Biology Graduate

EURAXESS Ireland; Cartagena de Indias; Presencial; EUR 23.464 - 28.678; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Technical University of Cartagena invites applications for a permanent, full-time research staff position in the value addition to agri-food by-products area. The 35-hour week runs Monday to Friday, with duties at the Tomás Ferro Experimental Station and a gross annual salary of €26,071.36.

Responsibilities include experimental studies, extraction prep, fermentation, edible films, and new food products, plus microbiological/antioxidant analyses and related reporting.

Formación

• Academic background including the required degree and related qualifications (e.g., Master’s in Agricultural and Food Research).
• Specific training directly related to the position will be evaluated.
• Professional experience in valorization of byproducts and knowledge of emerging techniques such as cold plasma.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct experimental studies on valorization of agri-food byproducts.
• Prepare extracts and conduct fermentation of plant byproducts to obtain compounds.
• Collaborate on edible films and coatings from agri-food byproducts.
• Contribute to development and production of new foods from byproducts.
• Perform microbiological tests including MIC and antimicrobial activity assessments.
• Carry out physicochemical, microbiological, and antioxidant analyses of foods/byproducts.
• Support in shelf-life and postharvest quality studies of fruits/vegetables.
• Assist in drafting technical reports and project documentation.

Conocimientos

Valorization of byproducts

Fermentation processes

Edible films and coatings

Microbiological testing (MIC)

Educación

Bachelor's degree (University Graduate)

Master’s in Agricultural and Food Research

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Bachelor Positions Application Deadline 28 Jul 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF CARTAGENA, A CALL FOR APPLICATIONS IS ANNOUNCED FOR THE HIRING OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT STAFF (GROUP II) FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE RESEARCH AREA OF VALUE ADDITION TO AGRI-FOOD BY-PRODUCTS (CODE: C-034/26).

Deadline for submission of applications: July 28.

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Indefinite.

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY: GROUP II. University Graduate.

For degrees obtained abroad (including those from the EU), applicants must provide proof that they have obtained the corresponding recognition or, where applicable, the credential attesting to the equivalence of their degree.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: A Class B driver's license and your own vehicle to travel to the Tomás Ferro Experimental Station at the UPCT.

WEEKLY DEDICATION: The position will be full time, and the workweek will be 35 hours, from monday to friday, 9h-14h and 15h-17h.

GROSS ANNUAL REMUNERATION: The employee will receive an annual gross salary of 26.071,36 euros.

PROJECT TITLE: Upcycling of agri-food byproducts.

DURATION: The term of this contract will be contingent upon the availability of budgetary funds for the aforementioned line of research.

Current R&D&I activity: "Comprehensive and sustainable solution to minimize food loss and waste and promoting food security in the Mediterranean region", referencia PRIMA 2024/2431 subvencionado por COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMUNITIES. Partida presupuestaria 30.05.18.9867 541A 642.10 (código: 2025/00054/001).

INTENDED DATE OF DEPUTY EMPLOYMENT: from 1st september.

TASKS TO BE CARRIED OUT

• Experimental studies related to the valorization of agri-food byproducts.
• Preparation of extracts and conduct of fermentation processes of plant byproducts to obtain compounds of interest.
• Collaboration in the development and evaluation of edible films and coatings formulated from agri-food byproducts.
• Participation in the development and production of new food products obtained through the valorization of byproducts.
• Conducting microbiological tests, including the determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and other tests of antimicrobial activity.
• Physicochemical, microbiological, and antioxidant activity analyses of foods and byproducts.
• Collaboration on studies of the shelf life and postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables through the evaluation of quality and food safety parameters.
• Support in the preparation of draft technical reports, deliverables, and project-related documentation.

MERITS TO BE ASSESSED AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

Academic Background (30%): The applicant’s academic record for the degree required for the position, as well as other degrees related to the required professional profile—including the Master’s in Agricultural and Food Research—will be evaluated.

Specific training (10%): Courses directly related to the position’s profile.

Professional experience (30%): Professional experience in the following areas will be evaluated:

• Valorization of byproducts.
• Knowledge of emerging techniques such as cold plasma.

10% for each year of experience in these fields. Maximum 30%

Other merits (10%): Publications of scientific articles in Q1-level journals (5% per scientific publication). Maximum 15%