PhD Empresas Programme – Support for the hiring of PhD researchers by companies in Madeira
ARDITI has opened a call under the PhD Empresas Programme, which supports the hiring of PhD researchers by companies in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, through co-funding and structured expert guidance over three years. The initiative aims to boost R&D+i in a business context, promote scientific employment, and enhance the region’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Objective
The PhD Empresas Programme seeks to integrate PhD researchers into companies in Madeira, promoting the application of scientific knowledge to real-world business challenges aligned with the priorities of the Smart Specialisation Strategy (EREI RAM 2021–2027).
Eligible Entities
Companies headquartered or with a branch in the Autonomous Region of Madeira;
PhD researchers from any scientific field who do not hold a permanent employment contract at the time of application.
Financial Support
The programme provides co-funding for employment contracts over a 3-year period, according to the following breakdown:
Year 1: 100% of eligible costs;
Year 2: 50% of eligible costs;
Year 3: 25% of eligible costs.
The programme also includes structured expert guidance, to ensure effective and impactful collaboration.
Work Plan
Each application must include a 3-year R&D+i work plan aligned with the company's strategy and regional priorities. The plan must demonstrate:
Clear relevance to the company’s strategic challenges or opportunities;
Potential for economic, social, or environmental impact;
Strong alignment between the researcher’s profile and the proposed work.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted exclusively by the PhD researcher, with formal support from a company, using the online platform: phdempresas.arditi.pt
Application period: 30 April to 30 June 2025.
Extension possible by decision of ARDITI.
Required Documents
Completed application form;
Detailed 3-year work plan and timeline;
Letter of support from the company;
Updated CV;
Copy of PhD certificate (recognised in Portugal);
Motivation letter;
Declaration of no permanent employment contract;
Any other documents requested or deemed relevant by the candidate.
If the researcher is not fluent in Portuguese, all documents must be submitted in English.
Evaluation Process
Applications will be evaluated by independent expert panels based on the following criteria:
Quality and impact of the work plan (40%);
Relevance and alignment with the company (25%);
Merit of the PhD researcher (35%).
Only applications scoring 3.000 or higher (out of 5.000) will be considered eligible for funding.
Contact
For enquiries:
