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Research Position at IST - Lisbon

Forum 'Emplois' - Sujet créé le 2007-07-19

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

Main research field: Networked Systems in Critical Infrastructures

Sub research field: Risk Analysis and Decision Systems,



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



Job Description



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.





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 31st 2007



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



Website: www.isr.ist.utl.pt



3. Required education level

Degree: PhD

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



4. Required languages

Language: English

Priority: high

Reading : very good

Writing: very good

Comprehension: very good

Conversation: very good



5. Required research experience

Main Research field: Risk analysis and assessment in critical infrastructures

Research sub-field:

Years of research experience: 3 years