The ZEST MSCA PhD Positions 2027 offer 15 fully funded doctoral research opportunities across Belgium, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Supported by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the ZEST European Doctoral Network on Zinc Energy Storage Technology is recruiting researchers in battery materials, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, energy storage, and recycling.
Selected candidates receive 36 months of funding, with a nominal gross living allowance of approximately €4,010 per month, plus a €710 monthly mobility allowance. Eligible candidates may also receive a family allowance. Application deadline: The detailed recruitment instructions specify 27 November 2026, although EURAXESS separately lists 15 December 2026. Applicants should follow the earlier date unless ZEST confirms otherwise.
ZEST MSCA PhD Positions 2027: Quick Overview
| Programme details | Information |
|---|---|
| Official programme | ZEST – European Doctoral Network on Zinc Energy Storage Technology |
| Funding programme | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Horizon Europe |
| Number of positions | 15 doctoral candidate positions |
| Host countries | Belgium, Germany, Sweden, UK, Italy |
| Research areas | Zinc-ion batteries, zinc-air batteries, electrolytes, sustainable materials, recycling |
| Required qualification | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Living allowance | Approximately €4,010/month (gross, nominal) |
| Mobility allowance | Approximately €710/month (gross, nominal) |
| Family allowance | Approximately €660/month, if eligible |
| Guaranteed funding | 36 months |
| Recruitment registration deadline | 27 November 2026 |
| EURAXESS advertised deadline | 15 December 2026, 23:59 Brussels time |
| Expected start | April–November 2027 |
| Application method | Online through the ZEST recruitment portal |
What Is the ZEST European Doctoral Network?
ZEST is a European research and doctoral training network developing zinc-based alternatives and complementary technologies to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Zinc batteries are being investigated because zinc is relatively abundant and offers potential advantages in cost, safety, and resource availability. However, researchers still need to address challenges involving energy density, battery lifetime, electrode stability, and recycling.
The network brings together universities, research institutes, and industrial partners to investigate these problems.
Participating academic and research institutions include KU Leuven, Universität Bremen, University College London, Sapienza University of Rome, Politecnico di Milano, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden.
The consortium also includes industrial and research partners such as EverZinc, IMEC, VARTA Microbattery, Grillo Zinc Powder, CSIC, and ACCUREC Recycling.
Each doctoral candidate will work on an individual research project while participating in the wider network’s scientific and professional training activities.
Available PhD Research Positions: All 15 Projects
The ZEST programme is organized into four research work packages.
WP1: Sustainable and Safe Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
| Position | Research project |
|---|---|
| DC1 | Sustainable materials for efficient and long-lasting aqueous Zn-ion battery electrodes |
| DC2 | Engineering advanced MnO₂-based cathodes for high energy density aqueous zinc-ion batteries |
| DC3 | Development of novel interfacial strategies for high-performing electrodes in sustainable commercial zinc-ion batteries |
| DC4 | Sustainable bio-inspired membranes for anode and cathode protection in water-based environments |
These projects focus on electrode materials, battery performance, interface engineering, and protective membranes.
WP2: Zinc-Air Batteries
| Position | Research project |
|---|---|
| DC5 | Interfacial study of cathodes in Zn-air batteries |
| DC6 | Theoretical and experimental study of new materials for zinc-air batteries |
| DC7 | Enhancing the performance and durability of zinc-air batteries for mobile applications in hybrid energy systems |
These positions may interest applicants with experience in electrochemistry, materials science, experimental characterization, or energy systems.
WP3: Zinc-Ion Batteries with Non-Conventional Electrolytes
| Position | Research project |
|---|---|
| DC8 | Multifunctional hydrogel electrolytes with hydrogen bonding regulation for all-weather, safe, and high-performing zinc-ion batteries |
| DC9 | Advanced water-in-salt electrolytes improving the stability and cycle life of aqueous Zn-ion batteries |
| DC10 | Innovative deep eutectic solvents as sustainable electrolytes for zinc-ion batteries |
| DC11 | Comparative study of non-conventional electrolytes in full battery systems |
These projects investigate alternative electrolyte formulations and their effects on battery stability, safety, and performance.
