PhD in Agro-Waste Valorization and Circular Bioeconomy at University of Trento University of Trento in Italy

PhD opportunity at the University of Trento in Agro-Waste to Value: Circular Bioeconomy Solutions.

This project is centered on transforming agro-industrial by-products and organic residues such as grape marc, apple pomace, and fish waste into valuable products and energy. The research sits at the intersection of chemical engineering, environmental science, agriculture, and materials science, with a strong emphasis on circular bioeconomy and resource recovery.

You will work on conversion of agro-waste into high-value materials and energy, development of integrated biorefinery process schemes, and optimisation of thermochemical and extraction processes. Methods mentioned include hydrothermal carbonisation, pyrolysis, supercritical CO₂ extraction, anaerobic digestion, and process simulation/modelling.

The position is based at UniTrento C3A and the University of Trento. The post is announced by Gerardo Puopolo, Associate Professor at the University of Trento, with supervisors Luca Fiori and Gianni Andreottola.

Funding is stated as a 3-year fully funded PhD with a stipend of €21,750/year (about €1,650/month). The deadline is 2026-05-28.

Applicants should have a background in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field, and show interest in circular economy and sustainable processes. Experience in lab work, process modelling, or experimental design is preferred.

To apply, review the admission call information on the University of Trento PhD page and submit the application through the UniTrento portal before the deadline.