Research Grant in Agroforestry Biomass Pyrolysis and Biochar Production
Develop a portable pyrolysis unit for biochar production and assess environmental and economic sustainability of agroforestry by-products.
Best for:Best for master’s or doctoral candidates in chemical engineering, environmental technology, or related fields with hands-on experience in pyrolysis, biomass characterization, and physicochemical analyses.
Overview
This research grant at the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança focuses on advancing pyrolysis technology for converting agroforestry by-products into biochar and activated carbon. The successful candidate will design, implement, and evaluate a portable pre-industrial pyrolysis unit, conduct experimental tests, and perform detailed physicochemical characterization of the products. The project aims to optimize efficiency, quality, and sustainability while assessing life-cycle environmental and economic impacts. The work is supervised by Prof. Helder Teixeira Gomes and involves collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Bragança’s research team.
What you'll do
- Conduct a bibliographic review on pyrolysis processes, biochar, and activated carbon production for environmental applications.
- Define technical and operational requirements for designing a portable pre-industrial pyrolysis unit.
- Analyze environmental and economic impacts across the life cycle of the production system, from raw material to waste disposal.
- Perform experimental pyrolysis tests on various agroforestry biomass types, evaluating operating conditions and process yields.
- Carry out detailed physicochemical characterization of biochar and activated carbon products, including BET surface area, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis.
- Prepare technical data sheets for biochar and activated carbon, highlighting quality and performance parameters.
- Write scientific reports and articles summarizing research findings and support dissemination activities.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Environmental Technology, or a related field OR enrollment in a doctoral program in one of these fields.
Language: Portuguese and English; proficiency in written and oral communication required.
Instruction: Portuguese and English
- Experience in evaluating physicochemical characteristics of agroforestry biomass and its conversion products (biochar, activated carbon).
- Proficiency in physicochemical analyses, including surface area, density, acidity, ash content, fixed carbon, calorific value, and thermogravimetric analyses.
- Knowledge of spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and infrared spectroscopy techniques for biomass characterization.
- Experience in assessing material properties for environmental applications.
- Fluency in Portuguese and English (written and oral communication).
- Candidates must be enrolled in a non-degree-granting master’s program or a doctoral program in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Environmental Technology, or related fields.
- No nationality restrictions mentioned, but academic degree recognition by a Portuguese institution is mandatory for foreign degrees.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-12
Applicants must submit their applications through the UPB application submission portal. Required documents include a Curriculum Vitae, qualifications certificate, and a letter of motivation. Academic degrees obtained abroad must be recognized by a Portuguese institution. Verification of enrollment or degree status may occur during the 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· President of Selection Jury
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