Physics Engineering
Work description
The proposed research focuses on the development of an autonomous monitoring system using optical sensors for sustainable aquaculture. The work aims to address critical challenges in aquaculture, such as maintaining optimal water quality, preventing disease, and improving resource efficiency, all of which are essential for the sustainability and productivity of aquatic farming systems. By leveraging optical sensing technologies, the project will design and integrate a suite of sensors capable of real-time monitoring of key environmental and biological parameters. These include different parameters such as nitrates, nitrites, turbidity, dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2), dissolved oxygen (O2), ammonia, pH, salinity, and potential biological indicators like cortisol concentration and biomass estimation. The optical sensors will form the core of a centralized and autonomous monitoring platform that continuously assesses water conditions and organism health without the need for extensive manual sampling. The research will involve several main tasks: • Sensor Development and Calibration - Designing and testing optical sensors for accurate and reliable detection of critical water quality variables, suitable for integration into aquaculture environments. • System Integration - Building a compact, low-power monitoring unit capable of acquiring, processing, and transmitting data autonomously. Embedded microcontrollers and custom software will enable seamless data collection and visualization through a user-friendly interface. • Data Analysis and Decision Support - Applying statistical and machine learning methods to interpret the data, identify trends for optimizing aquaculture conditions. • Experimental Validation - Conducting controlled laboratory tests followed by real-world validation in collaboration with industry partners (e.g., a pilot setup at Sintef Ocean, Trondheim, Norway) to assess system performance under realistic aquaculture scenarios. The work will be carried out between INESC TEC’s facilities in Porto, Portugal, and SINTEF’s facilities in Trondheim, Norway. Ultimately, the expected outcome is a scalable, autonomous monitoring platform that enhances environmental control, improves fish health, and supports more sustainable aquaculture practices. This system will contribute to reducing environmental impact, increasing productivity, and promoting efficient use of natural resources in aquaculture operations.
Academic Qualifications
Portuguese or foreign citizens, as well as stateless persons who hold a Master's degree in Physics Engineering or any other field that the jury considers aligned with the call.
Preference factors
• Hybrid Optical Multiparameter Sensing for Predictive Industrial Maintenance • Advanced Fabrication and Functionalization of Optical Fiber Probes • Integrated Optical Sensing Systems: From Design to Industrial Deployment • Nano-Engineered Optical Interfaces for Enhanced Sensing • Intelligent Optical Instrumentation and Data-Driven Sensing
Application Period
Since 09 Jan 2026 to 22 Jan 2026
Centre
Applied Photonics