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 electroactive microorganisms in MEC-integrated AD systems. In this project we would like to focus on the role of electroactive microorganisms (EAMs) in the anaerobic processes specifically during high load, or other stress conditions. In the literature, it has been shown that EAMs can perform DIET with methanogens and under certain conditions they are highly enriched. The tasks include preparation of an enriched culture of EAMs and form bioaugmentation products to be tested under varying conditions to elucidate mechanisms of performance enhancement.
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
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)
Eligibility
· 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 motivation to work in an international network
· Valid GRE score (quantitative test score)
· Valid TOEFL score (IELTS not accepted, PTE acceptable)
Organisation/Company – Middle East Technical University.
Field of research – Engineering.
Research profile – First Stage Researcher (R1).
Country – Turkey.
Application deadline – 19 Dec 2025 – 12:30 (Africa/Cairo).
More information: Euraxess
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