The NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS), part of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, has announced a competitive research grant opportunity for Master’s students in Information Management.

The call, IMS_BOLSA_ISAL_2026_03, supports advanced research in data systems, cloud computing, and information integration.

Overview of the Research Grant

This opportunity provides funding for one Master’s-level research position within the NOVA Information Systems & Analytics Lab. The project is fully financed by NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS) and focuses on applied data engineering research.

The selected candidate will contribute to a structured research project involving the migration of enterprise data from SAS systems into Microsoft Azure infrastructure, specifically Azure Synapse Analytics.

Research Objective and Work Plan

The core objective of the project is to ensure the secure, efficient, and accurate migration of data into cloud-based systems while preserving data integrity and optimizing performance.

The research is structured into four key phases:

Analysis and planning of existing data structures
Extraction of data from SAS environments
Transformation and optimization of datasets
Loading and validation in Azure Synapse Analytics

This process is designed to support enterprise-level cloud transformation while ensuring high standards of data quality and security.

Academic Environment and Supervision

The research will be conducted at the campus of NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS) in Lisbon, Portugal.

The project will be supervised by Professor Tiago Oliveira, alongside a research team specializing in information systems and analytics. The academic environment provides access to advanced research infrastructure and collaboration opportunities within a European research institution.

Scholarship Duration and Financial Support

The grant is initially awarded for six months and may be renewed for up to 24 months depending on performance and project continuation needs.

The financial package includes:

Monthly stipend of €2,000
Personal accident insurance coverage during research activities
Optional participation in social security schemes for eligible candidates

Payments are made monthly via bank transfer.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to applicants from a wide range of national and international backgrounds, including EU citizens, third-country nationals, stateless persons, and refugees.

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Data Science, or Information Management
Strong programming skills, particularly in Python and Bash
Experience with Microsoft Azure tools such as Synapse Analytics, Azure Active Directory, and Azure Key Vault
Certification in AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Prior experience in data migration projects
Enrollment in a Master’s programme at the time of application

Only candidates who meet all academic and technical criteria will be considered.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application package via email, including:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter
One letter of recommendation
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Proof of Master’s enrolment
Recognition of foreign academic qualifications (if applicable)

Incomplete applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Evaluation Process and Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed on a 100-point scale based on academic and professional merit.

The evaluation breakdown includes:

70% curricular evaluation
- Academic performance and relevance to the project (70%)
- Professional experience (30%)

If necessary, shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, which contributes 40% of the final score.

A minimum final score of 50 points is required for eligibility.

Application Timeline

Application opening: 11 May 2026
Application deadline: 22 May 2026 (20:00 Lisbon time)

Applications must be submitted to the official recruitment email of Universidade NOVA de Lisboa.

Selection Panel and Governance

The selection process is overseen by a panel of senior academics from NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS), including:

Professor Tiago Oliveira (Chair)
Professor Frederico Cruz-Jesus
Professor Catarina Neves

The panel ensures transparency, impartiality, and confidentiality throughout the evaluation process.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

The institution promotes equal access and non-discrimination in recruitment. Applications are welcomed from candidates regardless of nationality, gender, disability, or background.

This policy aligns with European academic standards and ensures fairness in the selection process.

Conclusion

The Master’s research grant offered by the NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS) represents a strong opportunity for students in Information Management and Data Science to engage in advanced research in cloud data migration.

By combining academic mentorship, technical research, and financial support, the programme provides a structured pathway for developing expertise in modern data systems and contributing to real-world digital transformation projects within Europe.

LEARN MORE HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding