Most fellowships have many winners. This one has only one. The LIP TOMAR Research Student Fellowship in Coimbra, Portugal, offers one place to a physics graduate who wants real lab experience. The pay is 1090.98 euros every month.
If you like detectors and data analysis, this is a chance to turn that skill into real research. But there is one catch. You need the right academic status. Please check this before you spend time on your CV.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | LIP TOMAR Research Student Fellowship |
| Host | Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics LIP Coimbra |
| Location | Coimbra Portugal |
| Number of places | One |
| Duration | 6 months renewable |
| Start date | Expected 1 January 2027 |
| Hours | 35 hours per week |
| Monthly allowance | 1090.98 euros |
| Application deadline | 22 October 2026 |
| Offer ID | 471533 |
What This Fellowship Is
LIP stands for the Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics. The fellowship is based at LIP Coimbra in Portugal. It is a research student fellowship. That means you work on a real project while you study.
What You Will Actually Work On
You will join a project that builds a muon tomography telescope. This device uses Resistive Plate Chambers, which are known as RPC detectors. It is a way to see inside large objects using particles from space.
Your work will be done under the guidance of Alberto Blanco. Your main tasks will be:
- Help build and run the telescope
- Collect experimental data
- Analyze the data
- Do tomographic reconstruction
- Test how well the prototype performs
This is hands-on particle physics research. It is a good fit for someone who wants to work with real instruments and not only theory.
Who Can Apply
You need two things. First, you need a degree in Physics or Physical Engineering. Second, you need to be enrolled in an eligible master’s or non-degree course under LIP rules.
The call is open to international applicants. No nationality limit is stated. The call also says that discrimination based on nationality is not allowed. No age limit is stated either.
But being open to everyone does not remove the academic rules. You must still meet the degree and enrolment conditions. You can show proof of enrolment later when the contract is signed.
If you study outside Portugal, you should ask LIP whether your course qualifies. The notice does not answer this question. So do not assume. Send a short email and ask.
Can You Apply With a Foreign Degree
Yes. Degrees from outside Portugal are accepted. But your degree must be officially recognized in Portugal before you sign the contract. This step can take time. So start early.
Look at the official Portuguese guidance on degree recognition. Then ask LIP which route is right for you. Extra costs for recognition or enrolment may apply. The notice does not state any application fee.
How You Will Be Chosen
The selection is simple. There are two parts and each is worth half.
- Your CV is worth 50 percent. They look at research projects and summer internships or similar work.
- Fit with the project is worth 50 percent. They look for experience in particle physics instruments and in software for experimental data analysis.
Two skills are valued the most. These are experience with RPC detectors and experience with MATLAB for analysis.
Make your experience clear and specific. Do not just write that you worked with data. Say which detector you used. Say which dataset you studied. Say which software you used. Say what you did yourself.
One more point. The fellowship may not be given at all if nobody fits the project needs. So only apply if your background truly matches.
Does This Cover a Full Master’s Degree
No. This is a research fellowship with a monthly allowance. It is not a full funding plan for a master’s degree.
The notice does not promise any of these:
- Tuition payment
- Housing
- Flights
- Support for family members
Payment is made by bank transfer. Renewal depends on the project and on the rules. It is not guaranteed. So plan your own budget for your course and your move to Portugal.
Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 22 October 2026 at 17:00 Lisbon time (16:00 UTC) |
| Expected start | 1 January 2027 |
Check the time in your own country. A small time zone mistake can cost you the whole chance.
How to Apply
You apply directly by email. All files must be in PDF.
- Read the official EURAXESS call. Check that your studies and your research skills fit.
- Prepare your documents. You need a motivation letter in English and a detailed CV in English. Add your degree diploma and your transcript with grades. Add any proof of your research work. Proof of enrolment can come later at contracting.
- If your degree is from another country check the Portuguese recognition guidance. Then confirm the right route with LIP early.
- Send all PDF files to coimbra.candidaturas@lip.pt. Write offer ID 471533 in the subject line.
- Results will come by email. You must still complete the contract steps if you are selected.
You need good English. No IELTS score is asked for.