Summary
IRTA (Agri-food Research Institute) is offering a fully funded PhD position within its Sustainability in Biosystems Program. The successful candidate will work on the project “Exploring the application of biochar to improve manure management through biogas optimization, emission abatement and resource recovery,” aiming to enhance anaerobic digestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Designation
PhD Candidate
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | IRTA (Government of Catalonia) |
| Location | Caldes de Montbui, Spain |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Gross Annual Salary | €19,800 to €26,325 |
| Application Deadline | November 22, 2026 |
| Contract Start Date | December 2026 |
Research Area
Sustainability in Biosystems, Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, and Manure Management.
Location
Caldes de Montbui, Spain.
Eligibility/Qualification
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in Biological Systems Engineering, Biology, Biotechnology, or related fields.
- Master’s Degree: Must hold a Master’s in Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, or Biology.
- Doctoral Access: Must be eligible for a doctoral program in Catalonia (accrediting 60-120 ECTS credits at the master’s level).
- Experience: Must not already possess a PhD degree.
- Skills: Proficiency in English and strong teamwork abilities.
- Desirable: Experience in physicochemical analysis of waste, gas emission sampling, or microbiological analysis (PCR, qPCR).
Scholarship Description
The PhD project focuses on the manure management value chain. Key tasks and responsibilities include:
- Characterizing biochar based on feedstock and production processes.
- Optimizing anaerobic digestion of pig slurry using biochar additives.
- Designing and operating low-cost submergible microbial electrolysis cells for ammonia recovery.
- Performing electrochemical techniques and microbiological analyses.
- Publishing scientific papers and presenting findings at international congresses.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary: Year 1 (€19,800); Years 2-3 (€24,025); Year 4 (€26,325).
- Payment of doctoral school fees by IRTA.
- Flexible working hours (37.5-hour week) and remote work options (6 days per month).
- 23 vacation days and additional personal days.
- Support for residence and work permits for non-EU candidates.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their CV and a motivation letter through the official IRTA career portal. The selection process involves a curricular assessment followed by interviews and potential competency-based tests.
Last Date for Apply
November 22, 2026
Apply Link
Click here to apply for the IRTA PhD Position
