SUSBIOCROP has extended the application deadline for 8 fully funded PhD positions in sustainable crop protection and bio‑based materials until 15 February 2026, with contracts starting no later than September 2026.
What is SUSBIOCROP?
SUSBIOCROP is a Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network under the Horizon Europe program that develops sustainable crop biocomposite solutions for resilient agriculture. The consortium unites universities and research institutions across Europe and Argentina to design eco‑friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals and to enhance plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
8 doctoral candidate positions in Sustainable Crop Protection & Bio‑Based Materials
The network is recruiting 8 highly motivated doctoral candidates for 4‑year, fully funded positions focused on sustainable crop protection and bio‑based materials. Research topics span biodegradable polymers, nanoparticles, hydrogels, RNA‑based biofungicides, biostimulants, mulch films, seed coatings, and other advanced biocomposites for reducing pesticide and fertiliser use while safeguarding soil and environmental health.
Key facts at a glance
- Number of positions: 8 Doctoral Candidate (DC) positions in Sustainable Crop Protection & Bio‑Based Materials.
- Funding scheme: MSCA Doctoral Network (Horizon Europe), with full‑time employment contracts.
- Duration: 48 months (4 years), starting no later than September 2026.
- Application deadline: 15 February 2026 (extended from 30 January 2026).
- Degree: Joint or double PhD degree awarded by partner institutions.
- Mobility: Mandatory international secondments and intersectoral training with academic and industrial partners.
Host institutions for Sustainable Crop Protection
Doctoral candidates will be hosted by leading universities and research centres in Europe and Latin America, with additional secondments to collaborating partners.
- INSA Lyon – Institut national des sciences appliquées de Lyon, France
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Universidade de Aveiro (CESAM) Portugal
- Université de Fribourg / Universität Freiburg Switzerland
- University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU, POLYMAT), Spain
- Universidad de Valladolid, Spain
- Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
- Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands
Additional industrial and international partners contribute to training, secondments, and technology transfer activities.
Research themes and example projects
The 8 PhD projects cover the full value chain from material design to field validation in Sustainable Crop Protection & Bio‑Based Materials.
- Soil–plant–invertebrate nexus for nanoparticle safety assessment, including ecotoxicology and microbiome impacts.
- RNA interference (RNAi) and nano‑enabled biofungicides for controlling fungal pathogens in crops.
- Biodegradable and biostimulant mulch films to mitigate abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, and salinity.
- Smart seed coatings, hydrogels, and biostimulants to improve germination, nutrient‑use efficiency, and stress resilience.
- Assessment of bio‑based and nanostructured materials on soil health, plant performance, and environmental safety.
These projects integrate chemistry, materials science, polymer science, biotechnology, plant biology, agronomy, and environmental science to deliver scalable, field‑ready solutions.
Eligibility for the Sustainable Crop Protection position
The call targets early‑stage researchers who meet MSCA Doctoral Network criteria and are eager to work in a multidisciplinary, international environment.
Academic requirements
- Master’s degree (or equivalent), eligible for PhD enrollment in a relevant discipline such as chemistry, materials science, polymer science, biotechnology, plant/vegetal biology, agronomy, environmental science, or related fields.
- No prior doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
MSCA mobility rule
Applicants must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.
Skills and competencies
- Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research at the interface of sustainable crop protection & Bio‑Based Materials.
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, as a working language across the network.
- Willingness to relocate, travel regularly, and undertake international secondments and training events.
Funding, salary, and benefits
All 8 positions are fully funded under the MSCA Doctoral Network scheme, offering attractive employment conditions and comprehensive training.
- Competitive salary in line with MSCA rules, including a living allowance and mobility allowance; a family allowance may apply when eligible.
- Full social security coverage and institutional tuition‑fee waivers, depending on local regulations.
- Dedicated budget for research costs on investigating sustainable crop protection & bio‑based materials, training schools, conferences, and international secondments.
- Structured doctoral training, transferable‑skills workshops, and strong career‑development support across academia and industry.
How to apply before
Applications must be submitted online via the SUSBIOCROP website by 15 February 2026.
Step‑by‑step application checklist
1. Visit the official call page at https://susbiocrop.eu and review the detailed descriptions of all 8 doctoral projects.
2. Identify up to one or more projects that best match your background in chemistry, materials science, polymer science, plant biology/agronomy, or biotechnology.
3. Prepare a single PDF file including:
- Curriculum vitae highlighting academic record, publications, and relevant research experience.
- One‑page motivation letter explaining your interest in SUSBIOCROP and preferred project(s).
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Names and contact details of referees (or reference letters if requested).
4. Submit your application through the online application system on the SUSBIOCROP website before the deadline.
5. Shortlisted candidates for the Sustainable Crop Protection & Bio‑Based Materials PhD positions will be invited to online interviews; selection will follow open, transparent, merit‑based recruitment criteria.
Why apply to SUSBIOCROP Sustainable Crop Protection?
SUSBIOCROP offers a unique opportunity to contribute to future‑proof, climate‑resilient agriculture while receiving top‑level scientific and professional training. As a doctoral candidate, you will work in an international cohort, obtain a joint or double PhD degree, and build a global network across leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners in sustainable crop protection and bio‑based materials.
Leave a Reply