Applications are now open for the University of Bologna RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Positions 2026 in Italy. This opportunity is designed for highly motivated candidates who want to pursue a paid PhD position in energy storage, sustainability assessment, Life Cycle Assessment, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, energy engineering and industrial sustainability.
This is not a regular scholarship. It is a paid Doctoral Candidate position under the RESTORATIVE Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network, funded through Horizon Europe. The University of Bologna is recruiting doctoral candidates for research topics connected to thermo-mechanical grid-scale energy storage systems and their role in the green energy transition.
For students who are still comparing different types of international funding, it is important to know the difference between a normal university scholarship, a research fellowship and a paid PhD position. If you are looking for broader university funding in the United States, you can also read about the Yale University Scholarships 2026 in USA for international students. But if your goal is research, doctoral training and academic work in Europe, this University of Bologna RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD position may be more suitable.
Summary of the University of Bologna RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Positions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Bologna |
| Country | Italy |
| Programme | RESTORATIVE MSCA Doctoral Network |
| Funding Body | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe |
| Position Type | Paid PhD Position / Doctoral Candidate Position |
| Number of UNIBO Positions | 2 positions |
| Research Areas | Energy storage, sustainability assessment, Life Cycle Assessment, environmental impact assessment |
| Eligible Fields | Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Energy Engineering and related fields |
| Duration | 36 months |
| Start Date | 1 November 2026 |
| Application Mode | Email application |
About the RESTORATIVE MSCA Doctoral Network
The RESTORATIVE project focuses on grid-scale energy storage and how advanced storage systems can support the transition to cleaner and more reliable energy. Grid-scale energy storage is important because renewable energy sources like solar and wind are not always constant. Energy storage helps stabilise electricity grids, improve energy security and support the wider use of renewable energy.
The RESTORATIVE project is listed by CORDIS as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions project under Horizon Europe, with the project title focused on grid-scale energy storage and accelerating the green transition.
This type of research opportunity is best for applicants who want more than just financial support. It is suitable for candidates who want structured doctoral training, academic supervision, international exposure and research experience in Europe. Applicants interested in long-term research careers may also find the Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027 in Germany useful, especially if they want to understand how research-focused funding opportunities in Europe are structured.
Available PhD Positions at the University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is recruiting for two RESTORATIVE MSCA Doctoral Candidate positions. Both positions are connected to thermo-mechanical grid-scale energy storage systems, but the research focus is different.
| Position | Research Topic | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| DC13 | Quantitative Socioeconomic-Sustainability Assessment of Thermo-Mechanical Grid-Scale Energy Systems | 31 July 2026 |
| DC14 | Ex-Ante LCA Tools for the Environmental Impact Assessment of TM-GSES Systems | 31 August 2026 |
The DC13 position focuses on the socioeconomic and sustainability assessment of grid-scale energy storage systems. The DC14 position focuses on Life Cycle Assessment tools for evaluating the environmental impact of thermo-mechanical grid-scale energy storage systems.
If you are specifically looking for fully funded PhD positions in Europe, it is a good idea to compare opportunities across countries. For example, candidates interested in paid doctoral research roles can also review the University of Bern fully funded PhD position in Switzerland to understand how similar European PhD opportunities are presented.
University of Bologna PhD Position DC13
The DC13 PhD position at the University of Bologna is titled Quantitative Socioeconomic-Sustainability Assessment of Thermo-Mechanical Grid-Scale Energy Systems.
This position is suitable for applicants who are interested in the wider sustainability performance of energy storage systems. The research will likely involve analysing how thermo-mechanical grid-scale energy storage technologies perform from social, economic, environmental and technical perspectives.
The DC13 position may be a strong fit for candidates with interest in:
| Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Sustainability assessment | Useful for evaluating the full impact of energy storage technologies |
| Chemical Engineering | Relevant for process systems, industrial technologies and energy conversion |
| Environmental Engineering | Useful for environmental and sustainability analysis |
| Energy Engineering | Important for understanding energy storage systems and grid applications |
| Process safety | Relevant to industrial energy systems and risk assessment |
| Decision-support tools | Useful for comparing different technology options |
This position is not only about technical energy storage performance. It also looks at how these systems can support a sustainable energy future. That makes it useful for applicants who want to work at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, energy policy and industrial systems.
University of Bologna PhD Position DC14
The DC14 PhD position at the University of Bologna is titled Ex-Ante LCA Tools for the Environmental Impact Assessment of TM-GSES Systems.
This position focuses more directly on Life Cycle Assessment. The successful candidate will work on tools and methods for assessing the environmental impact of thermo-mechanical grid-scale energy storage systems. This may include studying material sourcing, manufacturing, operation, future scaling and end-of-life impact.
