INEGI-Instituto de Ciência e Inovação em Engenharia Mecânica e Engenharia Industrial announces an open call for a PhD student in the scope of project Sabic - Methodology for optimizing adhesive application under the following conditions:

Scientific area: Mechanical Engineering:

Work plan: Development and optimization of a methodology for adhesive application, flow, and curing in polypropylene to aluminium bonding.

1. Duration and Terms:

Duration of 12 months, starting in September 2024, 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:

Developing a methodology for optimizing adhesive application, flow, and curing in adhesively bonded PP to Al joints. Different surface treatment techniques will be explored to achieve good adhesion and cohesive failure in the joints. For the Al substrates, different surface patterns will be considered. Single lap joints will be manufactured following the optimized bonding procedure and by considering the best surface preparation technique to validate the findings.

• Evaluation of adhesive mechanical and kinetic properties;
• Rheological Properties of the adhesive and surface treatment evaluation;
• Modelling of flow of pressed adhesive and experimental validation;
• Optimization of the application, flow and curing process of pressed adhesive;
• Validation of the developed tool with real industrial applications;
• Writing scientific content (papers, reports, presentations, etc.).

3. Scientific supervision:

Prof. Lucas da Silva.

4. Admission requirements:

The applicant must submit a statement of honour in which he/she undertakes to be enrolled on a PhD or non-degree course integrated in the educational project of a higher education institution until the scholarship contract is awarded.

The grant is intended for PhD students in the area of Mechanical Engineering or Masters in the area of Mechanical Engineering, enrolled in a non-degree course integrated in the educational project of a Portuguese higher education institution.

5. Academic Qualifications:

The scholarship is intended for students with Master in Mechanical Engineering.

Priority will be given to candidates with: 

• scientific papers (published or submitted) in the field of adhesive bonding;
• knowledge of the rheological response of adhesive;
• experience in programming using Python;
• experience in computational fluid dynamics using Abaqus or Ansys;
• solid knowledge in the characterization of polymeric materials;
• Portuguese and English languages: high priority, good level.

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: https://www.dges.gov.pt/pt/pagina/reconhecimento.

7. Monthly allowance: 

The scholarship amount corresponds to €1259,64 according to FCT (https://www.fct.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Tabela-de-Valores-SMM_atu…, I.P.) The scholarship payment will be made by bank transfer.

8. Other benefits: 

Voluntary Social Security reimbursement, corresponding to the 1st level of the contributory base (for scholarships lasting 6 months or more); Personal Accident Insurance. 

9. 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 https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/regulamento.phtml.pt).

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 40% of the curriculum assessment and 60% 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:

Prof. Lucas da Silva (President), Dr. Ricardo Carbas (Vowel), Dr. Eduardo Marques (Vowel). Dr. Alireza Akhavan-Safar (Alternate Vowel).

12. Publication/notification of results: 

The final evaluation results (ordered list) will be publicized in www.inegi.pt. After being notified, candidates have 10 working days to submit a formal rebuttal by email (gestao.pessoas@inegi.up.pt).

13. Submission of applications: 

Applications must include the following documents: 

• motivation letter, stating the adequacy of the curriculum to the position; 
• curriculum Vitae; 
• copy of the MSc certificate;
• certificate degree/level English language;
• proof of enrollment for the academic year 2024/2025.

14. Expressions of interest should be sent between the 23rd July and 25th August 2024 through the official INEGI website www.inegi.pt in join us | Research Fellowship by pressing Apply BI UPAL 25/2024 or by mail.

15. Working place: 

The work will be carried out in INEGI facilities in Porto Portugal or other places required to execute the work plan.

16. 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.