About the Program
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) invites applications for a fully-funded PhD in Environmental Science and Technology titled “Ecological Drivers of the Ocean Carbonate Pump and Carbon Export: Linking Biodiversity, Trophic Interactions, and Carbonate Biogeochemistry” under the prestigious PHYNEST MSCA-COFUND programme. This doctoral position focuses on understanding how ecological processes and biodiversity influence carbonate production, dissolution, and carbon sequestration in the ocean. The project will be supervised by Professors Patrizia Ziveri and Montserrat Roca and integrated into the MERS research group at the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA). The research duration is four years, based in Cerdanyola del Vallès – Barcelona, Spain, with a start date of October 2026. The project provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, oceanographic expeditions, laboratory and fieldwork, data analysis, and international networking, contributing directly to climate change mitigation research.
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Program Details
- Position: Fully-funded PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher
- Institution: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)
- Department/Faculty: Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA)
- Supervisor: Patrizia Ziveri & Montserrat Roca
- Location: Cerdanyola del Vallès – Barcelona, Spain
- Start Date (Anticipated): October 2026
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Fully-funded; €30,900 gross annual salary, full tuition coverage
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours/week
- Required Degree/Diploma : Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, or related field
Research Focus/Area
- Ocean Carbonate Pump & Carbon Export
- Marine Biogeochemistry
- Biodiversity & Trophic Interactions
- Climate Change & Carbon Sequestration
- Fieldwork and Laboratory Techniques
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Oceanography, Earth or Life Sciences, or a related discipline
- Candidates must not have resided in Spain for more than 12 months in the past 36 months (mobility rule)
- Doctoral candidates only; must not already hold a PhD
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in field sampling, chemical analyses, microscopy, and data analysis
- Programming skills in R or MATLAB
- Strong written and oral English communication skills
- Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
Key Features of the Program
- Integration into a high-impact, internationally recognised research group (MERS)
- Opportunities for oceanographic expeditions, fieldwork, and laboratory studies
- Access to extensive datasets and institutional resources
- Professional development in advanced biogeochemistry and climate research
- Networking with international researchers and participation in workshops and conferences
Application Process
- How to Apply: Apply online via the PHYNEST portal
- Required Documents:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency certificates
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 1 January 2026
- Deadline: 28 February 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/Madrid)
- Interview: TBA
Where to Apply
- University Website: UAB – Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
- PHYNEST Project Website: click here
- Application Portal: PHYNEST Online Application
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