The Department of Physics at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from researchers across all branches of physics (theoretical and experimental) who aspire to build international research careers and establish dynamic research groups. As a leading institution in Portugal and Europe, IST provides an exceptional research environment with outstanding students, making it an ideal setting for cutting-edge research.
This initiative seeks to identify areas of research with high growth potential for the Department of Physics. In 2026, based on the results, we will launch international calls (Public Notice) to recruit tenure-track professors, primarily at the Assistant Professor level.
In this call, the Department of Physics is preferentially interested in applications for three Assistant Professor positions in the following scientific areas: ‘Astrophysics and Gravitation’, ‘Particle Physics and Nuclear Physics’, and ‘Condensed Matter and Nanotechnology’. The Department plans to open one Assistant Professor position in each of these areas.
We encourage applications from researchers with outstanding CVs, demonstrated scientific leadership, and a strong publication record. We are particularly interested in candidates with a proven ability to secure grants, especially from international funding organisations. Learn more about the Department of Physics and its scientific areas on https://fisica.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/.
Contact Instructions:
To apply, please send a single PDF document to eoi@fisica.tecnico.ulisboa.pt with the subject line “EOI: [Your Name]”.The document should include the following items and must be addressed to Prof. Ilídio Lopes, President of the Department of Physics:
- Motivation letter (one page): Clearly stating your preferred scientific area.
- Curriculum vitae: Including a complete list of publications.
- Achievements and publications (maximum two pages): Describe your three most significant achievements and up to five relevant publications from the past five years, detailing your specific contributions.
- Research and teaching statement (maximum two pages): A concise overview of your future research plans and teaching interests.
- References: Provide contact information (including email addresses) for two researchers or professors who will provide reference letters.
Reference letters should be sent directly by your referees to eoi@fisica.tecnico.ulisboa.pt with the subject line “RL: [Your Name]”. These letters should attest to your scientific, pedagogical, professional, and ethical qualities. Please ensure they are submitted before the deadline. Additional information may be requested.
Deadline: Applications must be received by 5th September 2025 to ensure full consideration.
IST Councils Deadline: The IST councils will identify research areas of interest by the end of 2025, with international calls for Tenure-Track Assistant Professor positions expected to open by Public Notice around the beginning of Spring 2026.
Disclaimer: This announcement does not guarantee the opening of calls for tenure-track or permanent positions.
Requirements, Benefits, and Distinctive Environment
Expectations for Assistant Professors:
The Assistant Professors will be expected to:
Building a robust and autonomous research career with global recognition.
Establishing a research program that attracts competitive funding at both international and national levels.
Overseeing the supervision of PhD students, MSc students, and undergraduates.
Contributing to undergraduate (BSc) and graduate (MSc and PhD) teaching programs.
Engaging in faculty duties, fostering collegiality, and upholding ethical standards.
Requirements and desired skills:
Prospective researchers must have obtained a doctoral degree in Physics or a related field by the date of the upcoming opening. Preference will be given to researchers with a strong research track record and university-level teaching experience. The ability to foster an inspiring work environment and establish international scientific collaborations within and outside the university is highly valued. Additionally, researchers should demonstrate a strong motivation to implement their vision and establish an externally funded research program. Proficiency in English (there is no requirement to speak Portuguese) and strong communication skills are also essential qualifications.
Tenure track at IST-ULisboa:
This open search is for prospective researchers interested in applying for upcoming openings of tenure-track positions with an initial 5-year appointment. After this period of 5 years, and upon a successful evaluation, the temporary employment will be converted into a permanent position. During the probationary 5-year period the juniorfaculty member will undergo a Mentoring Program that promotes their integration and adaptation to the IST culture. The objective of the program is to accelerate the development of an academic career with international impact, exhibiting scientific and academic leadership. The Program also supports junior faculty members through a financial start-up package, an incentive to partial sabbatical leaves abroad during the tenure track period, as well as access to an internal ERC Acceleration Program.
Salary and benefits:
IST-ULisboa is a public institution that offers competitive salaries and benefits in accordance with national laws and regulations. These include the possibility to subscribe to the healthcare plan for civil servants, benefiting from a wide choice of private and public national health services at reduced prices, the use of maternity license and paternity leavein case of childbirth, and other social benefits. IST faculty members may receive a supplement to their salary in retribution for participating in R&D projects.
IST is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer that highly values diversity and is committed to supporting and encouraging applications from women and underrepresented minorities.
About IST (ULisboa)
As Portugal’s top Engineering, Science, and Technology school and one of Europe’s premier institutions, IST offers an inspiring world-class learning environment and drives impactful research worldwide. It’s remarkable achievements, distinct institutional profile, strategic Lisbon location, and exceptional students, alumni, faculty, and staff underscore its global appeal. IST fosters a unique and multidisciplinary scientific atmosphere, bridging competencies across diverse engineering and fundamental science disciplines. This compelling environment attracts the finest Portuguese graduates and undergraduates aspiring to achieve impactful international careers in Science, Engineering, and Technology.
Notably, IST proudly hosts Portugal’s leading scientific community in theoretical and experimental physics and related fields, actively engaging in major international organizations like ESA, ESO, ITER, and CERN. With 8 Research Institutes and 25 Research Centres, IST stands as a pioneering hub of knowledge and innovation.
The Department of Physics of IST has the nation’s most prolific researchers in Physics. Their outstanding expertise draws students with top academic achievements from all regions of the country, fostering a vibrant academic community committed to pushing the boundaries of physics and related fields.
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