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 a funded PhD position with a start date of March-May 2026 for up to four years.
Successful candidates will join the team working on the PHOTOBIO+ research project led by Professors Cigdem Eskicioglu and Ivet Ferrer, to conduct pioneering research in developing novel thermochemical and biochemical reactor processes for resource recovery from microalgae. The recovered resources will include pigments, biostimulants, biomethane, biohydrogen, and biocrude oil, contributing to the circular economy.
Candidate Profile:
Motivated applicants with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field (Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, 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 PhD program in Environmental Engineering at UPC (https://doctorat.upc.edu/en/programmes/environmental-engineering).
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit the following materials (in English) by November 21/2025:
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Copies of academic transcripts.
- A list of two references.
- A motivation letter addressed to Professors Cigdem Eskicioglu and Ivet Ferrer (gemma.upc.info@gmail.com).