Organisation/Company: IRTA
Department: Human Resources
Research Field: Agricultural sciences » Other Biological sciences » Biology
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: Master Positions
Country: Spain
Application Deadline: 30 Jul 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? No
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We are currently seeking a PhD Candidate to join our Sustainability in Biosystems Program and Sustainable Plant Protection teams located in Cabrils. This role offers a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Applicants should have a strong interest in research and innovation for a PhD project titled: Water efficiency in the use of wool and woody materials in horticulture, and consequences for soil fertility and carbon under different edaphoclimatic conditions (WatWold). This project explores innovative methods for managing woody and wool materials to conserve water and fertilizers in horticultural systems.
* Design scientific activities involving the characterization of residual mulching products, treatment to improve their properties, and their use in horticulture to enhance soil health and find alternatives to peat in soilless production (e.g., seedling production).
* Coordinate and carry out experiments related to the project.
* Provide scientific and technical information on the generation and use of residual materials as mulching, including their effects on reducing soil water evaporation and improving water use efficiency.
* Assist researchers in applying these products in Spain and other countries, and foster collaborations with related research groups.
* Manage data, write scientific and technical articles, and disseminate results through conferences, papers, and seminars.
Candidates must hold one of the following degrees:
* a) Master’s in Agriculture, Biology, or related fields.
* b) Be eligible to enroll in a doctoral program according to Catalonian university requirements, with 60-120 ECTS credits at the master’s level or equivalent.
Additional requirements include:
* No previous PhD degree.
* Experience in horticultural crops.
* Proficiency in English.
* Knowledge of residual products such as woody and wool materials.
* Strong teamwork skills, adaptability to multidisciplinary environments, and a focus on professional growth.
* Knowledge in data management (Excel) and statistics (R or SAS).
* Driving license B.
* Candidates selected for an interview should bring or send a certified copy of their degree and academic record.
Preferred additional qualifications:
* Higher education in other disciplines.
* Experience in conducting experiments.
* Knowledge of Catalan and Spanish languages.
Language requirement: English (Good level).
Research Field: Agricultural sciences » Other Biological sciences » Biology
Research Experience: 1-4 years
#J-18808-Ljbffr