Research Grant in Sustainable Pyrolysis and Biochar Production
Develop innovative pyrolysis technologies for converting agroforestry waste into biochar and activated carbon under EU-funded project CarbonTech.
Best for:Best for master’s graduates or doctoral students in chemical engineering, environmental technology, or related fields with expertise in pyrolysis, LCA, and sustainable biomass conversion.
Overview
This research grant at the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança focuses on advancing sustainable pyrolysis processes to transform agroforestry by-products into biochar and activated carbon. The successful candidate will contribute to designing, implementing, and evaluating a portable pyrolysis unit while applying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and participatory research techniques. The project is part of the CarbonTech initiative, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under NORTE2030. The role involves interdisciplinary work at the intersection of chemical engineering, environmental technology, and sustainable resource management, with a strong emphasis on environmental impact evaluation and stakeholder engagement.
What you'll do
- Conduct a literature review on pyrolysis processes and sustainable production of biochar and activated carbon, focusing on environmental applications and agroforestry waste valorization.
- Assist in designing and defining technical and operational requirements for a portable pre-industrial pyrolysis unit, prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability.
- Apply Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to analyze environmental and economic impacts across the entire production cycle, from raw materials to product disposal.
- Support the evaluation of biochar and activated carbon product performance and quality, considering environmental and commercialization applications.
- Prepare technical reports, scientific articles, and dissemination materials to communicate project results in academic and technical contexts.
- Engage in participatory research, including stakeholder consultations and consumer perception analysis, using the Delphi methodology and questionnaire-based approaches.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Technology, Management of Organizations, or a related field OR enrollment in a non-degree-granting master’s program or doctoral program in a relevant discipline.
Language: Portuguese and English; proficiency in both written and oral communication required.
Instruction: Portuguese and English
- Proven knowledge of pyrolysis processes and sustainable biomass conversion techniques.
- Experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies and environmental sustainability practices.
- Familiarity with developing business plans and stakeholder engagement methodologies, including the Delphi technique.
- Proficiency in Portuguese and English (written and oral communication).
- Technical writing and scientific reporting skills.
- Candidates must be enrolled in a relevant master’s or doctoral program OR hold a master’s degree in a related field.
- No nationality restrictions mentioned, but eligibility depends on Portuguese higher education institution regulations for foreign degrees.
- No age restrictions specified.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-12 (Europe/Lisbon)
Applications must be submitted through the UPB application submission portal. Include a Curriculum Vitae, qualifications certificate, and a letter of motivation. Academic degrees obtained abroad must be recognized by a Portuguese institution if selected. Verification of enrollment or degree conditions is mandatory during the grant contracting phase.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Qualifications certificate
- Letter of motivation
- Declaration of honor regarding academic degrees or enrollment (if applicable)
Contact
Dr. Ana Paula Ferreira da Silva· Selection Jury President
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