PRR Project

Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher to join our team in the field of “Technologies for the Wellbeing” within TEMA - Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The researcher will be responsible for conducting cutting-edge research, developing innovative solutions, and contributing to the advancement of technologies for smart, sustainable and resilient cities. The researcher will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and industry partners to address the challenges and opportunities in new technologies development. Key Responsibilities:- Conduct research on technologies for smart and resilient cities, including innovative processes and materials, and involving simulation and experimental measurements.- Design and develop novel technologies and methodological approaches to optimize performance, efficiency of processes occurring in smart and sustainable cities, to minimize their impact on energy, emissions, safety, noise, within others.- Collaborate with industry and society partners to understand their needs and develop practical solutions aligned with smart, sustainable and resilient cities.- Carry out experiments, simulations, and data analysis to evaluate the performance and feasibility of technologies for smart, sustainable and resilient cities.- Publish research findings in reputable journals and present at relevant conferences.- Prepare and submit research project proposals to secure external funding.- Mentor and supervise students and assist in their research projects. Requirements:- Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy, Environmental Engineering or a related field with a focus on smart, sustainable and resilient cities.- Strong background in technologies for smart cities, mobility, and/or environmental sustainability.- Proficiency in modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques for application in smart cities.- Experience with experimental design and data analysis methodologies.- Track record of publications in reputable journals and presentations at conferences.- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.- Prior experience in securing and managing research projects. Scientific Profile:The scientific profile of this researcher focuses on developing innovative and environmentally friendly technologies to be applicable in cities and regions. They aim to optimize resource efficiency, reduce emissions and waste generation, lower energy consumption, minimize the overall environmental impact and increase the resilience of the activities in cities.The researcher´s work involves integrating principles of sustainability into the existing sectors in cities (namely, but not limited to, mobility, energy and water management), considering the entire life cycle of products and the associated environmental, social, and economic aspects. They employ advanced modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques to design and evaluate technologies for smart cities. By conducting experiments and analyzing data, they assess the feasibility and performance of these strategies, enabling evidence-based decision-making for industry partners. Rationale:Future life quality will be assisted by the introduction of intelligent technologies in the daily life of people, contributing therefore to the smart city construction by (not limited to):Development of innovations related to digitalization on mobility, sustainable transportation and transportation safety, namely on: assessing the impact of the penetration of connected and/or driverless cars on traffic performance, emissions and road safety;Big Data analysis;Artificial intelligence applications for smart cities;Life Cycle Assessment of alternative materials, fuels and propulsion modes for transportation;Safety for non-motorized modes (namely, cycling mobility);Energy efficiency optimization;Smart water management and control systems;Development of automation systems for wellbeing.The field of smart cities has gained significant importance due to the urgent need to address environmental challenges and achieve a more sustainable future. By developing technologies and innovative solutions, this researcher contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the urban environment, improving resource efficiency, and promoting sustainability in a complex ecosystem. Moreover, the researcher´s collaborations with local agents (such as Municipalities, Intermunicipal regions, institutes) as well as industry partners foster knowledge transfer and technology adoption, ensuring the practical relevance of their findings. The interdisciplinary nature of their work allows for a holistic approach, considering the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of the implementation of these technologies in a smart city environment.