PhD Position in Environmental Engineering: Water, Wastewater and Waste Management in Remote and Mountainous Regions Università degli Studi di Brescia in Italy

PhD Position in Environmental Engineering: Water, Wastewater and Waste Management in Remote and Mountainous Regions

The Università degli Studi di Brescia invites applications for a fully funded PhD position as part of the prestigious Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska Curie COFUND CHORAL programme. This research opportunity focuses on the critical challenges of water, wastewater, and waste management in remote and mountainous areas, where decentralized solutions are essential due to limited access to centralized infrastructure. The project aims to bridge traditional resource management practices with innovative, sustainable technologies, particularly nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands and soil infiltration systems.

Research will explore how small villages and mountain shelters manage water supply, waste collection, and wastewater treatment under challenging environmental and climatic conditions. The study will also consider the impacts of climate change and increased tourism on these fragile environments. By investigating both traditional and modern approaches, the project seeks to inform new technologies and policy development, while also generating cultural value and promoting sustainable tourism and living in mountain communities.

This PhD is part of the CHORAL programme, which is linked to UNITA's Cultural Heritage Hub and aims to train high-quality international researchers in interdisciplinary, international, and inter-sectoral research related to cultural heritage. The programme offers joint supervision, a double degree, and requires international mobility, with at least 9 months spent outside the recruiting university, including 6 months at a co-supervising institution.

Funding and Benefits: The position offers a monthly gross salary of approximately €2270 (Italy), with additional allowances for mobility (up to €4500), conferences (up to €3500), and research (up to €5000) over the 3-year PhD period. Fellows will benefit from a Personalised Career Development Plan, international exposure, and training with non-academic partners to enhance employability and skills relevant to both academic and private sectors.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Ecology, Environmental Architecture, Geosciences), have excellent English proficiency, and must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the deadline. The call is open to all nationalities, and candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree. Applications must be submitted in English using the templates provided on the CHORAL website.

Application Process: The selection process includes eligibility screening, evaluation of application materials by a review panel, and interviews for shortlisted candidates. Applicants may apply for up to three PhD topics within the call. The application deadline is 17 January 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the CHORAL project website or contact [email protected].