NOVA FCT is an associate partner of FERNS, an European research initiative coordinated by Tyndall National Institute, that aims to reshape how electronic devices are designed, manufactured, and reused. The project is now recruiting 15 PhD researchers to help build the next generation of sustainable electronics, and 2 of these positions are at NOVA FCT.
Funded through the 2024 Horizon Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme, FERNS offers early-stage researchers the chance to work across disciplines and countries, addressing the environmental impact of electronics and advancing circular design principles.
Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing global challenges, with millions of tonnes discarded annually. These devices contain valuable and increasingly scarce materials. FERNS responds by embedding sustainability into every stage of electronics development, from materials and manufacturing to design and societal impact.
The project focuses on three application areas: fitness technologies, short-use health devices, and smart farming solutions.
Training will span eco-design, Safe & Sustainable by Design (SSbD), materials synthesis, advanced manufacturing, system integration, circular business models, and societal acceptance.
At i3N | NOVA FCT, we announce the opening for two motivated Doctoral Researchers to work on “Development of wearable green electronics for electrophysiological sensing (DR7)” and “Development of wearable green electronics for non-invasive electrochemical sensing (DR8)” as a part of the H2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network funded by the Europen Commission “Holistic integration of eco-Friendly design tools and materials, fabrication technologies for the responsible co-creation of future Sustainable integrated electronic systems (FERNS)” (grant agreement number 101226611). The network brings together 20 universities, research institutes, and industrial partners from eight countries.
Our aim is to train the next generation of researchers in the implementation of eco-design approaches for the realization of sustainable electronics.
A) NOTICE: Reference FERNS_DR7
B) NOTICE: Reference FERNS_DR8
Application deadline and submission of applications: The call for applications is open from 28th October 2025 to 31st December 2025. Applications must be sent exclusively by e-mail, mandatorily indicating in the subject of the email the reference “FERNS_DR7” or "FERNS_DR8" to ferns@fct.unl.pt The application must be instructed with the following documents:
- Application form (handwritten forms will not be accepted).
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages), with a list of publications, if applicable.
- A free form motivation letter, outlining how you meet the criteria for this role (max. 1 page).
- Copy of degree certificates and transcript of records (M.Sc. and B.Sc. studies) in original language. If the original language is other than Portuguese or English, please provide an official translation in one of those languages.
- Other relevant documents that support your application.
All documents must be sent as a single PDF file.
For further information and informal enquiries please contact Professor Elvira Fortunato or Dr. Tomás Pinheiro at ferns@fct.unl.pt.