2 Graduate Scholarships

Project ID-MaP - Intelligent Decision Support for Electricity Market Players

(Ref. ID-MaP_2012-02)

Project ID-MaP - Intelligent Decision Support for Electricity Market Players (PTDC/EEA‑EEL/099832/2008) is recruiting 2 young researchers graduated in Computer Science, Informatics or similar, willing to work in the area of Power Systems. This call concerns research activity in the area of electricity markets modeling and simulation. This project is funded by Portuguese funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) and co-funded by “Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional“ (FEDER) through COMPETE – Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade (POFC).

1.    SCIENTIFIC AREA

Computer Science / Informatics

2.    ACADEMIC DEGREE

Graduation in Computer Science / Informatics or similar

3.    DURATION AND TYPE OF CONTRACT

From 1 May 2012 until 31 October 2012 (06 months duration, eventually to be renewed for periods of 06 months, till the end of the Project).

4.    JOB SUMMARY / WORKPLAN

The main goal is to undertake research work in the area of electricity markets modeling and simulation.

ID-MAP uses MASCEM, an Electricity Market (EM) simulator, developed in the scope of GECAD, as a starting point. MASCEM strongest points are: the use of sophisticated Artificial Intelligence (AI) based techniques for players modeling and decision-support, flexible and open approach that supports diversity of EM models and tools to be used by EM players, and a balanced approach of technical and economic issues. ID-MAP will produce a simulator that:

a) provides EM players adequate decision-support tools;

b) provides users a flexible infrastructure, able to support any EM model and methodology for supporting EM players’ tasks and decisions;

c) simulates EM in a complete and realistic way, considering all the relevant technical and economical/financial issues.

The candidates to be selected will undertake the following tasks:

- Agent and multi-agent system development;

- Modeling of the players that act in electricity markets;

- Use, integration and upgrade of previously developed methodologies and software;

- Electricity markets simulation;

- Preparation of case-studies and result analysis;

- Technical reports and scientific papers preparation and writing.

These tasks include the design of the foreseen methodologies, their implementation, and test.

5.    LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS

Law no. 40/2004 (August.18.2004 – “Estatuto do Bolseiro de Investigação Científica”); Regulation no. 405/2010, May.6.2010 (published in “Diário da República” no. 88, II Serie, 06.May.2010) – “Regulamento de Bolsas de Formação Avançada do ISEP”; “Regulamento da Formação Avançada e Qualificação de Recursos Humanos 2010” (Published by FCT).

6.    SCIENTIFIC SUPERVISION AND WORKPLACE

The candidate to be selected will be scientifically supervised by Professor Zita Vale.

7.    REMUNERATION

As defined by FCT (€ 745.00/month), according to the table of stipends of the country (available in http://alfa.fct.mctes.pt/apoios/bolsas/valores).

8.    SELECTION METHODS AND SELECTION PANEL

Only candidates that have presented the complete set of application documents and showing evidence of having the required minimum profile required will be admitted. The selection method will take into account the following components: graduation classification (50%) and the curriculum vitae evaluation (50%). In case of doubts, an interview can be undertaken; in this case it will be conducted in English.

The Selection Panel will be chaired by Professor Zita Maria Almeida do Vale, Coordinating Professor with Aggregation at the Institute of Engineering of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ISEP/IPP) and Director of GECAD, Professor Maria Goreti Carvalho Marreiros, Adjunct Professor at ISEP/IPP and sub-director of GECAD, and Professor Isabel Cecília Correia Silva Praça Gomes Pereira, Adjunct Professor at ISEP/IPP.

9.    ANNOUNCEMENT DIFFUSION AND NOTIFICATION MEANS

The announcement of the Research Fellowship will be published at Eracareers’ website and ISEP’s website.

Final evaluation results, namely the candidate list, ordered by candidate evaluation, will be made public, in printed form, in GECAD. The candidates will be individually notified by email message.

10.  APLICATION

- Minimum profile required: Solid background on artificial intelligence, multi-agent based applications, simulation, and some experience in the electricity markets field. At least 1 year of experience in scientific research activities. Author of at least 1 scientific paper written in English. Writing and speaking proficiency in English.

- Preferred profile: Previous work experience in research activities in the area of electricity market simulation and multi-agent systems. Good programming skills and experience in artificial intelligence based computer applications development.

11.  APPLICATION DOCUMENTS AND PERIOD

The application period will take place from 28 March 2012 until 10 April 2012.

The application documents are the following:

- Curriculum Vitae; graduation diploma; document with courses marks; copy of any previously published works that are relevant for the application evaluation. An application letter with the fellowship reference (ID‑MaP_2012-02) should be included, indicating clearly the motivation of the application and the full contact information (as minimum: email address, mobile phone number, postal address) of the candidate. All the documents prepared by the candidate for the application should be written in English. Documents should be sent to zav@isep.ipp.pt.

Additionally, they should also be sent to the following address:

GECAD

Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto

Professor Zita Vale

Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431

4200-072 Porto

Portugal