The DC14 position may be a strong fit for candidates with interest in:
| Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Life Cycle Assessment | The central method for this PhD topic |
| Environmental impact assessment | Needed to evaluate clean energy technologies properly |
| Energy storage technologies | The main application area of the research |
| Material flow analysis | Useful for cradle-to-grave environmental assessment |
| Chemical or Environmental Engineering | Strong background for LCA and process-based assessment |
| Clean energy systems | Important for understanding the role of storage in the energy transition |
Applicants who have worked on LCA, carbon footprint, circular economy, environmental modelling, sustainability analysis or energy systems may have a stronger profile for the DC14 position.
Benefits of the University of Bologna RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Positions
The University of Bologna RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Positions are attractive because they are structured as paid doctoral candidate roles. The selected candidates will receive a full-time contract for 36 months, with salary and allowances under the MSCA Doctoral Network structure.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Type | Full-time Doctoral Candidate employment contract |
| Duration | 36 months |
| Living Allowance | €45,858.36 gross per year |
| Mobility Allowance | €8,520 gross per year |
| Family Allowance | €7,920 gross per year, if eligible |
| Research Location | University of Bologna, Italy |
| Degree Outcome | PhD from Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna |
These figures are gross amounts, which means taxes and deductions may apply according to Italian law. The official DC13 job description also mentions planned secondments, including an industrial secondment at Rosetti Marino SpA in Italy and an international secondment at RISE in Sweden.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Bologna RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Positions
To apply for the University of Bologna RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Positions 2026, applicants must meet the academic and mobility requirements.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Requirement | Master’s degree or equivalent giving access to doctoral studies |
| Eligible Fields | Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Energy Engineering or related fields |
| PhD Status | Applicants must not already hold a PhD |
| Nationality | Open to applicants of any nationality |
| Mobility Rule | Applicant must not have lived, worked or studied in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years before recruitment |
| English | Good written and spoken English is required |
| Mobility Readiness | Applicants should be ready for research secondments |
The mobility rule is very important for MSCA Doctoral Network positions. A candidate may have the right degree and research background but still become ineligible if they have spent too much time in Italy within the required period.
Who Should Apply?
You should consider applying for the University of Bologna RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Positions if your academic background connects with engineering, energy systems, environmental sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment or industrial safety.
This opportunity is a strong fit for:
| Applicant Profile | Better Position to Consider |
|---|---|
| Strong interest in Life Cycle Assessment and environmental impact | DC14 |
| Strong interest in socioeconomic sustainability and decision-support tools | DC13 |
| Chemical Engineering background with process systems knowledge | DC13 or DC14 |
| Environmental Engineering background with LCA experience | DC14 |
| Energy Engineering background with storage technology interest | DC13 or DC14 |
| Candidate interested in sustainability policy and energy transition | DC13 |
If you are open to other countries in Europe, you can also compare this opportunity with the Dublin City University fully funded PhD opportunity in Ireland. Comparing different PhD opportunities can help you decide whether your profile is stronger for energy storage, Life Cycle Assessment, sustainability assessment, engineering research or another doctoral research area.
Required Documents
Applicants are expected to prepare a complete application package in English. A strong application should be specific to either DC13 or DC14.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Completed Application Form | Official application form for the position |
| CV | Shows academic background, skills and research experience |
| Motivation Letter | Explains why you are applying and why you fit the position |
| Research Proposal | Shows your understanding of the research topic |
| Degree Certificates | Confirms your academic qualification |
| Academic Transcripts | Shows your courses and grades |
| Recommendation Letters | Supports your academic and research ability |
| English Certificate | May support your language readiness, if available |
The research proposal is especially important. It should not be a general PhD proposal. It should be written for the exact position you are applying for. For DC13, focus on socioeconomic sustainability assessment of thermo-mechanical grid-scale energy storage systems. For DC14, focus on ex-ante Life Cycle Assessment tools and environmental impact assessment.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official University of Bologna DICAM vacancy page for the specific position, download the application form and job description, prepare all required documents and submit the application by email.
Application email: dicam.restorative-unibo@unibo.it
A clear email subject can help your application look organised. For example:
Application for RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Position DC13
or
Application for RESTORATIVE MSCA PhD Position DC14
Applicants should make sure they are applying for the right position and that their motivation letter and research proposal match the chosen topic.
Application Deadline
PositionDeadline
DC13 PhD Position
31 July 2026
DC14 PhD Position
31 August 2026
Do not wait until the last day before preparing your documents. MSCA PhD positions are competitive, and a rushed application can easily look weak. Start early, read the job description carefully and prepare a focused research proposal.
