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PhD position opportunity!

The research topic will be the biological production of a wide range of biostimulants from agro-industrial wastes

We are seeking candidates to apply for a FI PhD grand and conduct funded research work under the Experimental Sciences and Technology program of Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya. The research topic will be the biological production of a wide range of biostimulants from agro-industrial wastes in the framework of the AGRI-PROSUME project. The work will be performed in the laboratories of BETA Technological Centre.
AGRI-PROSUME project aims to address the production of three biostimulants of proven interest for the agricultural sector from a waste valorization perspective. For that purpose, AGRI-PROSUME proposes solid-state technologies (solid-state fermentation (SSF) and solid-state enzymatic hydrolysis (SSEH)) as the core for transforming waste and by-products from the agri-food industry into marketable biostimulants of specific traits (eg. protein hydrolysates rich in amino acids and peptides, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and exopolysaccharides).
The selected candidate will apply to a 3-years granted PhD fellow from l’Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR).

About us:

BETA Technological Center, at Universitat de Vic – Universitat Central de Catalunya, aims to improve and promote competitiveness and technological capacities of companies, Public Bodies, and other entities, through the development of R+D+I collaborative projects. Our main fields of expertise are environmental technologies & circular bioeconomy, applied ecology & global change, soil & nutrient management, sustainability accounting & optimization, and governance for sustainability.
In the bio-based activities, we offer well-established and pioneering solutions in the waste management of liquid and solid streams such as composting, anaerobic digestion, biodrying, freeze concentration, diverse nutrients recovery technologies, and solid-state fermentation. Thus, BETA Technological Center has a significant research activity focused on the valorization of wastes to produce energy, to recover nutrients, and to obtain marketable value-added products such as bioplastics, industrial enzymes, base chemicals, and biostimulants. We count on lab-scale and pilot-plant facilities to develop these research activities.

Applicants requirements:

  • Hold an official bachelor’s degree, the contents of which are related to or in areas related to the doctoral programme.
  • Hold an official master’s degree, in the field of knowledge related to the doctoral programme.
  • Have an excellent academic record.

We look forward to receiving your application including:

Please send the requested documents via e-mail to laura.mejias@uvic.cat (deadline October 17th, 2021)

What we offer

  • A unique research opportunity to conduct research on environmental biotechnologies to promote circular bioeconomy in food production systems.
  • Vibrant working environment and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
  • Fully equipped modern labs and facilities
  • A dynamic group surrounded by an international team of experts
  • Involvement in national and international projects
  • Scientific stays abroad during your PhD
  • Support and guidance to develop your future research career
  • Vic provides a high quality of life; it is a university city with lots of cultures and very family-friendly