TERRA-MED: 33 MSCA-Funded PhD Positions in Mediterranean Sustainability
Join an interdisciplinary PhD programme addressing water, energy, and land challenges in the Mediterranean through cutting-edge research and international collaboration.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a master’s degree in environmental sciences, engineering, biology, chemistry, or related fields, seeking interdisciplinary PhD opportunities with international collaboration and funding.
Overview
TERRA-MED is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND doctoral programme funded by the European Union, uniting 12 research institutions across France and Spain. This initiative offers 33 fully funded PhD positions focused on the Water-Land-Energy Nexus, tackling critical environmental and climate challenges in Mediterranean territories. Applicants will conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research under dual supervision, with opportunities for academic mobility and non-academic secondments. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary training, open science, and career development, fostering a network of researchers committed to sustainable solutions.
What you'll do
- Conduct original, interdisciplinary research addressing environmental and climate challenges in Mediterranean regions, focusing on the Water-Land-Energy Nexus.
- Collaborate with two research teams from different TERRA-MED regions, ensuring cross-border scientific exchange and access to complementary facilities.
- Participate in academic mobility, spending time at partner institutions in France or Spain to broaden research perspectives.
- Engage in non-academic secondments with companies, public authorities, or socio-economic organizations to develop intersectoral expertise.
- Develop transferable skills through an interdisciplinary training programme, including innovation, entrepreneurship, research communication, and career development.
- Contribute to open science practices and network with researchers across the Mediterranean.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
- Adhere to ethical standards and responsible research practices throughout the PhD journey.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental sciences, engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, sociology, or related fields
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good proficiency (equivalent to B2/C1 level)
Instruction: English
- Proven academic background in environmental, biological, chemical, or engineering sciences
- Strong research skills and ability to conduct interdisciplinary work
- Fluency in scientific writing and presentation
- Experience with fieldwork or laboratory research (if applicable to the project)
- Applicants of all nationalities are welcome
- MSCA mobility rule applies: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, studies) in France or Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date
- No age limit, but applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for MSCA COFUND
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-31 (UTC)
Applicants must identify a PhD project from the TERRA-MED catalogue that aligns with their research interests and academic background. Applications are submitted through the official TERRA-MED application platform, where candidates provide their CV, academic transcripts, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation. The application process includes selecting a primary and secondary supervisor from the TERRA-MED consortium.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Research proposal aligned with one of the TERRA-MED projects
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if not from an English-speaking country)
- Motivation letter explaining research interest and fit with the programme
Contact
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