2 Entry-Level PhD Researchers in Health Data Science (Project PROFIT) University of Porto in Portugal

Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP) is recruiting two Entry-Level PhD Researchers for the PROFIT project (PRocedure Optimization and data-driven eFficiency Improvement in healthcare environmenTs; Ref. COMPETE2030-FEDER-00376900). The positions are based in the Health Data Science area and linked to the Research and Development Unit RISE-Health at FMUP in Porto, Portugal.

The role is focused on research and development activities that aim to improve the efficiency of health services through intelligent workflows, data-driven clinical and operational protocols, and the design and validation of decision support systems. Researchers will also develop methodologies for evaluating digital solutions with end users, carry out literature reviews relevant to the project use cases, and support the technical, scientific, and dissemination components of the project.

This is an international competitive selection procedure for employment under an individual fixed-term contract of uncertain duration, with work carried out at FMUP or other locations as needed. The call states a gross monthly base salary of €2,408.11 at remuneration level 3, plus meal allowance, under the exclusive dedication regime. A full-time option is also mentioned, corresponding to 35 hours per week, with remuneration at two-thirds of the exclusive-dedication level.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a PhD in Health Data Science, Clinical Research, Health Services, Medicine, Health Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biomedical Engineering, Economics, Psychology or a related area. The PhD should have been awarded no more than five years before the deadline. Candidates should also show collaboration in health research projects and experience writing scientific articles in health. Preferred experience includes decision support systems, digital health systems, consensus processes in health, participation in funded research projects, and publication experience in health data science or related fields.

Selection process: the main method is assessment of the scientific and curricular path (90%), with interview (10%) if deemed necessary. Evaluation emphasizes professional research experience, publications, work on decision support or digital health systems, participation in funded projects, and evidence of collaboration and scientific team activity.

Application window: applications must be submitted through the U.Porto APPLY UP platform by 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (Lisbon time). Candidates must include a PhD certificate or diploma, a detailed CV in Portuguese or English organized according to the stated criteria, a cover letter explaining motivation and relevant scientific activity, and any supporting documents relevant to eligibility and merit.

FMUP states that the procedure is open to national, foreign, and stateless candidates and follows University of Porto and Portuguese scientific employment regulations. The post is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) via COMPETE 2030 under Portugal 2030.