisms and the preservation of food quality. Adjustments based on initial test results;

(7) Pilot Tests in Real Environments: Implementation of the prototype in real storage and transportation environments. Collection of data on the effectiveness of ionizing atmospheres in real conditions;

(8) Optimization: Analysis of the data acquired during the field tests. Final adjustments and optimization of the prototype based on feedback from the tests. Preparation of reports and technical documentation;

(9) Support for the dissemination of project results;

(10) The expected outcome of the research work requires at least 2 international conference papers and 2 peer-reviewed international journal papers during the grant period.

Applicable legislation and regulations:

Research Fellowship Holder Statute, approved by Law No. 40/2004, of 18 August, in its current wording (amended by Decree-Law No. 123/2019, of 28 August); Regulation for Research Studentships and Fellowships of the Foundation for Science and Technology (Regulation No. 950/2019) published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, No. 241, 16 December 2019; Regulation for Research Fellowships of the University of Beira Interior - RBIUBI (Regulation No. 100/2020) published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, n.º 27, 7 February 2020.

Place of Work: 

The work will be developed at the premises of C-MAST‐Centre for Mechanical and Aerospace Sciences and Technologies and Department of Electromechanical Engineering of the University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal, under the scientific guidance of Professor Pedro Dinis Gaspar.

Fellowship duration and conditions:

The fellowship is opened for 12 months, starting on July 2025. The fellowship may be renewed for a period of 12 months, not exceeding 36 months, nor end of the project. The activity is in the regime of exclusive dedication in accordance with the RBIUBI.

Selection Committee: 

Applications will be assessed by a panel as follows:

President: Doctor José Carlos Páscoa Marques

Effective members: Doctor Pedro Miguel de Figueiredo Dinis Oliveira Gaspar (supervisor) and 

Doctor Abílio Manuel Pereira da Silva

Documents for application:

The candidates should present:

. Motivation letter (cover letter explaining the interest in the position);

. Detailed Curriculum Vitae;

. Certificate of completion of the previous degree;

. Other documents considered relevant;

. Declaration of honour from the candidate stating, that he/she meets the conditions for being award the research fellowship according to Article 6 of the RBIUBI.

Receipt of applications:

Applications should be addressed to Doctor Pedro Dinis Gaspar, Researcher Responsible for the Project, to email address dinis@ubi.pt, with the subject “GRANT_ProPrunus_MSc1 – Application”.

Publication/notification of results:

The final results of the evaluation process will be published in a sorted list, by the final classification obtained, and posted in a visible and public place of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Beira Interior. The candidate(s) will be notified of the decision by e-mail.