Organisation/Company Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena Research Field Agricultural sciences » Soil science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 30 Apr *********:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct **** Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number HORIZON-MSCA-****-COFUND-***** Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? NoWe are seeking innovative research proposals aimed at mitigating the effects of subsoil compaction or improving the management of compacted soils in horticultural production systems, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and reducing pressures on soil health.Keep in mind that supervisors are not allowed to get involved in the project proposal preparation.Context:Subsoil compaction is recognized globally as a major constraint to soil health and crop productivity, particularly in intensive agricultural regions. In Europe, for example, an estimated ***** % of subsoils are considered highly susceptible to compaction, affecting nearly 3 million hectares. This physical degradation, often linked to the repeated use of heavy machinery, has long-term impacts on the soil-plant continuum and on key rhizosphere-related processes. This challenge is particularly relevant in horticultural production systems, where root-soil interactions and rhizosphere functioning play a central role in sustaining plant performance under physical soil constraints.A range of soil-plant-based strategies have been proposed to alleviate the effects of subsoil compaction. These approaches include, for instance, enhancing root metabolic activity and microbial functioning, promoting natural biopore formation, or modifying root exudation patterns to stimulate microbially mediated improvements in soil structure. Despite ongoing adv