Fully Funded MSCA PhD Position in Anaerobic Digestion & Bioelectrochemical Systems (METU, Ankara)
Bioprocess Engineering Research Group (BioERG) at Middle East Technical University (METU) invites applications for one fully funded PhD position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network LeAD – Leveraging Anaerobic Digestion through environmental stresses. The project focuses on anaerobic digestion under stressed conditions, with emphasis on the role of electroactive microorganisms in AD systems.
What we offer
- Salary: €2,193/month gross (METU rate)
- Mobility allowance: €600/month
- Family allowance: €495/month (if married or with dependents)
- Duration: Minimum of 3 years (subject to annual performance evaluation)
- Training & mobility: Secondments and network-wide training within the LeAD MSCA DN, with partners across Europe (universities, research institutes and industry)
About LeAD
LeAD trains the next generation of environmental biotechnologists to advance anaerobic digestion from waste treatment towards resource recovery, using a design–build–test–learn approach across 14 integrated doctoral projects. More information: LeAD project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101168769
Eligibility & profile
- MSc or BSc degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology or a related field.
- Must not already hold a PhD.
- Must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule: not have resided or had main activity (work/study) in Türkiye for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.
- Strong interest in anaerobic biotechnology / bioelectrochemical systems, good English, and motivtion to work in an international network.
- GRE quantitative score
- TOEFL score
How to apply
First step: please send an email with the following documents to Dr. Yilmazel (Deadline 16 Dec 2025)
- Letter of intent
- CV
- GRE score
- TOEFL score (IELTS not accepted, PTE accepted)
- BS and MS Transcripts
Second step: Upload the documents to METU application portal. (Deadline 19 Dec 2025)
Apply via the METU Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences online portal (Environmental Engineering Department or Biotechnology PhD), and clearly indicate that you are applying for the MSCA DN LeAD PhD position with BioERG:
🔗 METU Graduate Application Portal: https://application.metu.edu.tr
For specific questions about the position, please contact Assoc. Prof. Yasemin Dilsad Yilmazel (BioERG): dilsad@metu.edu.tr.