The INEGI Research Scholarship (Bolsa de Investigação) is a funded doctoral research position offered by INEGI — the Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering — in Porto, Portugal. The scholarship is awarded within the scope of the HOOPLA project (Desenvolvimento de Modelos à Mesoescala para Polímeros Reforçados com Fibras com Defeitos Microscópicos), funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Portugal's national funding agency for science and research.
Supervised by Dr. Igor Lopes — Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) and researcher at INEGI — this 12-month position (renewable) offers a unique opportunity for PhD students to advance computational modeling of advanced composite materials while receiving a monthly stipend in accordance with FCT regulations.
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About this opportunity
The INEGI Research Scholarship is a project-based research fellowship (Bolsa de Investigação — BI) aimed at doctoral students who wish to contribute to cutting-edge research in computational mechanics and composite materials. INEGI is one of Portugal's leading research institutes in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and materials science, with strong ties to the University of Porto and international research networks.
Key features of the position:
Host institution: INEGI — Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Porto, Portugal
Project: HOOPLA — Development of Mesoscale Models for Fiber-Reinforced Polymers with Microscopic Defects
Funding body: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)
Supervisor: Dr. Igor Lopes (INEGI / FEUP)
Duration: 12 months, with possibility of renewal
Status: PhD student (estudante de doutoramento)
Location: Porto, Portugal
Related: Learn more about INEGI and research at the University of Porto.
Financial Benefits
Successful candidates receive the following support:
Monthly stipend — In accordance with FCT regulations for Research Scholarships (Bolsa de Investigação — BI) for doctoral students, paid monthly throughout the 12-month period
Renewal possibility — The scholarship may be renewed for additional periods subject to performance and project funding availability
Research infrastructure — Full access to INEGI's computational and experimental facilities in Porto
Scientific mentorship — Direct supervision by Dr. Igor Lopes, with opportunities for collaboration within INEGI's Composite Materials and Structures Unit and international partners
Publication support — Research results are expected to lead to peer-reviewed scientific papers, with support from the project team
Social security coverage — As per Portuguese law and FCT scholarship regulations
Note: The exact stipend value is set by FCT and updated annually. Candidates should consult the official Edital (call document) for the precise amount applicable to this position.
What's covered
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Flight/travel costs
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare the following documents (as specified in the official Edital):
Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Detailed academic and professional background, including publications, research projects, and technical skills
Academic transcripts — Official records of undergraduate and master's degrees (and PhD enrollment certificate if applicable)
Motivation letter — Explaining your interest in the HOOPLA project, relevant experience, and how this scholarship fits your doctoral research
Proof of PhD enrollment — Certificate of enrollment in a doctoral programme or proof of admission
Recommendation letters — Typically 1–2 letters from academic supervisors or professors familiar with your research work
Other documents — As specified in the official Edital (Edital de Abertura) published by INEGI
Important: All documents must be submitted through the INEGI careers portal or as instructed in the official call. The vacancy page directs candidates to "Consultar Edital" for the complete list of requirements and submission procedures.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must be enrolled in a PhD programme (estudante de doutoramento) in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, materials science, physics, applied mathematics, computational mechanics, or a closely related field
Must have a strong academic background in solid mechanics, composite materials, finite element modeling, or multi-scale computational methods
Must be able to work in Portugal for the duration of the scholarship
Must meet the general eligibility conditions for FCT Research Scholarships (RBI — Regulamento de Bolsas de Investigação)
Knowledge of English is required for scientific communication and documentation
Prior experience with micromechanics, homogenization, damage mechanics, or programming (Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++) is highly valued
Nationality: Open to all nationalities, subject to compliance with Portuguese visa and residence requirements for the scholarship duration. EU/EEA citizens and international students with valid residence permits in Portugal are eligible.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the INEGI Research Scholarship:
Review the official Edital — Visit the INEGI careers page and click "Consultar Edital" to download the full call document with detailed rules, required documents, and evaluation criteria
Confirm your eligibility — Ensure you are enrolled (or eligible to enroll) in a PhD programme and meet the academic and technical requirements
Prepare your documents — Gather your CV, transcripts, motivation letter, proof of PhD enrollment, recommendation letters, and any additional documents specified in the Edital
Submit your application — Apply through the INEGI careers portal during the application window (14–31 August 2026)
Await evaluation — Applications are reviewed by the selection committee; shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview
Start date — Upon selection, the scholarship begins according to the timeline defined in the Edital