Organisation / Company: IRTA
Department: Human Resources
Research Field: Engineering » Computer engineering, Technology » Biotechnology
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: Master Positions
Country: Spain
Application Deadline: 17 Aug 2025 - 23:59 (Europe / Madrid)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Offer Starting Date: 16 Oct 2025
Funding: Not funded by a EU programme
Research Infrastructure Staff Position: No
Offer Description
We are currently seeking a PhD Candidate to join our Fruit Growing Program and Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture Program team located in Lleida, offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.
We invite applications from motivated candidates with passion and a strong interest in conducting research and innovation in artificial intelligence and data science applied to agriculture, particularly in areas such as plant modelling, 3D computer vision, and digital twin development. The applicant will contribute to the AGROLABS Digital IRTA project, specifically to the PomaTwin tool, which aims to develop a Digital Twin of apple orchards to support agricultural decision-making.
Depending on the candidate’s background and interests, the PhD research can focus on:
* The development, validation, and adaptive refinement of models to estimate carbohydrate balance and its distribution across tree structures under different environmental conditions.
* The modelling of the 3D dynamics of apple tree growth using a combination of 3D sensors, computer vision, and physiological modelling (TreeGrowthTwin project).
Candidates must hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in fields such as Computer Engineering, Data Science, Mathematics, Telecommunications, Computer Vision, Bioinformatics, or equivalent. Alternatively, degrees in other Engineering fields or Life Sciences (e.g., Agricultural Science, Biology, Biotechnology) are acceptable if candidates demonstrate motivation and a proactive attitude towards new technologies and programming.
Additional requirements include:
* Eligibility to access a doctoral programme according to Catalan university requirements.
* No previous PhD degree.
* Proficiency in English.
* Strong teamwork skills, adaptability to multidisciplinary environments, and a focus on professional growth.
* Willingness to conduct agronomic and field work.
Specific Requirements
* Programming skills in languages like Python and experience with libraries such as Scikit-learn, Pytorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent.
* Knowledge of plant growth modelling and agro-environmental simulation tools (e.g., AquaCrop, Malusim, APSIM).
* Good statistical data analysis skills.
* Dissemination skills: presentation, communication, and technical writing.
* Good written and oral English skills; Catalan and Spanish are valued.
* Driving license.
Research Field: Technology » Biotechnology; Engineering » Computer engineering
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
Additional Information
Work Location: Lleida, Spain, at Parc Agrobiotech, C / Teresa Rodrigo Anoro, s/n, Postal Code 25194
Number of offers available: 1
Company / Institute: IRTA - Fruitcentre
Job posting ID: J-18808-Ljbffr
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