PRR Project

Summary

1. TASKS TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEEThe prospective employee will be responsible for conducting advanced research in the field of Architecture and Urbanism. The activities will cover the following domains:a) Organisation and functional performance of the built environment.b) Urban regeneration.c) Production and management of the built environment.The employee’s activities will comprehend the following types of tasks:a) Scientific research and technological development (participation in research and innovation projects, either financed by LNEC or by external entities; scientific expertise and technical studies).b) Other scientific and technical activities (collaboration and support to external entities; participation in scientific and technical meetings).c) Knowledge dissemination and transmission (planning seminars, teaching courses, delivering lectures, writing books and articles, and presenting papers).2. SCIENTIFIC PROFILE REQUIREDThe employee should possess the expertise to conduct applied research in the field of Architecture and Urbanism, with emphasis on the aforementioned domains. Consequently, the following competencies will be highly esteemed and sought after:a) Expertise in built environment quality, understanding of urban morphology and land-use patterns, and knowledge of programming buildings and urban areas.b) Thorough understanding of urban regeneration policy and strategies for urban rehabilitation.c) Comprehensive knowledge of urban development and territorial organisation, including methods and tools for territorial development planning, as well as urban planning laws and regulations.Furthermore, the following personal skills of the employee will be valued:a) Critical thinking and problem-solving: Given that the primary activity involves conducting scientific research and innovation.b) Creativity and adaptability: As he/she will need to effectively address diverse requests from various types of clients.c) Attention to detail: Since the results of the studies and appraisals carry an official character and are directly related to the safety of individuals.d) Time management: As he/she will be expected to participate in multiple studies concurrently.e) Collaboration: Given he/she will need to work effectively with other researchers, teams, and stakeholders.f) Communication: Since he/she will interact with clients, establish a network of external contacts with research partners, and disseminate scientific and technical results through courses, lectures, and communications.g) Ethical conduct: As a public servant he/she will represent the Portuguese State and must adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct.3. RATIONALE TO HIRE FOR THE SCIENTIFIC AREASince the 1960s, LNEC has been actively engaged in research and development activities in architecture and urbanism. In fact, LNEC was a pioneer in Portugal in conducting research in this area. These activities have included numerous planned and contract research studies, as well as other scientific and technical activities such as knowledge dissemination, advanced technical training, and participation in technical committees.As a result of this work, LNEC has established itself as a national reference in this field. Today, as in the past, LNEC continues to receive frequent and regular requests from various sectors of society (e.g., individuals, condominiums, private enterprises, professional associations, and government entities).In order to continue this line of research and work, it is considered necessary and timely to reinforce LNEC team and hire an Assistant Researcher.4. RELEVANCE OF THE SCIENTIFIC PROFILE OF THE PROPOSED POSITION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE STATE-OF-THE-ARTThe potential candidate will address some of the cutting-edge challenges in the scientific field of Architecture and Urbanism. The following themes can be included in LNEC’s Research and Innovation Programme for 2021-27:a) Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of planning and building regulations, within the context of reduced human resources of local authorities and the need for greater expediency;b) Sustainable management of territorial resources, considering not only the environment but also the social and economic components;c) Implementation of public policies aimed at actively promoting and enhancing the quality of architectural design and the overall landscape.It is noteworthy that LNEC, as a State laboratory, pursues these research topics to effectively address future challenges encountered by the Public Administration and to serve society.