The Centre for Cleantech and Biomass Resource Efficiency (CCBRE) is seeking an Laboratory Scientist / Analytical Specialist

The Centre for Cleantech and Biomass Resource Efficiency (CCBRE) at the Agricultural University of Plovdiv is looking for an experienced analytical chemist, environmental engineer, soil scientist or similar profile to take charge of our analytical laboratory. Depending on your experience, the position is offered at postdoctoral level or as a research associate.

What does CCBRE do?

CCBRE was established at the Agricultural University of Plovdiv under the Horizon Europe ERA Chair project ELEMENT. We are a young, international team of ten, working at the intersection of agriculture, waste treatment and circular resource management. Our laboratories are new and fully equipped and we run our own applied AI laboratory. We work closely with Swiss and European partners, with municipalities, and with industry in the Trakia Economic Zone, so results move from the bench into practice quickly.

Role and Responsibilities

Your main responsibility is our analytical laboratory. You will operate and maintain the instrument park and carry out measurements for the research groups and projects across the centre, from sample preparation and method development through to quality control and reporting of the data.
Alongside this you will run your own research project in our Research Track, where we develop a new phosphorus-rich organic fertiliser from residual biomass streams. The aim is to reduce Bulgaria’s dependence on imported mineral fertilisers and to close nutrient cycles regionally. You will be part of an active doctoral and postdoctoral team and will be encouraged to publish.

Candidate Profile:

• Several years of hands-on laboratory experience, ideally including responsibility for instruments or for a laboratory;
• Independent command of ICP-OES, CHNS elemental analysis, FTIR and XRF, including sample preparation, calibration, routine maintenance and troubleshooting;
• Experience with XRD is a clear advantage;
• Familiarity with solid and environmental matrices such as biomass, ash, compost, digestate and soil;
• Structured and reliable way of working, a service-minded attitude towards colleagues, and good English.

What we offer:

• A full-time position for 24 months within a running Horizon Europe project;
• Remuneration in line with the standards for Horizon Europe projects of this type;
• Modern analytical infrastructure and international collaboration;
• Plovdiv — one of Europe’s oldest and most liveable cities.

How to apply

Send your CV and a short letter of motivation to: info@ccbre.eu. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Petar Mandaliev - petar.mandaliev@fhnw.ch