Bioprocess Engineering Research Group (BioERG) at the Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey is offering fully funded PhD positions as part of the MSCA Doctoral Network (MSCA DN). The selected candidates will work on cutting-edge research in anaerobic biotechnology and bioelectrochemical systems, focusing on the role of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) and conductive material amendments in anaerobic digestion systems.
These PhD positions provide a unique opportunity to work within an international, interdisciplinary research network funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe program. The candidates will benefit from excellent research facilities, international collaborations, and specialized training in environmental biotechnology.
BioERG is led by Assoc. Prof. Yasemin Dilsad Yilmazel. You can direct her questions about the position to dilsad@metu.edu.tr. Further information about the research group can be found at: www.yasemindilsad.com.
Further info about the project can be found at: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101168769
Project 1: Role of Electroactive Microorganisms (EAMs) on the Performance of Anaerobic Digestion
This project aims to:
- Determine the impacts of bioaugmentation of EAMs on the performance of the anaerobic digestion process during stressed conditions.
- The selected PhD candidate will conduct experimental and analytical studies to investigate the mechanisms and practical applications of EAMs in anaerobic digestion.
Project 2: Leveraging Anaerobic Digestion (AD) through Amendment of Conductive Materials (CMs) into Microbial Electrolysis Cell (MEC) Integrated AD Systems
This project aims to:
- Enrich diverse types of syntrophic and methanogenic EAMs via the amendment of carbon-based CMs into MEC/AD systems and investigate the use of CM amendment as a strategy to enhance the stability of MEC/AD systems under stressed conditions.
- The selected PhD candidate will work on developing innovative approaches to improve anaerobic digestion efficiency through electroactive microbial communities and conductive material amendments.
- The PhD candidate(s) will actively contribute to experimental and analytical studies related to project objectives.
Eligibility Requirements
Mobility Rule (MSCA DN):
- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Turkey for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment.
- Date of Recruitment: The first day of employment under the action (as indicated in the employment contract).
- Refugee Exception: For refugees under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), the period before refugee status is conferred will not count as residence/activity in Turkey.
Academic Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree (and possibly a Master’s degree) in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, or a related area.
- As per EU doctoral network funding rules, applicants must not hold a PhD at the time of application.
English Language Proficiency & CGPA & Standardized Test such as ALES and GRE:
- Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following provided at the main website of METU ENVE: https://enve.metu.edu.tr/en/enve-admission
- Applicants must have CGPA requirements for admission to METU Graduate Program Applicants must have valid GRE or ALES exam result for admission to METU Graduate
Program Preferred specific skills:
Laboratory experience or interest in (bio)reactor operation and microbial systems; Experience in life cycle assessment tools;
Scholarship & Benefits:
- Competitive Salary: €2,193/month (gross salary for METU)
- Mobility Allowance: €600/month
- Family Allowance: €600/month
- Duration: The scholarship will be offered for a minimum of three years, subject to annual performance evaluation.
- International Training & Mobility: The PhD candidates will have opportunities for secondments at partner institutions within the MSCA DN Network.
Application Period: 02 April – 23 May 2025
For inquiries: Contact me regarding your questions at dilsad@metu.edu.tr