Project Description
The SwitchFloc Grant Agreement is a project funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) that aims to train the new generation of professionals in a novel called Biofloc Technology (BFT). Thanks to the BFT, we are able to recycle the C and N waste into valuable biomass suitable to be used on-site as a nourishing food source, reducing the need for aquafeeds and enhancing animal immune system. The N conversion into microbial fraction allows minimal water exchange, reducing water requirements. Moreover, BFT ensures biosecurity due to the absence of communication among tanks.
However, BFT is still a relatively new technology, and needs to be better understood, mainly under intensive conditions. Besides, BFT is a complex multidisciplinary system, and the lack of qualified professionals is the main barrier to its implementation in Europe.
The objectives of the PhD position with title: “Economic feasibility and market opportunities for industrial BFT implementation” will be to evaluate the economic and social feasibility of BFT in a European context and explore potential market opportunities. To implement this, a first stay will be performed at Università degli Studi di Palermo (Italy) (3 months) to complete economic research from a carbon footprint perspective, and a second stay will be carried out at Università di Padova (Italy) (3 months) to outline the potential market opportunities of BF products within European context, with special focus on the willingness-to-pay.
The PhD will must enroll in Animal Production Science and Technology doctoral program of the Department of Animal Science and Technology at the Universitat Politècnica de València under the supervision of David S. Peñarada (academic co-supervisor at UPV) and Maite Ferrando (main supervisor at Kveloce).
At Kveloce, we’re not just a consultancy – we’re a dynamic force in the European innovation ecosystem. With over 15 years of experience and a growing international footprint, we specialise in securing and managing European funding for cutting-edge Research and Innovation (R&I) projects. Our team brings together experts working across a wide spectrum of sectors including health, climate resilience, social innovation, digital transformation, circular economy, among others. Beyond consultancy, Kveloce is also a research-performing organisation, actively contributing to international R&I projects through in-house expertise, applied research, and stakeholder engagement. As we strengthen our international presence, we’re looking for passionate individuals ready to contribute to European excellence and global transformation.
Conditions of the Contract
- Contract Duration. It is offered a full-time contract of 3 years length, working exclusively for the action, with the tentative initial date between June/July 2026
- Work Location. The primary location where the research activities will be carried out shall be at: Kveloce Headquarters in Valencia (Spain): Pza/ Reina 19 – Escalera A, 1ºB. 46003 – Valencia. In addition, during this period, the PhD student must complete two research stays of around 3 months each, at: Università degli Studi di Palermo (Italy) and Università di Padova (Italy).
- Contributions for recruited researchers. In accordance with the conditions established under the MSCA Doctoral Networks framework, the recruited researcher will receive a total gross remuneration of EUR 163,568.16, which includes the Living Allowance and the Mobility Allowance for the duration of the contract (Paid in 12 instalments). In addition, if the recruited researcher meets the criteria to be considered as having a family, an additional Family Allowance of EUR 17,820 will be granted. For the purposes of this contract, “family” refers to persons linked to the researcher by marriage (or by a relationship with equivalent legal status recognised by the legislation of the country where such relationship was formalised) and/or dependent children who are effectively maintained by the researcher.
Eligibility of Doctoral Candidates (DCs)
- DCs must not be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
- DCs may be of any nationality.
- They must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (see point 4).
- They must be enrolled in a doctoral programme in at least one EU Member State or Associated Country. In this case, at the Universitat Politècnica de València
- Recruitment duration must last 36 months.
MSCA Mobility Rule
Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the recruiting country (Spain) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date.
Academic Requirements
Master’s Degree: Candidates must hold a master’s degree related to economy and market studies.
Language: Excellent command of spoken and written English (C1 level or equivalent). Other European languages are an advantage.
Microsoft Office digital tools: Proficiency in Microsoft digital tools.
