IST Research Scholarship supports PhD researchers working on advanced ultrafast laser systems and OPCPA development. The IST Research Scholarship is aimed at applicants already enrolled in a PhD with substantial hands-on experience in NIR/MIR ultrafast lasers and OPA/OPCPA techniques.
The scholarship is provided by Instituto Superior Técnico and the research takes place at the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion in Lisbon. Funding is provided through Instituto Superior Técnico under Compete 2030 / Portugal 2030 and the role focuses on development and characterisation of 1030 nm CPA and 3200 nm OPCPA laser systems.
IST Research Scholarship Benefits
- The scholarship offers €1,359.64 per month, initially for 6 months, with renewal possible up to a maximum total duration of 12 months.
- The research will be carried out at the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion in Lisbon.
- The research is funded through Instituto Superior Técnico under Compete 2030 / Portugal 2030.
IST Research Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- You must intend be enrolled in a PhD programme
- Academic field Physics or a closely aligned laser/optics research area
- At least 4 years of postgraduate experience is required
- Strong experience with solid-state NIR/MIR ultrafast lasers and OPA/OPCPA
- Research record compatible with that experience, ideally including exposure to international, world-level laser facilities
How to Apply for IST Research Scholarship
- Applications must include: Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of academic qualifications, or a declaration of honour if the certificate is not yet available
- Proof of PhD registration/enrolment
- Motivation letter
- Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Instituto Superior Técnico admissions platform
- The form must be fully completed, submitted and locked without validation errors for the application to count
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the IST Research Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application documents, and the research focus to help prospective applicants.
What is the monthly allowance for the scholarship?
The scholarship offers a monthly maintenance allowance of €1,359.64. The initial award runs for 6 months, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum total duration of 12 months, as stated in the official announcement.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Applicants must intend be enrolled in a PhD programme in Physics or a closely aligned laser/optics research area. The call requires at least four years of postgraduate experience and strong hands-on experience with solid-state NIR/MIR ultrafast lasers and OPA/OPCPA.
Where will the research be conducted?
The research will be carried out at the Institute of Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion in Lisbon, within Instituto Superior Técnico. The project focuses on development and characterisation of 1030 nm CPA and 3200 nm OPCPA laser systems.
What documents are required for the application?
Applications must include a Curriculum Vitae, proof of academic qualifications (or a declaration of honour if not yet available), proof of PhD registration/enrolment, and a motivation letter. These requirements are specified in the official call.
How should I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Instituto Superior Técnico admissions platform. The form must be fully completed, submitted and locked without validation errors for the application to count.
What is the selection method for this scholarship?
The competition uses 100% curricular evaluation. There is no separate interview score described; the committee will evaluate the CV and supporting documents to determine whether the candidate possesses the required technical experience.
What technical experience is the committee looking for?
The call requires demonstrated experience in the design, operation and characterisation of solid-state near-infrared and mid-infrared ultrafast laser systems, specifically involving OPA or OPCPA technologies, and a research record compatible with this experience.
What will the successful applicant work on?
The scholarship involves completing development and characterisation of a multi-millijoule 1030 nm laser amplifier based on Chirped Pulse Amplification and assembling and aligning a broadband 3200 nm laser amplifier system using OPCPA, including stretching, amplification and compression stages.
How long can the scholarship last?
The initial duration is 6 months, with renewal possible up to a maximum total duration of 12 months in total, subject to renewal conditions described in the announcement.
What is the application deadline?
The last date to apply is 2 September 2026 at 23:59 Lisbon time, as specified in the official announcement for the IST Research Scholarship.
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