The Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology (GEMMA) at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DECA), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC), is offering two funded Ph.D. positions with a start date of September 2025 for up to three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
Successful candidates will join the team of Professor Cigdem Eskicioglu (ICREA; GEMMA) to conduct pioneering research in developing novel thermochemical and biochemical reactor processes for resource recovery from organic waste. The recovered resources will include phosphorus, ammonia, biomethane, biohydrogen, and biocrude oil, contributing to the circular economy.
GEMMA is a dynamic, multicultural, and multidisciplinary research group consisting of approximately 25 members, including faculty, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and support staff. Located in Barcelona, GEMMA offers researchers an outstanding campus experience near the stunning shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The city is a hub for art, architecture, and history and is home to a diverse and welcoming international community, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Candidate Profile
Motivated applicants with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field (Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, etc.) are encouraged to apply.
Candidates should possess:
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Enthusiasm for hands-on laboratory research, particularly at the chemistry/biology interface.
- Proven ability to conduct creative and high-quality research.
- A strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
- Competence in disseminating knowledge through scientific literature.
Applicants must meet English proficiency requirements and other criteria for admission to the Ph.D. program in Environmental Engineering at UPC (PhD program-UPC). Grades will be standardized to the Spanish system.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit the following materials:
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Copies of academic transcripts.
- A list of two references.
- A motivation letter addressed to Professor Cigdem Eskicioglu (cigdem.eskicioglu@upc.edu).
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until suitable candidates are found. Early submissions are encouraged.