Join Our Research Team: A 4-Year PhD Opportunity in AI, WEFE Nexus and Water Sustainability
Are you passionate about water, ecosystems and sustainability? Would you like to contribute to the development of responsible artificial intelligence tools that can help address some of today's most pressing environmental challenges?
The UNESCO Chair on Sustainability at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC–BarcelonaTech) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate interested in joining its international research team and contributing to the development of the AI WEFE NEXUS Tool, an innovative approach to supporting integrated environmental assessment and decision-making.
This research opportunity is associated with the FPU-UPC 2026 predoctoral programme, which provides a framework for doctoral research and training for up to four years.
An opportunity to shape the future of sustainability
Water scarcity, climate change, resource depletion and ecosystem degradation are increasingly interconnected challenges. Addressing them requires moving beyond traditional sectoral approaches towards integrated solutions supported by scientific knowledge, innovative technologies and effective governance.
At the UNESCO Chair on Sustainability, we are working to advance the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus through the development of artificial intelligence-based tools capable of exploring interactions, identifying trade-offs and synergies, and supporting more sustainable policy and investment decisions.
The selected researcher will contribute to this effort through two complementary research directions:
1. Circular bioeconomy and nature-based solutions
Exploring how circular resource management, waste valorisation, nutrient recovery, ecosystem services and nature-based solutions can contribute to more sustainable and resilient territorial, agricultural and urban systems.
2. Water policy assessment at regional and national scales
Developing innovative approaches to analyse water governance, public policies, regulatory frameworks and planning strategies, with particular attention to the integration of WEFE Nexus principles into decision-making at regional, national and potentially supranational levels.
The ultimate goal is to connect scientific knowledge, artificial intelligence and environmental policy to support more sustainable and resilient societies.
What do we offer?
The opportunity to undertake doctoral research in a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary environment at UPC–BarcelonaTech, working alongside researchers and collaborating institutions involved in sustainability, water governance and environmental innovation.
The FPU-UPC 2026 programme provides for a predoctoral contract renewable annually for up to four years, with the following gross remuneration:
Years 1–2: €20,063.96 per year.
Years 3–4: €25,079.88 per year.
The research experience also offers opportunities for advanced doctoral training, participation in international research collaborations, scientific publications, international conferences and the development of innovative AI-based decision-support tools.
Who are we looking for?
We welcome expressions of interest from candidates with a strong academic background in environmental sciences, environmental engineering, water management, ecology, ecosystem sciences, sustainability, circular bioeconomy, environmental governance or related disciplines.
Knowledge of artificial intelligence, data analysis, modelling or decision-support systems will be particularly valuable, although a solid understanding of environmental systems, especially water and ecosystems, is a key priority.
We are especially interested in candidates who demonstrate scientific curiosity, analytical thinking, initiative and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams.
Essential language requirement: Near-native proficiency in English (C1–C2), with excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
Selection criteria
Candidates will be assessed according to their academic achievements and suitability for the proposed doctoral research, following the relevant UPC prioritisation criteria. The evaluation framework includes:
Academic record (35%), considering undergraduate and master's degree performance.
Evaluation by the UPC unit (65%), considering academic and professional trajectory, scientific contributions, research potential, the proposed doctoral research and suitability for the planned research and teaching activities.
Special consideration will be given to candidates capable of combining environmental expertise, systems thinking and an interest in innovative digital approaches to sustainability.
Interested? Get in touch before 6 November 2026
If you are enthusiastic about conducting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, water governance, circular bioeconomy and sustainability, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please send your expression of interest and academic CV by email before 6 November 2026.
Contact: Brent VillanuevaUNESCO Chair on Sustainability at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech brent.villanueva@upc.edu
Join us in developing the next generation of AI-based tools for a more sustainable and water-resilient future.
This announcement concerns expressions of interest addressed to the UNESCO Chair on Sustainability (UPC) . Any formal recruitment or award remains subject to the applicable UPC procedures and eligibility requirements.
Comments