PRR Project

Summary

Tasks to be assigned : The prospective employee should be responsible for conducting research activities regularly, as well as other scientific and technical activities within the scope of the missions of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto. These include i. Participating in the design, implementation, and management of research projects, including competitively securing national and international research funds; ii. Collaborating in the development of training activities in research methodology; iii. Cooperating in monitoring the research work carried out by research fellows and research assistants within the department, participating in their training; iv. Participating in the department’s training programs; v. Supervising master´s and doctoral students; vi. Carrying out the duties for which the employee has been appointed and participating in sessions of the collegiate bodies of the hiring institution; and vii. Participating in science dissemination activities. Scientific profile : The position targets a Doctoral researcher equivalent to an Assistant Researcher holding a Doctorate in Clinical and Health Services Research or related fields. Preference will be given to candidates with a Degree or Master’s degree in Clinical and/or Health Psychology or related fields, due to the interdisciplinary focus aimed at the department, as stated in its official presentation (https://sigarra.up.pt/fmup/pt/uni_geral.unidade_view?pv_unidade=254). Research activities within the department are based on a holistic approach to neuropsychiatric disorders, exploring the associated biological and psychosocial aspects. Moreover, teaching/training activities within the department, in which the employee is expected to participate, cover several scientific-pedagogical areas, including psychology and mental health. The candidate´s curriculum vitae must express research work in mental health, ageing, and dementia, as these are among the main areas of focus for the department (see link above). Aligned with the functional content of the scientific research career categories (Article 5, Statute of the Scientific Research Career), the hired person must demonstrate some degree of scientific independence through the production of original and high-quality research (assessing the quality, quantity, and recognition of scientific production in the area); securing national and/or international funding – coordinating projects, forming scientific teams, and having good experience participating in national or international projects, with an appreciation of having been involved in multiple funding sources; participation in research projects resulting in projects and/or services; supervision of Doctoral and/or Master students; a track record of teaching/training activities in the fields of the department; intervention in the scientific community (e.g., organization of scientific events, invited lectures); and science communication activities (e.g., to the general public). The profile required by the hiring institution aligns with its context and scientific areas. The rationale for the need to hire for the indicated scientific area : Hiring a researcher with expertise in health sciences, specifically in Clinical and Health Services Research, Mental Health, Ageing, and Dementia, for the Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health at FMUP, brings specialized skills in designing and conducting research studies. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and policies, which can enhance the department´s research capabilities in assessing the impact of various mental health programs and interventions on individuals´ outcomes. Moreover, the field of Clinical and Health Services Research typically brings an interdisciplinary perspective, drawing on fields such as psychology, health services and policies, or economics. A Ph.D. with this background and the preferred background in Clinical and Health psychology or related fields can bring a broader perspective to the department, fostering collaboration in research endeavors. Additionally, research on Clinical and Health Services is focused on translating research findings into practice; thus, a PhD in this field can help bridge the gap between research and clinical practice within the department. Researchers in this field are trained to develop strong methodological skills; they can contribute to the education and training of students and fellows within the department, on research methods and evidence-based practice.Overall, hiring a Ph.D. researcher with the described profile and task responsibilities is needed to advance the department´s research agenda, facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, and reinforce research integration into clinical practice.