Postdoc position in ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY APPLIED TO NITRATE POLLUTION PREVENTION Ref. PCI2023-1[...]

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 29.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A prestigious research project in Spain is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to prevent agricultural pollution using innovative methodologies in hydrogeology. The role focuses on water sampling, geochemical analysis, and stakeholder engagement to foster sustainable practices, offering exciting challenges for qualified candidates.

Formación

• Experience in field work (min 2 years) on hydrogeology and hydrochemistry.
• Proven experience in interpretation of geochemical and analytical results.
• High motivation and good organisational skills.

Responsabilidades

• Conducting water sampling campaigns.
• Support field experiment design and implementation.
• Preparation of analytical reports.

Conocimientos

Water sampling

Data analysis

Hydrogeology

Communication

Isotope geochemistry

Educación

PhD in relevant field

Herramientas

GIS

Descripción del empleo

Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Applied Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences

Organisation/Company Universitat de Barcelona Department Department of Mineralogy, Petrology and Applied Geology, Faculty of Earth Sciences Research Field Environmental science Geosciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 15 Jul 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? Other EU programme Reference Number MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and cofunded by the Europea Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The aim of the project “NPP-SOL” is to prevent surface and ground-water bodies from agricultural non-point source pollution under Mediterranean conditions using modelling and technological tools. The project integrates site-specific best management practices to improve soil, water, fertilizers, and crop management with site-tailored, affordable-cost and sustainable tecnologies designed to intercept the pollutants before they reach the groundwater and surface water bodies.

Overall, the Tasks to be performed will be to dinamically participate and provide support to all project activities in which UB is involved as partner, with special focus on those to be implemented at the spanish Case Study (Constructed Wetland in Zaragoza province).

Namely, the research scientist will be in charge of:

Water sampling campaigns and other activities at field site.

Supporting the design, set-up and implementation of field experiments on denitrification, with different electron donors. Design calculations, water sampling and measurements of physico-chemical parameters, installation and maintenance of sensors and field equipment; follow-up of piezometers installation etc.

Correction and interpretation of geochemical and isotopic analytical results (especially, isotopic composition of nitrate and other nitrogen species) and preparation of analytical reports.

Active participation in meetings and interactions with the local stakeholders involved in water management and uses: administrations, users, local communities, etc.

Implementation of project Tasks, participation to project meetings and workshops; support to the activities of dissemination of scientific results and to the preparation of project reports/deliverables; writing scientific papers for international journals, participation to international and national Conferences.

Supervising undergraduate, MSc, and/or interchange students and laboratory technicians, and working closely with PhD students and postdocs, within an interdisciplinary research team.

Potential involvement in laboratory management and Quality Assurance Systems.

Professional experience and/or specialized education on hydrogeology. Work experience in field work (min 2 years) on hydrogeology and hydrochemistry: water and soil sampling, piezometers’ installation, pumping tests, tracer tests, etc.

Proven experience in interpretation of geochemical and isotopic analytical results, preparation of analytical reports .

Postdoctoral experience (min 1 year) in isotope geochemistry and nitrate contamination/remediation.

High motivation, good organisational skills, interest to work in an interdisciplinary team and be open-minded.

Specific Requirements

The experience in knowldege transfer as well as in communication with water-related stakeholders (administrations, users, local communities, etc) will be positively valued.

The experience in the use of Geoprapich Information Systems (GIS) and in Quality Management Systems will be positively valued.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages SPANISH Level Good

Languages CATALAN Level Good

Research Field Other

Internal Application form(s) needed

Gross salary per year: 28.200,00 EUR (12 monthly payments)

Eligibility criteria

A specific committee will evaluate the applications using the following criteria:

• Suitability of the CV for the job (màximum 40)
• Letter/s of recommendation (maximum 10)
• Experience in field work (màximum 20)
• Experience in isotope geochemistry (maximum 20)

Postdoc experience (maximum 10)

Selection process

The specific committee will agree upon an award proposal and draw up a prioritized shortlist of candidates who have achieved a minimum of50 pointsor declare the call for applications null and void if none of the applicants reach the minimum score.

The award proposal will be published in the UB's electronic office and must include the total scores of the candidates that have received a total of at least 50 points.

Application Process:

According to the specific requirements and selection criteria, the candidates are expected to provide at least the following documents:

• Application form
• Full CV
• Letter/s of recommendation
• Document of absence of conflict of interest (DACI) in the case that the financing of the recruitment be with PRTR funds

Additional comments

The candidate proposed for hiring must accept the job offer within 3 working days from the date of notification of the selection.

Be aware that the starting date sets in this offer is an estimate date. The official starting date will depend on the time necessary for administration to prepare the labour contract and present the necessary documents for the selected candidate to be hired.

Priority will be given to people with disabilities (Law 89/2015 of June 2, reserve of quota 2% in favour of people with disabilities in companies of 50 or more people).

Duration of the contract of employment: 12 months with possibility of extension, subject to the execution period of the project and the existence of an economic endowment.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute MAiMA Research Group, Dpt. Mineralogy Petrology and Applied Geology, University of Barcelona Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Barcelona Postal Code 08028 Street Avinguda Diagonal, 643 Geofield