Job offer

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 22.000 - 30.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading research organization in Spain is seeking a motivated PhD candidate for a project focused on animal health and welfare. The role involves analyzing high-frequency time-series data to improve decision-making in animal care. Ideal candidates will have strong quantitative skills, relevant degrees, and a passion for applied research.

Formación

• Strong motivation to work with data in applied research.
• Prior experience with data management or big data processing is a plus.
• Understanding of statistical analysis and visualization techniques.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct original research for a PhD thesis and publish scientific articles.
• Perform literature reviews, data collection, management, and analysis.
• Develop data-driven tools for disease prevention in animal health.

Conocimientos

Data management

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

Machine learning

Communication

Educación

Master’s in Data Science

Mathematics

Statistics

Genetics

Biotechnology

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company IRTA Department Human Resources Research Field Mathematics » Statistics Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 6 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? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

IRTA is currently seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PhD candidate to join the Animal Health and Animal Breeding & Genetics Programs. We invite applications from ambitious candidates with relevant research experience and a strong interest in advancing animal welfare and health through data-driven approaches. The selected candidate will focus on the analysis of high-frequency time-series data to characterize animal responses and recovery patterns following various disturbances—environmental, health-related, or social. This research aims to develop early warning systems for disease and welfare issues, as well as novel indicators of resilience in pigs.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

- Conduct original research leading to the completion of a PhD thesis and the publication of scientific articles based on the project results.

- Perform comprehensive literature reviews, data collection, data management, statistical analyses, and data visualization.

- Develop data-driven tools (warnings) to support decision-making in the prevention and control of pig diseases and welfare issues.

- Contribute actively to the scientific output and progress of the research line.

- Foster collaboration and maintain a positive, team-oriented working environment within the research group.

- Candidates must hold one of the following degrees: Mathematics, Statistics, Genetics, Biotechnology or Science-related field; or

- A Master’s in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, (Bio)statistics, Animal Breeding and Genetics, or disciplines related to data analysis and computation, or similar.

- 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.

- Not to have a previous PhD degree.

- 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

-Strong motivation to work with diverse data types in an applied research setting focused on animal health and welfare.

-Prior experience with data management, big data processing, or real-time data streams (e.g., from sensors or farm monitoring systems) is a plus.

-Understanding of statistical data analysis and data visualization techniques, as well as machine learning methods and their application to biological and epidemiological data.

-Experience or familiarity with epidemiology, syndromic surveillance, and/or animal health research will be highly valued.

-Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present research findings clearly to both scientific and non-specialist audiences.

-Willingness and ability to learn new methods, tools, and concepts as required by the project.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Mathematics » StatisticsBiological sciences » Other Years of Research Experience 1 - 4