MSCA COFUND FELLOWSHIP ECOSPHERE Post-doctoral Research Programme

The ECO-SPHERE Program is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND Action hosted jointly by Yildiz Technical University (YTU) and Dokuz Eylul University (DEU) in Türkiye. The program aims to provide multidisciplinary academic and secondment opportunities, excellent facilities, and cutting-edge technologies to postdoctoral researchers worldwide. ECO-SPHERE focuses on advancing knowledge and innovation in the circular economy, supporting the next generation of researchers. Through fostering dynamic collaborations, ECO-SPHERE aspires to spearhead advancements in environmental awareness and policies, paving the way for innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

We are seeking highly motivated and ambitious 12 postdoctoral fellows with a strong background in areas in relation to circular economy to join the ECO-SPHERE Program. Successful candidates will conduct multidisciplinary research projects focusing on the circular economy, with opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in the field. To be eligible for the ECO-SPHERE Program, applicants must comply with the following mobility rules: Researchers must not have resided or engaged in their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Türkiye for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the application deadline. Additionally, all applicants are required to possess a doctoral degree (PhD) or its recognized equivalent.

Please visit this website for further information: https://ecosphere-msca.org.tr

Qualifications and Skills

• Applicants must hold a PhD or an equivalent degree in environmental sciences, sustainability, or a related field, or must have submitted their doctoral thesis for assessment before the application deadline. The PhD must be awarded before the fellowship commences.

• ECO-SPHERE mobility rules must be followed.

• Candidates should demonstrate a sincere interest in circular economy and sustainability, and their research proposal must align with the principles of circular economy.

• While experience in circular economy research and innovation is advantageous, it is not mandatory.

• Candidates should possess strong independent working and organizational skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with others.

• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English are required.

• All application materials must be submitted in English.

The postdoctoral candidate must be highly motivated, enthusiastic and efficient researcher. Personal qualities and interpersonal skills will be given significant consideration. Research experience, aspirations, and potential will also be key factors in the evaluation process.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pursue innovative research with a primary focus on integrating circular economy principles.
2. Publish research findings in open-access top-tier academic journals and present findings at international conferences to disseminate knowledge widely.
3. Foster collaborations with peers, host institutions, and industry partners to advance environmental sustainability and knowledge dissemination.
4. Actively engage in program activities, such as seminars, workshops, and networking events, to contribute to a vibrant academic community and foster interdisciplinary exchange.

About the project/work tasks

ECO-SPHERE represents the fellowship initiative led by YTU and DEU, aimed at cultivating the talents of 12 postdoctoral researchers specializing in circular economy and sustainable development. Supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program through the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 101126655, ECO-SPHERE provides exceptional prospects within the interdisciplinary realm of circular economy, highlighting:

• Advanced research opportunities in circular economy principles and sustainable development practices
• Tailored supervision and mentorship to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation
• Exposure to diverse sectors, enabling seamless knowledge and skill exchange between academia, industry, and public institutions
• Structured training programs aimed at honing critical skills essential for future leaders in sustainability
• Optimal working environments conducive to groundbreaking research and scholarly achievements
• Personalized career development initiatives geared towards individual growth and success
• Commitment to fostering diversity and equal opportunities for all participants

For further details about the program, application process, and more, we invite you to explore the ECO-SPHERE webpage  www.ecosphere-msca.org.tr. Should you have any inquiries or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@ecosphere-msca.org.tr.

 About the position of postdoctoral research fellow

The postdoctoral position is a fixed-term position aimed at advancing the appointee's expertise for esteemed academic roles. The fixed term for this position is 24 months.

For all ECO-SPHERE fellows, a Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP) will be collaboratively developed by the fellow, supervisor, and co-supervisor (if any) within the first three months of the fellowship. This plan will include details on the individual research budget and any additional funding opportunities.

Completion of the project within the employment period is mandatory.

