PhD Candidate in Biochar Use for Manure Management and Biogas Optimization

IRTA is offering a 4-year PhD position within the Sustainability in Biosystems Program located in Caldes de Montbui, Spain. The successful candidate will investigate the use of biochar across the manure management value chain to improve anaerobic digestion, enhance biogas quality, reduce greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, and test nutrient-rich byproducts as soil amendments. Under the supervision of August Bonmatí, Victor Riau, and Míriam Cerrillo, the researcher will engage in multidisciplinary laboratory work, data analysis, and scientific dissemination. Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor's and master's degree and demonstrate strong enthusiasm for environmental biotechnology and sustainable waste valorisation.

• Characterize various biochar materials and performance according to specific feedstocks and production processes
• Optimize the anaerobic digestion of pig slurry utilizing biochar as an additive
• Test different biochar types for biogas upgrading and analyze underlying adsorption mechanisms
• Design, construct, and operate a low-cost submergible microbial electrolysis cell using biochar as an anode for ammonia recovery and emission control
• Apply specific electrochemical techniques and microbiological analyses to experimental setups
• Conduct literature reviews, data collection, management, and statistical analyses
• Attend scientific congresses to present thesis outcomes and participate in dissemination activities
• Draft and publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Collaborate on the broader development of the main research project and related initiatives within the group