Organisation/Company IRTA Department Human Resources Research Field Medical sciences » Veterinary medicine Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 15 Sep 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 16 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We are currently seeking a PhD Candidateto join our Animal Nutrition Program and Animal Breeding and GeneticsProgramteams located in Constantí and Caldes de Montbuí, 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 activitieswithin two different research programs: Animal Nutrition (located in Constantí, Tarragona) and Animal Breeding and Genetics (located in Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona).ThePhD candidate will join a project aligned withIRTA’s scientific objective “Guarantee animal health and welfare in the context of reduced antibiotic use”.
The main objective of this PhD project is to assess the effects of different feed additives on gut microbiota composition and intestinal immune responses in poultry, with the goal of reducing Salmonella and/or Eimeria prevalence/infection/persistence and their associated antimicrobial resistances.
To reach this main objective it will be necessary:
* To study in vitro (organoids) the capacity of different feed additives to modulate the expression of key genes (microfluidic chips) related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and barrier integrity.
* To determine in vivo the capacity of additives to modulate the intestinal microbiota and gut immune responses in chickens challenged with Salmonella or Eimeria spp., and its pathogenicity reduction.
* To evaluate the immunomodulatory capacity of probiotics to promote a cytotoxic targeted response (through T-cell immune response) and its capacity to reduce intracellular Salmonella persistence.
* To decipher the synergies of additives administered as a blend on host’s immune system and intestinal microbiota to counteract inflammation and symptomatology caused by pathogens, and their consequent infection and dissemination.
* To unveil the specific host’s immune pathways modulated by Salmonella spp. in the different cell types present within the Peyer’ Patches (through Spatial Transcriptomics)
* Candidates must hold one of the following degrees: Veterinary, Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or similar and:
o A master’s in nutrition and metabolism, Veterinary science, Animal health, Animal Breeding, Genetics, Animal production or similar; or
o To be in a position to access a doctoral programme according to the requirements of Catalan universities, i.e. accrediting between 60 and 120 ECTS credits at the official university master's degree level or equivalent (e.g. if the candidate holds a Spanish Veterinary degree, the master is not mandatory).
* Proficiency in English
* Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
* Candidates who have been chosen for an interview with the Selection Committee, should bring or send –for the interview- a certified copy of the degree and/or master, as well as the academic record showing the marks of all subjects studied.
Specific Requirements
* Demonstrate strong interest in nutrition, immunity, and genetics for a better sustainable poultry production.
* Any prior experience in matters statistical analysis and programming in R will be viewed positively.
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Ability for flexible work (schedules and locations).
* Driving licence.
* Catalan and Spanish are valued.
Languages ENGLISH Level Good
Research Field Biological sciences » BiologyMedical sciences » Veterinary medicine Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
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