WP4: Circularity and Recyclability of Zinc Batteries
| Position | Research project |
|---|---|
| DC12 | Engineering cellulosic-based separators with improved mechanical stability and Zn dendrite suppression |
| DC13 | Early-stage sustainability evaluation of new-concept materials for zinc-based batteries |
| DC14 | Sustainable, biodegradable, and organic solvent-free binders for aqueous Zn batteries |
| DC15 | Recycling, regeneration, and remanufacturing of Zn-MnO₂ batteries |
Applicants interested in sustainable materials, life cycle assessment, process engineering, and battery recycling should examine these projects carefully.
| Host Institution | Country | PhD Projects |
|---|---|---|
| KU Leuven | Belgium | DC3, DC7, DC8 |
| Universität Bremen | Germany | DC1, DC4, DC9 |
| RISE Research Institutes of Sweden | Sweden | DC2, DC12, DC15 |
| University College London | United Kingdom | DC5, DC11, DC14 |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Italy | DC6, DC10, DC13 |
Applicants exploring European doctoral programmes in other disciplines can also review the Cambridge–Tübingen PhD Fellowship 2027, which focuses on machine learning and has a separate application process.
Funding and Salary for ZEST MSCA PhD Candidates
Successful applicants will be employed under the MSCA Doctoral Network funding framework.
The published monthly allowances are:
| Funding component | Approximate monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Living allowance | €4,010 |
| Mobility allowance | €710 |
| Family allowance (if eligible) | €660 |
| Living + mobility allowances | €4,720 |
| Total including eligible family allowance | €5,380 |
These are nominal gross funding amounts, not guaranteed take-home salaries. The actual remuneration depends on the host country’s correction factor, applicable taxes, social security deductions, and employment arrangements.
The European Commission guarantees funding for 36 months. Where the normal PhD duration is longer, additional funding may be arranged by the host institution, subject to local arrangements and the candidate meeting the required academic conditions.
Beyond salary, candidates will participate in scientific training, workshops, conferences, internships, and research secondments.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
The ZEST MSCA PhD positions are intended for early-stage researchers who satisfy the programme’s academic, mobility, and language requirements.
1. Academic qualification
Applicants need a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification. The EURAXESS announcement identifies relevant fields including chemical engineering, materials engineering, chemistry, physics, process engineering, and electrical engineering.
Your suitability will also depend on the technical requirements of the individual doctoral project.
2. Doctoral degree restriction
Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
If you already hold a PhD and are therefore ineligible for ZEST, the TIES2 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Finland is a separate research opportunity worth examining.
3. MSCA mobility rule
You must not have lived or carried out your main activity, such as employment or studies, in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months during the three years immediately preceding recruitment.
Short stays, including holidays, are generally excluded.
For example, a candidate who has been studying in Germany for two years may be ineligible for a German-hosted position but could potentially qualify for a position hosted in another participating country.
4. English proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate sufficiently strong written and spoken English to participate fully in research and doctoral training. The EURAXESS listing describes the expected level as excellent.
5. Additional position-specific conditions
Some projects may have restrictions associated with national or international knowledge-transfer and export-control regulations.
Applicants should review the requirements of their selected projects before submitting an application.
Required Application Documents
The ZEST recruitment announcement identifies the following application materials:
- A detailed CV in the mandatory Europass format.
- A motivation letter explaining your research interests and suitability.
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree transcripts.
- Information demonstrating compliance with the doctoral eligibility, mobility, and English-language requirements.
- Any additional information requested through the online recruitment portal.
The Europass CV requirement is particularly important. Applicants using a conventional academic CV should convert it into the required format before submission.
You can prepare your CV using the official Europass CV builder.
Your motivation letter should explain why your background fits the selected projects. Our guide to writing a statement of purpose can help you structure that explanation, although the ZEST application requires a motivation letter rather than an SOP.
How to Apply for the ZEST MSCA PhD Positions 2027
Applications must be submitted electronically through the ZEST recruitment system.
Step 1: Visit the official ZEST website and open the recruitment section.
Explore open PhD positions in ZEST project
Step 2: Review all 15 projects and identify those that match your qualifications and research experience.
Step 3: Select between one and three doctoral candidate positions, indicating your order of preference.
Step 4: Prepare your Europass CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and required eligibility information.
Step 5: Complete the online application and upload the requested documents.
Apply Here for ZEST MSCA Funded PhD Positions 2027
Submit your application by 27 November 2026, following the detailed recruitment instructions.
What happens after submitting your application?
The ZEST Recruitment Committee plans to shortlist approximately 20–30 candidates for a recruitment event in Bruges, Belgium, scheduled for the end of January 2027.
Shortlisted applicants will give a 20-minute presentation and attend an interview. They will also receive a small scientific assignment from their prioritized supervisor before the event, which will be discussed during the interview.
