PhD Contract - Economic Feasibility and Market Opportunities for Industrial BFT Implementation (Kveloce)

€54,523 yearly

Job Description

Job title

PhD Contract - Economic Feasibility and Market Opportunities for Industrial BFT Implementation.

Company

Kveloce.

Description of the job

Kveloce is offering a PhD position under the SwitchFloc Grant Agreement, a project funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks programme. The project aims to train the new generation of professionals in Biofloc Technology (BFT), an innovative and sustainable aquaculture system.

About Biofloc Technology:

Thanks to BFT, it is possible to recycle C and N waste into valuable biomass suitable to be used on-site as a nourishing food source, reducing the need for aquafeeds and enhancing animal immune system. The N conversion into microbial fraction allows minimal water exchange, reducing water requirements. Moreover, BFT ensures biosecurity due to the absence of communication among tanks. However, BFT is still a relatively new technology that needs to be better understood, mainly under intensive conditions. The lack of qualified professionals is the main barrier to its implementation in Europe.

PhD Objectives:

The main objective of this PhD position is to evaluate the economic and social feasibility of Biofloc Technology (BFT) within a European context and explore potential market opportunities for its industrial-scale implementation. The PhD candidate will analyse cost structures, value chains, and market dynamics related to BFT systems, contributing to the assessment of business models, economic viability, and societal impacts.

Research Stays:

  • First stay at Università degli Studi di Palermo (Italy) (3 months) to complete economic research from a carbon footprint perspective.
  • Second stay at Università di Padova (Italy) (3 months) to outline the potential market opportunities of BF products within European context, with special focus on the willingness-to-pay.

The PhD candidate must enrol in the Animal Production Science and Technology doctoral programme at the Department of Animal Science and Technology at Universitat Politècnica de València under the supervision of David S. Peñarada (academic co-supervisor at UPV) and Maite Ferrando (main supervisor at Kveloce).

About Kveloce:

Kveloce is a dynamic force in the European innovation ecosystem with over 15 years of experience, specialising in securing and managing European funding for cutting-edge Research and Innovation (R&I) projects. Beyond consultancy, Kveloce is also a research-performing organisation, actively contributing to international R&I projects through in-house expertise, applied research, and stakeholder engagement.

Contract Conditions:

- Full-time contract of 3 years.

- The recruited researcher will receive a total gross remuneration of EUR 163,568.16, which includes the Living Allowance and the Mobility Allowance for the duration of the contract (paid in 12 instalments).

- If the recruited researcher meets the criteria to be considered as having a family, an additional Family Allowance of EUR 17,820 will be granted.

- Tentative start date: June/July 2026.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Candidates must not be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
  • Candidates may be of any nationality.
  • Candidates must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date.

Academic Requirements:

  • Master's degree related to economy and market studies.
  • Excellent command of spoken and written English (C1 level or equivalent).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office digital tools.
  • Other European languages are an advantage.

Additional Evaluated Merits: Certification in other languages, relevant training courses, relevant scientific publications, reference letters, professional experience.

Location

Valencia, Spain (with research stays in Palermo and Padova, Italy).

Salary

EUR 163,568.16 total gross for 3 years (approximately EUR 54,523 per year, including Living Allowance and Mobility Allowance).

Additional Family Allowance of EUR 17,820 if applicable.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through www.switchfloc.eu between 1 February 2026 and 31 March 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET).

Applications must be written in English and must include: CV in EU format, motivation letter, academic certificates, and reference letters (optional).

The selection process includes an initial review of applications followed by online interviews for shortlisted candidates.

Contact: jobs@kveloce.com. Project manager: roliper@upvnet.upv.es.

Deadline

31/03/2026.

Disclaimer

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Career level

Internship

Career options

Academic, research and sciences