PhD topic: Marine fuel production via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of wet biomass

Preferred start: early 2027

Application deadline: 30th October 2026

Funding: Fully funded PhD position as part of an upcoming HE project.

Expected experience:

  • Master's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering

  • Strong background in chemical engineering and catalysis

  • Experience with hydrotreatment, thermochemical conversion of biomass by pyrolysis/HTL and bio-oil/bicrude analysis is not required but is beneficial.

  • Top-level English, both spoken and written, ideally proven by a certificate.

Expected work:

  • Close collaboration with all involved colleagues and relevant partners from the project consortium.

  • Biocrude blending with marine fuels.

  • Esterification of biocrude to increase compliance with marine fuel specifications.

  • Mild hydrotreatment of biocrude to reach marine fuel specifications even for 100% biofuel.

  • Contribution to project reports, publications, and conference presentations.

What we offer:

  • A young but fast-growing Team with strong international collaborations with academia and industry.

  • Top-level facilities and expertise in hydrotreating and liquid product analysis.

  • Work on a prospective topic in close collaboration with top EU companies as part of a demonstration EU project.

  • Competitive income, which level depends entirely on your activity and productivity.

Questions? Feel free to contact our students Adham (yaghia@vscht.cz) or Vít (vyskocit@vscht.cz).

If you are interested and meet the criteria, apply through the application form below.

Apply through this form