Contratação de Recursos Humanos Altamente Qualificados por PME – doutorados e pós-doutorados - Alentejo2030

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the hiring of highly qualified individuals, specifically those with doctoral or post-doctoral qualifications, by small and medium-sized enterprises in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The program aims to promote employment, foster innovation, and accelerate both digital and energy transitions. It also seeks to increase collaboration between businesses and scientific or technological organizations. The focus areas include sustainable bioeconomy, energy, mobility, tourism, cultural ecosystems, social innovation, circular economy, and digitalization, all within the Alentejo geographic region.

• Projects must comply with all eligibility conditions and submit required documentation through the designated platform.
• They are evaluated on four criteria: strategic alignment, impact, execution capacity, and quality, each scored from 1 to 5 (minimum 3 required).
• Projects must contribute to sustainable employment, competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and regional priorities, such as hiring highly qualified staff.
• Each project must last no longer than 36 months and exclude remote work or virtual incubation models.

Examples:

• A technology company in Évora hires a post-doctoral researcher to lead a digital transformation project.
• A tourism SME in Beja employs a PhD in environmental sciences to develop sustainable tourism strategies.
• A mobility startup in Portalegre brings on a doctorate-level engineer to innovate eco-friendly transport solutions.

• Salaries for highly qualified staff (PhDs and post-docs)
• Mandatory social charges (social security contributions)
• Work accident insurance premiums
• Holiday bonuses
• Christmas bonuses
• Employer's share of payroll taxes
• Any other legally required salary components
• Only salaries between €2,188.90 and €3,746.80 per month are eligible
• Only expenses for jobs created after the application submission are eligible

• Total budget of the grant: €1,500,000
• Co-financing rate: up to 50% from the European Social Fund (FSE)
• Maximum project duration: 36 months
• Maximum value per company: €250,000

• Applicants must register and authenticate in the "Balcão" system, ensuring all company information is current and complete.
• Compliance with all general and specific application rules for European funding under Portugal 2030 is required.
• Projects must demonstrate an incentive effect and meet all operational requirements set out in the notice.
• SMEs must have up-to-date electronic certification of their status.
• Only highly qualified personnel with level 8 qualifications (doctorate or equivalent) are eligible for hiring under this program.
• Applicants must submit a plan showing how the new hires will be integrated into the company's innovation strategies.
• Alignment with the specific objectives and goals outlined in the program notice is mandatory.