We are offering a PhD (predoctoral) position to join the LIVENlab, an interdisciplinary research group on socio-ecological modelling for the energy transition. The LIVENlab is hosted at the Spanish Center for Energy, Environment and Technology Research (CIEMAT) and the Department of Telecommunications and Systems Engineering of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, one of the leading public research universities in Spain.
The PhD candidate will carry out their research within the framework of the COMPASS project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme. Our work in the project is the creation of a holistic assessment framework for offshore wind parks optimization. This framework integrates Social Narratives, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Socio-ecosystem metabolism, and ecosystem services concepts.
The doctoral research will create new socio-ecological methods and indicators for multicriteria assessment and contribute to the adaptation of the Python package ENBIOS (which has a strong dependency with the LCA Brightway2 software) for its application to offshore wind power plant optimization. This is a highly transdisciplinary work that will combine modelling, programming, and quantitative and qualitative research components, including the analysis of narratives and the coproduction of methods together with researchers and industry stakeholders.
What we expect from you:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field such as industrial ecology, environmental engineering, energy engineering, systems engineering, or a closely related discipline
- This must make you eligible to enroll in a PhD program at UAB
- Basic to intermediate programming skills, with interest and capacity to work in Python and Brightway
- Strong motivation to pursue transdisciplinary doctoral research
- Ability to work independently, together with willingness to learn and collaborate in a multidisciplinary research team
- Good written and oral communication skills in English
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage research tasks over a multi‑year project
Also valued:
- Previous exposure to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) or sustainability assessment methods
- Interest or basic knowledge related to energy systems, preferably wind energy
- Experience with quantitative or mixed (quantitative–qualitative) research methods
What we offer:
We offer a 3.5 year, full-time PhD contract with a first year gross salary of 24.000 Euros. The successful candidate will be integrated into the COMPASS research project funded by the Horizon Europe programme, which covers any research related expenses and travel to conferences. We cover the PhD program expenses and offer structured doctoral supervision and mentoring for professional development. The position is based at the School of Engineering at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, with the option to work remotely a couple of days a week. The contract includes health insurance and support for visa will be provided if needed.
How to apply:
Applicants should send a cover letter and an updated CV by Jan 31st. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the week of Feb 2nd and a final decision will be communicated by Feb 6th The selected person is expected to join by April-May 2026. Please address email for applications or any questions to cristina.madrid@ciemat.es with the subject “COMPASS PhD position application”.