Candidates travelling from outside Belgium may receive reimbursement of up to €250 for eligible travel-related expenses. Applicants should retain their tickets, invoices, and receipts.
Final recruitment decisions are expected approximately one week after the recruitment event, with successful candidates targeted to begin between April and November 2027.
Although ZEST does not list a full research proposal among the standard application documents, our PhD research proposal guide can help you organize the research questions, methods, and feasibility considerations behind your scientific presentation.
Careers Help Desk Counter Angle: How to Choose the Right ZEST PhD Position
One of the most useful features of the ZEST recruitment process is that applicants can select up to three doctoral projects. However, choosing three positions simply because they are available may weaken the coherence of your application.
The better approach is to identify projects where you can demonstrate a clear connection between your previous academic work and the proposed research.
For example, an applicant with a background in chemical engineering, process simulation, or life cycle assessment might find DC13, which focuses on early-stage sustainability evaluation, particularly relevant.
Someone with laboratory experience in electrochemistry or electrode characterization may be better suited to projects involving cathode development, interfacial analysis, or electrolyte performance.
Likewise, applicants who have worked on separation processes, materials recovery, or recycling could examine DC15.
These are examples of potential research alignment, not official project-specific eligibility decisions.
A second important consideration is the MSCA mobility rule. Eligibility depends on the country of the recruiting institution, not simply on whether you currently live outside Europe.
Before ranking your preferred positions, check your residence and employment history against the relevant host country.
Finally, prepare for the scientific assignment as seriously as the interview itself. The recruitment process explicitly includes a technical task intended to assess whether candidates understand the research area and possess a suitable background.
If you need clarification about a project’s technical scope, read our guide to emailing a professor about PhD opportunities before contacting a potential supervisor. Follow the ZEST recruitment instructions for formal applications.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Several details deserve attention before submitting your application.
- Following the later advertised deadline: Use 27 November 2026 as the working deadline unless the recruitment team confirms otherwise.
- Submitting a non-Europass CV: The announcement specifically requires the Europass format.
- Ignoring the mobility rule: Check the country-specific residence requirement before selecting a position.
- Choosing unrelated research projects: Explain how your academic experience connects to each selected project.
- Overlooking the scientific assignment: Shortlisted candidates must demonstrate their technical understanding during the recruitment event.
For help preparing an academic research statement, see our guide, How to Write a Research Proposal for a PhD Application (With Examples).
Official Application Soruces
Applications are handled through the ZEST Doctoral Network recruitment system.
Official programme: ZEST – European Doctoral Network on Zinc Energy Storage Technology
Available projects: ZEST Open PhD Positions
Official job announcement: EURAXESS – 15 PhD Positions in Zinc Energy Storage Technology
Programme contact: info@dn-zest.eu
The ZEST MSCA Doctoral Network offers 15 funded research opportunities across five European countries for applicants interested in battery science, materials engineering, energy storage, and sustainability.
Candidates should review the individual projects, verify their mobility eligibility, and prepare the required Europass CV and motivation letter before the 27 November 2026 registration deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the ZEST MSCA PhD positions fully funded?
Yes. The positions provide 36 months of guaranteed MSCA funding, including living and mobility allowances and a family allowance where applicable. Additional funding beyond 36 months depends on the host institution and relevant conditions.
Can international students from outside Europe apply?
Yes. The published eligibility criteria do not impose a general EU nationality requirement. International applicants must satisfy the academic, English-language, mobility, and any applicable project-specific requirements.
Can I apply for more than one ZEST PhD position?
Yes. Applicants may select a maximum of three doctoral candidate positions and must indicate their preferences.
Is IELTS mandatory for ZEST PhD applications?
The announcement requires excellent English proficiency but does not specify a universal IELTS score or state that IELTS is mandatory. Applicants should check the recruitment portal for any required evidence of proficiency.
Do I need previous experience in zinc batteries?
The general announcement does not make prior zinc-battery research experience a universal requirement. However, applicants must demonstrate an appropriate technical background for their chosen project, including during the scientific assessment.
What is the application deadline for ZEST PhD positions 2027?
The detailed recruitment instructions specify 27 November 2026 for online registration, while the EURAXESS deadline field lists 15 December 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time. Applicants should prioritize the earlier deadline and seek clarification directly from the programme if necessary.
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying for ZEST PhD positions?
The official recruitment instructions direct applicants to apply through the ZEST online portal and do not state a universal requirement to obtain a supervisor’s agreement beforehand. Candidates should review their selected position’s instructions and use the official recruitment process.
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