PhD Position in the Environmental Science and Technology program- ICTA-UAB GICOM group Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
About GICOM:
The GICOM (Research Group on Bioconversion of Organic Residues and Advanced Materials) is a leading research group at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, focused on the development of innovative biotechnological solutions for the valorisation of organic waste within the circular bioeconomy. GICOM’s research activities combine process engineering, microbiology, sustainability assessment, and data-driven approaches, addressing three strategic axes:
- Bioconversion of waste to bioproducts and biodegradability
- Anaerobic digestion and CO2 nanocatalysis
- Methane Emissions and Controlled Landfill Management
The group has extensive experience in European and national research projects, working at the interface between fundamental research and industrial application. GICOM is currently involved in several European initiatives, including ReWoW, Bio4UP (MSCA-SE), and CirBioWaste, among others, all contributing to the development of sustainable and scalable valorization pathways for organic resources.
PhD position focus
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for a PhD position within the Environmental Science and Technology doctoral programme (ICTA-UAB). The PhD will be developed within the research line of solid-state fermentation (SSF) and will be framed in the context of ongoing projects. The research will address the development of innovative fermentation processes applied to complex organic substrates, combining experimental work with data-driven approaches. Special emphasis will be placed on:
- Valorization of digestate and other organic substrates
- Production of high-value compounds (e.g. biosurfactants, bioestimulants, aroma compounds)
- Integration of bioprocessing approaches
- Contribution to data generation for modelling and optimization frameworks
Main activities will include:
- Raw material characterization and inventory development.
- Design and execution of SSF experiments
- Data acquisition, structuring and analysis
- Interaction with modelling and digital tools when relevant.
- Contribution to scientific publications and project dissemination.
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, or closely related fields.
- Master’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, or related disciplines.
- Strong interest in bioprocesses, waste valorization, circular bioeconomy, and/or data-driven approaches.
- Excellent communication skills in English are required, while knowledge of Catalan or Spanish is an advantage but not mandatory.
- Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
What We OAer:
- A 3-year (full-time) PhD position in a high-impact European project at the frontier of biotechnology and AI, led by senior researchers from the GICOM research group.
- Training in experimental bioprocessing and valorization schemes within advanced facilities and international collaboration.
- A dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment with strong academic and innovation orientation.
- Opportunities for networking with academic and industrial partners.
Starting date:
September 2026
How to apply:
https://tauler.seu-e.cat/detall?idEns=11&idEdicte=632329
Deadline for applications:
23/06/2023
More details:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gicom-bioconversi%C3%B3-de-residus-org%C3%A0nics-i-nous-materials-959934373_phd-irculareconomy-biotechnologyactivity-7470431387301617665fnuy?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFyCL1UBWCYJHvt1GPHu_UABhciYCHwMFk4