We can offer

• An engaged and professionally challenging working environment within a dynamic and inclusive research group
• Position as postdoctoral fellow and a gross monthly salary of 3980 € upon appointment.
• Extension of the work contract extending the term of the postdoctoral position contract in instances of sick leave and parental leave.
• Access to specific training activities exclusively provided within the framework of the ECO-SPHERE programme.

How to apply:

Before starting the online application process, please familiarise yourself carefully with our application requirements in the Guide for Applicants and Application templates. It is essential that all required attachments (see next section) are uploaded via our electronic submission system. Please find below a list of required documents for the application process:

Your application must include

• A concise statement of the applicant's motivation for applying for the position.
• Proofs of Mobility Requirements.
• Signed GDPR Consent Form.
• An outline of your proposed research, detailing its objectives, methodology, and expected impact within the thematic area of interest.
• Transcripts and diplomas.
• CV with list of any works of a scientific nature (publication list) (a complete list of works of a scientific nature you have authored or contributed to, such as journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and patents.)
• Ethical issues: Ethics self-assessment form.
• Names and contact information for two referees.
• A letter of acceptance from a supervisor within the ECO-SPHERE Program

General information

For further details about the position, please contact:

Professor Guleda Engin, Yildiz Technical University, Department of Environmental Engineering, info@ecosphere-msca.org.tr.

Professor Azize Ayol, Dokuz Eylul University, Department of Environmental Engineering, info@ecosphere-msca.org.tr.

One of the main ideas of ECO-SPHERE is to eliminate any inequality and disadvantage to increase Europe's attractiveness as a leading destination for female researchers and innovators in the circular economy field. In addition to addressing gender equality, the program also prioritizes diversity and inclusion by ensuring that all participants are respected and supported regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic. Both YTU and DEU are equal-opportunity employers and encourage applications by women and by members of minorities. Age and gender balance among employees is therefore a goal. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

We encourage women to apply. If multiple applicants have approximately equivalent qualifications, the rules pertaining to moderate gender quotas shall apply.

Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.

About The Host Institutions

Yildiz Technical University (url: https://www.yildiz.edu.tr/en) stands as a beacon of academic excellence, boasting a rich heritage since its establishment in 1911. As the 3rd oldest university in Istanbul, YTU has become a distinguished institution with over 2,000 academics and a vibrant community of 27,000 undergraduate students. YTU’s emphasis on research is reflected in its impressive infrastructure, including 293+ research labs, 20 thematic research groups, and 28 research and application centres. The university’s dedication to fostering international collaborations is evident in its 820 international agreements with 405 partners, facilitating exchange programs for over 2,500 students in the last three years. For nearly two decades, Yildiz Technical University (YTU) has been a driving force in shaping Türkiye’s national research and development (R&D) landscape through its innovative YTU Yildiz Technopark initiative. This dynamic Technopark has evolved into a thriving hub of innovation, hosting over 500 leading companies at the forefront of technological advancements.

Dokuz Eylul University (url: https://global.deu.edu.tr)is one of the largest and most prestigious public research universities in Türkiye, with a rich history of providing high-quality education and conducting cutting-edge research. Founded in 1982, DEU has since become a hub of research and education in the Aegean Region, attracting students from all over Türkiye and around the world. DEU, with 69,661 students including 4,942 international students from 98 countries, has 18 faculties, 10 graduate schools and institutes, two schools, a state conservatory, six vocational schools, 49 research and application centres, a hospital, and DEPARK (DEU Technology Development Zone), DETTO (DEU Technology Transfer Office), more than 300 research laboratories, and over 3,080 faculty members, 3,112 administrative staff.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 12

Company/Institute: Yildiz Technical University and Dokuz Eylul University

Country: Türkiye

Where to apply

Website

https://ecosphere-msca.org.tr/

Contact

Project Manager: Tasnim Almoulki

e-mail: info@ecosphere-msca.org.tr

Website: https://ecosphere-msca.org.tr/