PhD position in Agricultural Chemistry (4-year predoc contract)

Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid); España; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) invites applications for a PhD-style research position within the Faculty of Science, Department of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The project focuses on iron-based biofertilizers derived from bacterial secretions and evaluates plant efficacy under hydroponic and alkaline soil conditions.

The role involves advanced chemical analysis (ICP-OES, HPLC, ion chromatography, spectrofluorimetry), rhizosphere studies, and soil

Qualifications

• Academic background in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
• English proficiency for scientific writing and communication.
• Academic achievements and academic record.

Responsibilities

• Synthesis and chemical characterization of iron-based biofertilizers derived from bacterial secretions (Pseudomonas and Bacillus).
• Plant efficacy trials under hydroponic conditions and in alkaline soils.
• Advanced chemical analysis using ICP-OES, HPLC, ion chromatography, and spectrofluorimetry.
• Characterization of root exudates and rhizosphere studies.
• Analysis of soil microbial communities.
• Preparation of technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and conference presentations.

Education

Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences or related fields

Tools

ICP-OES

HPLC

Ion chromatography

Spectrofluorimetry

Job description

Organisation/Company Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Department Faculty of Science, Department of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Research Field Agricultural sciences Chemistry Environmental science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2027 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

• Synthesis and chemical characterization of iron-based biofertilizers derived from bacterial secretions (Pseudomonas and Bacillus).
• Plant efficacy trials under hydroponic conditions and in alkaline soils.
• Advanced chemical analysis using ICP-OES, HPLC, ion chromatography, and spectrofluorimetry.
• Characterization of root exudates and rhizosphere studies.
• Analysis of soil microbial communities.
• Preparation of technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and conference presentations.

The evaluation process will assess the suitability of the candidate based on the criteria and sub-criteria established in Section 6 of the call for applications. In particular, the following will be taken into consideration:

• Academic background in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
• English proficiency for scientific writing and communication.
• Academic achievements and academic record.

Specific Requirements

• Previous experience with laboratory analytical techniques, particularly ICP-OES, HPLC, and spectroscopic techniques.
• Knowledge of agricultural chemistry, plant nutrition, or soil microbiology.
• Experience conducting plant trials under controlled conditions.
• Previous experience in an agricultural chemistry lab will be considered.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages SPANISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Selection process