PRR Project

Summary

An Assistant Researcher at the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC) is responsible for carrying out research and development activities as stipulated in paragraph 1 of article 5 of Decree-Law n. º 124/99, alongside additional scientific and technical activities included in LNEC´s mission. These tasks include thesis supervising of undergraduate, postgraduate, master´s, and doctoral students, disseminating non-confidential research results, and participating in LNEC collegial bodies.The chosen candidate will collaborate with a team of researchers, engineers, and experts in structural health monitoring (SHM) from various disciplines. The goal is to advance the knowledge in the fields of smart sensor networks and integrated SHM systems.The emphasis will be on designing, developing, and optimizing electronic hardware and firmware tailored for smart sensor nodes and networks, particularly focusing on the development of self-calibration methods that enable the traceability of sensors and their respective measurement chains.The selected candidate will also be responsible for conducting research related to sensor network dependability and broader SHM system integration efforts. This research will involve developing new methodologies to address dependability challenges observed in common SHM sensor network deployments and data collection activities. Moreover, the candidate will contribute to the assessment and implementation of reliable communication protocols that are essential for seamless data transmission within smart sensor networks.The candidate must hold a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related field—along with relevant scientific and professional expertise in electronic hardware design, embedded systems, and firmware development. The candidate should be proficient in programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, C/C++, Assembly, Java, and LabView. Additionally, familiarity with cloud microservices deployments and Linux operating systems is required. It would be valued if the candidate has a background in data acquisition and processing software development for SHM systems. Practical experience with networking and wireless communication protocols, knowledge of metrology, and a solid understanding of sensor technologies and signal processing techniques applied to SHM networks are also essential. Fluency in English and Portuguese (oral and written) is a must.Exceptional problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, and the capability to work autonomously or in diverse teams across disciplines are crucial for this role.LNEC acknowledges the pivotal role of expertise in electronic engineering in advancing research and innovation in Smart Sensor Networks, Sensor Network Dependability, and SHM, aligning with SDGs 9, 11, and 13. With a focus on enhancing SHM capabilities, the institution aims to integrate state-of-the-art electronic systems into civil engineering applications. The scientific area of Electronic and Instrumentation Engineering is pivotal for addressing the following key needs and challenges.Expertise in electronic engineering is crucial for advancing knowledge within the field of Smart Sensor Networks and innovating cost-effective and scalable networks for real-time data acquisition and analysis. This involves the design and development of novel hardware and firmware components, as well as the optimization of electronic architectures and communication protocols.Regarding Sensor Network Dependability, Electronic Engineering plays a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability and resilience of sensor networks. This involves implementing fault-tolerant mechanisms and self-diagnostic capabilities to mitigate sensor failures, particularly in rough environments.Collaborating with civil engineering researchers and SHM experts allows the candidate to explore sensing solutions for monitoring civil infrastructure health integrity. Integrating electronic systems into SHM applications—such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platforms and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)—offers opportunities for early anomaly detection, condition assessment, and predictive maintenance of critical assets.By recruiting a PhD in Electronic Engineering, the institution strengthens its research capacity in electronic instrumentation and consolidates its position as a hub for innovative research in civil engineering. This aligns with LNEC´s strategic objectives, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary research, technology transfer, and societal impact within the context of sustainable development and global challenges.