1 PhD position for the development of yeast-based solutions for Sustainable Aviation Fuels with the MSCA-DN YAF

15 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Fundacion IMDEA Energia

Department

Thermochemical Processes Unit

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering
Chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Spain

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE / MSCA

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number

101120389

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

1 PhD position for the development of yeast-based solutions for sustainable Aviation Fuels with the MSCA-DN YAF

The Horizon Europe MSCA-Doctoral Network (DN) YAF “Yeast-based solutions for sustainable Aviation Fuels” is recruiting one Doctoral Candidate (DC) to undertake the individual research project ‘Cascade platform conversion of waste-derived-fatty acids into sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by one-pot catalytic reaction’. 

YAF has received funding from European Union's Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Europe Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) under the Grant Agreement 101120389. More information on YAF can be found at the project website  and CORDIS . YAF has also received funding from UK Research and Innovation, EPSRC Grant reference: EP/Y031881/1.

YAF in a nutshell

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are the only short-term alternative to fossil fuels in aviation. Current SAF-producing pathways are at different levels of maturity, implementation or even commercialization. However, lowering the cost and supply chain development are key challenges for commercial-scale SAF deployment. In this context, yeasts may be key players to generate economically-viable SAF intermediates (terpenes or fatty acids (FA)) in an environmentally-friendly way from biowaste. YAF research programme aims at; i) producing carbon sources from biowastes, ii) developing new yeast cell factories , iii) designing new bifunctional catalysts, iv) achieving efficient strategies for FA/terpenes extraction, and v) creating robust framework tailored to the scaling-up methodologies and life-cycle sustainability assessment of different SAF producing routes. Thus, the prime training/networking aim of YAF is to train the next generation of researchers in a highly interdisciplinary and intersectorial research environment such that they can soundly address upcoming challenges concerning production yeast-based SAF.

Position offered

1 PhD position is offered for a duration of 36 months. Check here  the description of the available position, also stating candidate requirements, and planned secondments.

• DC8 - Cascade platform conversion of waste-derived-fatty acids into sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by one-pot catalytic reaction (IMDEA Energy, Spain)

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Internal Application form(s) needed
YAF Application Form_DC8_Final.pdf
English
(168.43 KB - PDF)
Download
Additional Information
Benefits

YAF DC will be employed according to the rules for DC in MSCA DNs and the general regulations of each host institution. Main features of the open position are:

As reported in the MSCA Work Programme , a financial package which includes:

• Living allowance.
• Mobility allowance.
• Family allowance (if applicable).
• Employer costs and other deductions will depend on recruiting host and country. Allowances are gross amounts, which means that all compulsory social security contributions (employer and employee), direct taxes, and any other compulsory deductions under national legislation will be deducted from these gross amounts.

Enrolment in a PhD program.

Shared research and innovative multidisciplinary and multisectoral training by experts and experienced trainers from two sectors (academia and industry).

An international, multidisciplinary and intersectorial, custom developed training program (soft skill courses, targeted workshops, social events and networking) that promotes scientific excellence and exploits the expertise and infrastructure present in the consortium.

2 Secondments (1 academic secondment and 1 non-academic secondment) at other institutions within the YAF consortium.

Opportunities for participation in national and international meetings.

Enlarged professional network and improved future scientific career perspective in academia and industry.

Eligibility criteria

Note that MSCA-DN specific eligibility conditions  apply:

Mobility rule. Not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.

Doctoral Candidate (DC) definition. Be — at the date of recruitment — a doctoral candidate (i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree).

Be in position of enroling in a doctoral programme at the country and meet the specific eligibility requirements at the hosting institution, if applicable.

Other specific criteria of the recruiting host institution.

Selection process

The application process will start on 15th  March 2024 and will end on 31st  March 2024 (23:59, Europe/Brussels).

The selection procedure will be open, transparent, merit-based and in line with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers . The institution is an equal opportunity employer and seek a workforce diverse in age, culture, nationality and gender. Candidates will be selected according to the following steps:

Eligibility check. Applications will be reviewed for eligibility based on the criteria listed above under the ‘Eligibility criteria’ section.

Pre-selection of candidates. Eligible candidates will be ranked based on the submitted documents and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an online interview. Those not shortlisted will be informed of the result of their application.

After the online interviews, candidates will be offered a position or will be informed about the rejection decision.

The outcome of this selection process will be communicated in April 2024. Selected candidates will have 7 days to accept the position.

Selection criteria

Adequacy of the candidate’s education to the position.

Relevant postgraduate work experience.

Motivation of the candidate for the position. 

Effective communication and interpersonal skills (English proficiency).

How to apply

Candidates interested in the position offered can apply by the 31st of March 2024 (23:59, Europe/Brussels).

The application must include:

YAF Application form filled out and signed.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) (max. 3 pages) including relevant education and research experience (including professional experience).

Cover letter (max. 2 pages), explaining motivation to apply and relevance of the position for the candidate.

Other specific documentation requested by the host institution.

Submission

For the submission of the documentation please refer to the instructions indicated here .

Only complete applications will be accepted. 

The individual DC project is set to start in June/July 2024 (or earlier if possible for the host institution and the selected candidate). 

For any other enquiries, please send an email to [email protected] . 

Website for additional job details

https://yaf-project.eu/call-for-applicants-1-phd-position-for-the-development-o…

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institute IMDEA Energy / Thermochemical Processes Unit

Country

Spain

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://yaf-project.eu/call-for-applicants-1-phd-position-for-the-development-o…

Contact

City

Mostoles, Madrid

Website

https://yaf-project.eu/

Street

Av. Ramón de la Sagra 3, Parque Tecnológico de Móstoles, 28935, Móstoles, Madrid

Postal Code

28935

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED