[Apdio] Research Position at IST - Lisbon

["Jose F. Oliveira" <jfo@fe.up.pt>]

*Job/Fellowship Reference: *C2007-IST-ISR.2

*Main research field: *Networked Systems in Critical Infrastructures

*Sub research field: *Risk Analysis and Decision Systems,**

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*Job summary:*

The successful candidate will conduct research in the area of Risk
Analysis and Decision Analysis, in the context of Critical
infrastructures and Networked Sensors, Communication and Decision Systems

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*Job Description*

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*Job description, *

In today’s world, quality of life relies substantially on the continuous
operation of a large number of critical infrastructures, including
energy systems and water suppliers, transportation systems,
communication, and information networks. Critical infrastructure
surveillance and monitoring, behavior assessment, maintenance and
protection requires the study, design and implementation of
precautionary measures aimed to reduce both the risks inherent to its
regular use and those resulting from natural disasters or human error.
Performing all the needed tasks to achieve holistic management of large
critical infrastructures involves using proper engineering and
scientific knowledge, in particular that related to Networked Systems,
along with analytical tools of risk assessment, management and
communication for the evaluation of alternative policies. Alternative
policies are in general evaluated on the basis of a family of attributes
or criteria. Consequently, there is also a need for concerted research
efforts in the areas of Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis and
Estimation and Control Theory, which are at the core of any rigorous
methodology for the study and control of complex uncertain systems with
the purpose of meeting stringent performance requirements. Both
disciplines are entering a new and exciting period. This comes at a time
when the availability of small embedded sensors and processors, coupled
with fast paced developments in communication technologies, are spurring
widespread interest in the development of massively distributed,
networked systems. In this context, it is imperative that new methods be
developed for the design of estimation and adaptive robust control
algorithms for highly uncertain distributed systems in the presence of
unforeseen disturbances and limited/disrupted communications.

The proposed research plan at ISR-LA aims at fostering the development
of scientific knowledge and the creation of critical mass in an emergent
area focused on the development and use of sensor based monitoring
systems, as well as on risk analysis and decision analysis and control
tools, for a broad range of large critical infrastructure applications,
including power and gas networks, mass transportation systems and water
supply systems, in which we will involve the stakeholders of these systems.

Research and training on networked sensor systems play a fundamental
role and constitute a support for risk analysis and assessment of
critical infrastructures. Minimum risk decision systems must rely on
adequate technological infrastructures (e.g., networked sensor systems),
which have to be designed, since the very beginning, in accordance to
well defined criteria. Systems analysis, risk analysis and assessment,
and behavioral decision theory form the fundamental core of a balanced
and complete approach to the design and operation of infrastructure
systems, and play a key role in the definition of strategies of
communication for systems’ operators and users, and in public perception
management.

Research activities may include the supervision of Ph.D. candidates,
including those in the area of Network Sensors, Communication and
Decision Systems in the context of a Dual Degree Ph.D. Program offered
by Instituto Superior Técnico and Carnegie Mellon University

*Qualifications & Experience*

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant field and display evidence of
managerial skills, independent research, significant scientific
accomplishments and preferably expertise in advanced cytometry methods,
operations research and/or decision analysis, and/or multicriteria
decision making. The successful candidate will have a strong publication
record and enjoy working on ambitious projects at the frontiers of basic
and clinical research. The post holder will be required to communicate
effectively and work together with ISR-LA researchers in international
projects. Therefore, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a
high level of proficiency in spoken and written English, and the ability
to supervise and collaborate in an international team environment are
essential*.*

*Contract conditions*

A fixed-term one year contract renewed up to 5 years will be offered to
the successful candidate. The annual gross income will be 3,038.06 Euros
x 14 months. Taxes will be deduced according to the Portuguese law.
Yearly raises to correct for inflation will be calculated according to
the Portuguese law.

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*www: *www.isr.ist.utl.pt**

*Vacant posts: *1**

*Type of contract: *Yearly, renewable up to 5 (five) years, based on
mutual agreement.

*Job country: *Portugal

*Job city: *Lisbon**

*Job company/institute: *Institute for Systems and Robotics

*Application deadline: *August 31^st 2007**

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*2. Organization contact data*

*Organization/Institute: *Institute for Systems and Robotics

*Address: *ISR, Instituto Superior Técnico

Av. Rovisco Pais

1049-001 Lisboa

Portugal

*Email: *ciencia2007@isr.ist.utl.pt

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*Website: *www.isr.ist.utl.pt

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*3. Required education level*

*Degree: *PhD

*Degree field: *Engineering, Mathematics, Operations Research, Decision
Analysis, Computer Science with an exposure to Risk Analysis and
Assessment**

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*4. Required languages*

*Language: *English

*Priority: *high

*Reading**: *very good

*Writing: * very good

*Comprehension: *very good

*Conversation: *very good* *

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*5. Required research experience*

*Main Research field: *Risk analysis and assessment in critical
infrastructures**

*Research sub-field:*

*Years of research experience: * 3 years