Additional evaluated merits
- Certification in other languages
- Relevant training courses
- Relevant scientific publications
- Reference letters
| |
Score |
Remarks |
| Professional experience |
1 point per year |
Maximum 5 points |
| Master’s degree |
1 point per extra Master than the one required to apply to this position |
Maximum 3 points
|
| General Formation Course |
- 101 hours or more: 1.00 points
- 76 to 100 hours: 0.75 points
- 51 to 75 hours: 0.50 points
- 26 to 50 hours: 0.25 points
- 15 to 25 hours: 0.10 points
|
Maximum 3 points |
| Specific Formation Course |
- 101 hours or more: 1.00 points
- 76 to 100 hours: 0.75 points
- 51 to 75 hours: 0.50 points
- 26 to 50 hours: 0.25 points
- 15 to 25 hours: 0.10 points
|
Maximum 3 points |
| Language Skills |
|
Maximum 3 points |
| Other merits |
Fellowship and publications produced that are directly related to the duties of the job |
Maximum 2 points |
| Personal Interview |
Previous knowledge in the topic, oral communication, social skills, positive aptitude… |
Maximum 2 points |
Application Document and Process
Applicants must submit:
- CV in EU format
- Motivation letter
- Academic certificates
- Reference letters (optional)
Our selection process is designed to be transparent and fair. Following an initial review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview. The final candidate will be selected within one week after the interview process concludes. Kveloce welcomes applications from everyone, diversity being a key asset of its team.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through www.switchfloc.eu between 1 February 2026 and 31 March 2026 at 12:00 noon (CET).
Applications must be written in English and must include all required documents listed in point 6.
Obligations Related to Intellectual Property, Confidentiality and Project Reporting
The selected Doctoral Candidate (DC) shall comply with the following obligations, in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Networks Grant Agreement and institutional regulations:
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The DC shall respect all rules and procedures related to Intellectual Property Rights arising from the project. This includes:
- Proper management of research results generated during the fellowship.
- Compliance with ownership, protection, exploitation, and dissemination rules established by the host institution and project consortium.
- Signing any required institutional or consortium-level IPR agreements prior to commencing the research activities.
- Obligation to Inform the Beneficiary. The DC must inform the supervisor and the hosting institution as soon as possible of any event, issue, or circumstance that may:
- Affect the progress of the research project, ç
- Impact contractual obligations,
- Lead to delays, interruptions, or changes in the work plan, or
- Influence compliance with mobility, enrolment, or employment requirements.
- Confidentiality Obligations. The DC shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding:
- All sensitive, proprietary, or unpublished information obtained during the project.
- Any data, processes, methodologies, or results disclosed within the consortium.
- Confidential information must not be shared, communicated, or used for purposes outside the project without prior written authorization.
The confidentiality obligation remains in force both during and after the completion of the contract, as established in the Grant Agreement.
- Visibility of EU Funding. The DC must ensure correct and consistent visibility of the European Union funding, including:
- Acknowledging MSCA funding in all publications, presentations, posters, theses, and any dissemination materials.
- Using the official wording and logos required under Horizon Europe communication guidelines.
- Referring explicitly to the project acronym and Grant Agreement number when disseminating results or participating in outreach activities.
Código de conducta: Integridad y ética en la investigaciónConduct: Research Integrity and Ethics
- The Employee hereby acknowledges their professional responsibility to adhere to the highest standards of research ethics and integrity throughout their employment and participation in the SwitchFloc project, funded by the European Union under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (Grant Agreement No.101226312]).
- The Employee is specifically required to comply with the principles and standards outlined in the latest revised edition of the “European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity” published by ALLEA (All European Academies). This document is recognised by the European Commission as the essential standard for research integrity in EU-funded projects.
- Adherence to the four fundamental principles of research integrity—Reliability, Honesty, Respect, and Accountability—is mandatory.
- The Employee undertakes to participate in all mandatory ethics and research integrity training provided by the Host Institution as part of their personal career development plan.
- Any breach of the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity may be considered a violation of the Employee’s contractual obligations and will be handled according to the Host Institution’s established procedures for addressing research misconduct, ensuring due process and fairness to all parties involved.
- The Employee confirms they have read, understood, and accept the Code of Conduct, which is available electronically at https://allea.org/code-of-conduct/
ℹ️Contact Information
jobs@kveloce.com
Project manager: roliper@upvnet.upv.es
