PhD Opportunity in Sustainability Germany Apply now

Applications are now open for a fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. The position is available at the Chair of Ecological Resource Technology within the Faculty of Engineering Science and offers an exciting opportunity for researchers interested in sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA), resource efficiency, circular economy, and bio-based materials.

The successful candidate will join the internationally funded LignUp project, a collaborative research initiative supported by the Carl Zeiss Foundation’s Breakthrough Programme. This innovative project aims to transform lignin, a major by-product of the pulp and paper industry, into high-value materials for energy storage and water treatment applications.

The doctoral researcher will contribute to assessing the environmental performance and resource efficiency of lignin-based materials while exploring policy frameworks that support the transition toward sustainable and circular economies.

Fully Funded M.S. Opportunity in the USA!

Position Overview

Position: Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d)

University: University of Bayreuth

Department: Chair of Ecological Resource Technology

Location: Bayreuth, Germany

Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Helbig

Duration: 3 Years

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: TV-L E13 Public Salary Scale

Starting Date: October 1, 2026

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

---

About the University of Bayreuth

The University of Bayreuth is one of Germany’s leading research-oriented universities, recognized internationally for interdisciplinary research excellence and innovation. The institution is known for addressing global challenges through collaborative scientific research and advanced technological solutions.

The Chair of Ecological Resource Technology focuses on the analysis, simulation, and evaluation of global material cycles. Researchers investigate sustainable resource management systems from extraction and production to recycling and circular economy implementation.

The research group utilizes advanced industrial ecology approaches, including:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Material Flow Analysis (MFA)
• Resource Criticality Assessment
• Circular Economy Evaluation
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Techno-Economic Analysis

Researchers work closely with academic institutions, industry partners, and policy stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for future resource challenges.

About the LignUp Project

The PhD position is embedded within the LignUp project, an ambitious multidisciplinary initiative focused on developing sustainable applications for lignin.

Lignin is a naturally occurring biogenic material generated as a waste stream by the pulp and paper industry. Despite its abundance, large quantities of lignin are still burned for energy recovery rather than being transformed into high-value products.

The LignUp consortium seeks to change this by converting lignin into innovative porous carbon materials suitable for:

• Batteries
• Supercapacitors
• Water purification systems
• Critical metal recovery technologies
• Sustainable energy storage applications

The project contributes directly to global sustainability goals by promoting resource efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil-based materials.

International Research Consortium

The LignUp project is coordinated by Friedrich Schiller University Jena and involves several prestigious research institutions, including:

• Friedrich Schiller University Jena
• Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
• Hochschule Nordhausen
• Fraunhofer IKTS
• University of Bayreuth

This collaboration provides doctoral researchers with extensive networking opportunities and exposure to diverse scientific perspectives.

Research Responsibilities

The selected doctoral researcher will play a key role in evaluating the sustainability and environmental impacts of lignin-based technologies.

Life Cycle Assessment Research

A major responsibility will involve conducting comprehensive life cycle assessments of newly developed lignin-based materials.

Research activities include:

• Defining assessment frameworks
• Collecting environmental data
• Modeling production systems
• Comparing lignin-based products with conventional alternatives
• Identifying environmental hotspots
• Evaluating resource efficiency

Environmental Policy Analysis

The researcher will investigate environmental and policy frameworks that support sustainable material transitions.

Topics may include:

• Circular economy policies
• Sustainable resource management
• Green industrial transitions
• Bioeconomy strategies
• Environmental regulations
• Resource governance systems

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The candidate will collaborate closely with technical researchers working on:

• Battery technologies
• Water treatment systems
• Material development
• Energy storage solutions

The integration of environmental assessment results into engineering development will be an important aspect of the project.

Scientific Publications and Conferences

The successful candidate will actively contribute to scientific dissemination through:

• Peer-reviewed journal publications
• International conference presentations
• Technical reports
• Project deliverables

These activities will help build a strong academic profile and enhance future career opportunities.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should possess a strong academic background and a passion for sustainability research.

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in:

• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Natural Sciences
• Sustainability Studies
• Resource Management
• Related disciplines

A very good or good academic record is required.

Preferred Research Experience

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Material Flow Analysis
• Circular Economy
• Sustainability Assessment
• Industrial Ecology
• Bio-Based Materials

Technical Skills

Experience with LCA software is highly desirable, including:

• OpenLCA
• Brightway
• ecoinvent databases

Programming skills in Python or similar languages are also considered advantageous.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• English proficiency at C1 level
• German proficiency at A2 level or higher

Candidates with basic German skills and strong motivation to improve are encouraged to apply.

Benefits of the Position

This doctoral opportunity offers numerous academic and professional benefits.

Fully Funded Research Position

The successful candidate will receive a salary according to Germany’s TV-L E13 public sector pay scale.

PhD Development

The university actively supports researchers in transforming project outcomes into a doctoral dissertation leading to a Doctor of Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) degree.

International Research Network

Researchers will gain access to:

• International collaborations
• Academic conferences
• Industry partnerships
• Professional development programs

Advanced Training Opportunities

The University of Bayreuth provides access to:

• UBT Graduate School training programs
• Research workshops
• Academic writing support
• Teaching development courses

Career Development

Graduates from this program will be well positioned for careers in:

• Academia
• Sustainability consulting
• Environmental policy
• Industry research and development
• Government agencies
• International organizations

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Bayreuth strongly promotes diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Women are particularly encouraged to apply, and applications from candidates with disabilities are welcome. Qualified applicants with severe disabilities will receive preferential consideration where appropriate.

The university also supports family-friendly working environments and international researchers.

Application Process

Applicants should submit the following documents through the University of Bayreuth online application portal:

• Motivation Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Master’s Thesis Summary
• Academic Certificates
• Transcripts
• Supporting Documents

Applications should be submitted using the keyword:

“ÖRT LignUp”

Application Deadline

June 30, 2026

Contact Information

OFFICIAL LINK

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Helbig

Email: christoph.helbig@uni-bayreuth.de

For additional information, candidates are encouraged to contact the supervisor directly.

Final Thoughts

This PhD opportunity at the University of Bayreuth represents an outstanding chance to contribute to cutting-edge sustainability research while earning a doctoral degree in Germany.

Researchers interested in life cycle assessment, resource efficiency, circular economy, and sustainable materials will benefit from world-class mentorship, international collaboration, competitive funding, and impactful research opportunities.

If you are passionate about creating sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges, this fully funded doctoral position could be the perfect next step in your academic and professional journey.

PhD Opportunity in Sustainability Germany Apply now

• Is this PhD position fully funded?
  Yes. The position is fully funded and includes a salary according to Germany's TV-L E13 public sector pay scale.
• What is the application deadline?
  The deadline for submitting applications is June 30, 2026.
• What qualifications are required?
  Applicants must have a Master's degree in engineering, natural sciences, sustainability, environmental science, or a related field.
• Is experience in Life Cycle Assessment required?
  While not mandatory, experience in LCA, material flow analysis, circular economy research, or sustainability assessment is highly preferred.
• What language skills are needed?
  Candidates should have English proficiency at C1 level and German proficiency at least at A2 level, with motivation to improve further.