INESC Porto is selecting up to 1 PhD in Digital Systems for the Telecommunications and Multimedia Unit, with the support of the FCT Programme “Post Doctoral Research Positions for the National Scientific and Technological System CIENCIA2008”.
Selection does not necessarily imply admission and the actual/effective admission of pre-selected candidates is conditioned to the final decision of FCT and of INESC Porto.

Post-doctoral position to conduct research in digital interactive music systems and sound design, and to contribute to the development of post-graduate degrees in this specialization (MA and PhD) within the UTA Portugal partnership (http://www.utaustinportugal.org/).

There are three trends of work to be developed:

1.  To conduct and supervise research in digital interactive music systems;
2. To create, coordinate, and participate in projects in this area of research in association with other European and non-European institutions;
3. To help developing the curriculum of this research area within the Masters in Interactive Music and Sound Design and the PhD in Digital Media from the University of Texas at Austin and Portugal partnership.

A detailed description is given below. 

1. To conduct and supervise research in interactive music systems
   The candidate should conduct research in automatic music generation systems and their applications to multimedia interactive environments such as games and other applications. The candidate should also propose any other research topics in interactive music that she or he may find to be of pertinence and relevance.
   
2. To create and participate in projects in this area of research in association with other European and non-European institutions
   The candidate should be able to propose and coordinate R&D projects in the area of digital interactive music systems and their intersection with other digital media, thereby contributing to the development and strategic planning of INESC’s Telecommunications and Multimedia Unit in this area in the short- mid-term period. This includes the establishment of new partnerships and launching of new projects and contracts, namely within the European Seventh Research Framework Program.
   
3. To help develop the curriculum of this research area within the Masters in Interactive Music and Sound Design and the PhD in Digital Media from the University of Texas at Austin and Portugal partnership
   The candidate should also participate in the development of the Digital Media graduate programs from the UTA-Portugal partnership. This will include some teaching of courses and seminars in digital interactive music systems as well as Masters and Doctoral Thesis supervision.

Admission:

PhDs to be hired should have at least 3 years of relevant post-doctoral experience and scientific production. In exceptional cases and based on outstanding curriculum or other relevant factors INESC Porto may consider admitting and proposing to FCT applicants with less than 3 years of post-doctoral experience.

Conditions:

• The basic income is round per 44500 euros/year (before taxes) which corresponds to the salary of an Assistant Professor. Salary and other conditions may be negotiated for candidates with outstanding curriculum.
• The researcher will benefit from a Health Insurance offered by INESC Porto to its researchers, on top of National Health Service benefits. Other legal insurance will be offered according to Portuguese law.
• Productivity rewards are a policy of INESC Porto and all researchers must accept to be subject to a regular evaluation internal procedure. Rewards may be given for exceptional work in research projects, for publishing in international journals or for other activities judged of merit.
• Working conditions at INESC Porto LA are of high standard. The institution is classified as Excellent by the Ministry of Science. The environment is of advanced science and technology transfer and of solidarity among researchers, within a challenging atmosphere of international recognition, effort and dedication.
• Other general conditions are described in www.inescporto.pt, in the section “Work with us”, in the downloadable document “Welcome Guide”.

Duration and Beginning:

• The contract maximum is of 3 years, in accordance with the rules of Ciência 2008 programme and the applicable Labour Laws. Renewing for a newer term will be possible.
• Application Deadline: 30/09/2008;
• Starting date: as soon as possible, depending on the decision of FCT;
• Location: Porto (Portugal).

Required Research Experience:

At least three years of experience in research and design of digital interactive music systems after completion of doctoral degree as well as substantial knowledge in algorithmic composition, sound synthesis and sound design. Relevant publication and scientific/creative work in the field is required. Knowledge of compositional technique of tonal music, including 20th century popular music, as well as classical 20th century music is strongly recommended.

Application & Information

Applicants should send:

• Current CV;
• Motivation letter specifying research interests in the field;
• abstract of doctoral dissertation (full document may be required later);
• Two letters of recommendation;
• Significant examples of the candidate’s work in the field (publications, creative and/or scientific work).

Applications as well as additional information should be sent by email to: dil-rh@inescporto.pt with a complete identification of the announcement code in the subject of the message.