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Organisation/Company Fundació Centre de Recerca en Agrotecnologia-AGROTECNIO Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agronomics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 14 Sep 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - EIT Reference Number 101182027 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to investigate the ecohydrological functions and associated hydrological impacts of agroforestry on soils in sub-Saharan Africa. The research will focus on how interactions between local conditions — such as climate and soil properties — and agroforestry management practices influence key hydrological processes, including infiltration, soil moisture retention, and runoff, as well as related processes and outcomes such as erosion and water availability. In doing so, the project will contribute to a deeper understanding of the biodiversity–soil–water nexus in agroforestry systems and help identify context-specific strategies that optimize water-related benefits. The research will aim to generate actionable knowledge to inform sustainable, context-sensitive agroforestry management and restoration initiatives that meet water-related goals.
The doctoral candidate will be mentored by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Agrotecnio and partner institutions with expertise in ecohydrology, soil science, and agroforestry. The PhD project is embedded within a task of the AfroGrow project which investigates the environmental impacts of agroforestry systems, particularly on water dynamics, soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. The candidate will collaborate closely with another PhD student at ETH Zurich focused on agroforestry impacts on soil health and carbon sequestration.
The PhD candidate will conduct extensive fieldwork in at least two of the project’s focus countries, perform data analysis using advanced statistical methods, prepare scientific manuscripts, and participate in broader project activities such as synthesis, dissemination, and co-creation workshops. Active participation in AfroGrow project meetings and close collaboration with the international project network is expected. Besides groundwork in Sub-Saharan Africa, scientific exchange visits with ETH Zurich and World Agroforestry (ICRAF), and presentation of scientific results at conferences are part of the funding.
Where to apply
E-mail administration@agrotecnio.udl.cat
Requirements
Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agronomics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
1. MSc degree in a relevant subject (soil science, hydrology, physical geography, ecology, forestry, agriculture, environmental sciences or related fields).
2. Experience with conducting fieldwork.
3. Skills in data manipulation, analysis, and visualization (preferably in R or similar programming languages).
4. Excellent written and spoken English.
5. Willingness and availability to travel internationally, including remote areas.
Specific Requirements
1. Relevant experience or training in agroforestry, hydrology, soil hydrology, soil and water conservation.
2. Relevant experience conducting research, fieldwork, or working in Africa.
3. Familiarity with GIS and remote sensing tools.
We are looking for a candidate with strong scientific curiosity, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary environment. Time management, problem-solving ability, and clear communication—both written and verbal—are essential. A passion for research that bridges science and real-world impact is highly valued.
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Languages SPANISH Level Basic
Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agronomics Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
The position is a full-time (37.5 hours/week), fully funded doctoral position for a period of four years. The successful candidate will be employed by Agrotecnio, and enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Lleida, Spain. The successful candidate is expected to be physically based in Lleida, with regular travel to AfroGrow focus countries for extended fieldwork and participation in project meetings, workshops, and training activities. The annual gross salary is 24.000 €. The position includes full social security and health coverage, and entitlements to paid holidays and leave according to national labor regulations.
Eligibility criteria
Employment is assessed on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational needs, in accordance with the HRS4R certification requirements. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Cover letter (max. 1 page) describing your motivation and fit for the position • Curriculum Vitae (including graduation dates and relevant experience)
• Contact information for two professional references (name, relation to candidate, email, and phone number). No letters needed at this stage
• A copy or link to your Master’s thesis
• List of publications (if any), including reports, scientific articles, popular science, etc.
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