Postdoctoral Researcher for the Marine and Continental Waters Program (AGROLABS DIGITALS)

IRTA (Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentarias); Madrid; Presencial; EUR 35.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Join a pioneering research initiative focused on transforming the Agrifood sector through digital innovation. This role offers the opportunity to conduct impactful research on phytoplankton dynamics, contributing to vital environmental forecasting. You'll develop models that inform the aquaculture industry, ensuring sustainable practices and enhancing food security. Collaborate with a dedicated team in a supportive environment that values scientific inquiry and innovation. With a full-time contract and attractive benefits, this position is perfect for those passionate about marine sciences and ecological research.

Servicios

22 vacation days

3 days of family & work conciliation

45 hours of personal days

Friday afternoons off

Compressed summer schedule

Conciliation schedule

Formación

• Ph.D. in Marine Sciences or related field with research experience.
• Strong skills in data analysis, ecological modelling, and scientific publication.

Responsabilidades

• Develop forecast models for harmful algal blooms using long-term data.
• Run models operationally to provide early warnings to the aquaculture industry.

Conocimientos

Data Analysis

Ecological Modelling

Scientific Publication

Project Proposal Writing

Statistical Analysis

Programming (R, Python)

Educación

Ph.D. in Marine Sciences

Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Ph.D. in Ecology

Herramientas

R

Python

Descripción del empleo

IRTA is currently seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Researcher with a PhD related to Marine Sciences to join the Marine and Continental Waters Program. We invite applications from ambitious candidates with relevant research experience and a passion for conducting research and innovation activities on the modelling and forecasting of phytoplankton dynamics.

AGROLABS DIGITALS is a pioneering research and innovation project of IRTA aimed at boosting the Agrifood sector through digital transformation in plant and animal production. The project involves creating infrastructures for testing and experimenting with new digital technologies and developing a platform of data and digital services accessible to the main agricultural sectors, universities, and other research and innovation institutes. Testing and experimentation facilities will be deployed across 10 IRTA sites in Catalonia, focusing on sectors such as fruit and field crops, postharvest of fruits and vegetables, swine, bovine, and aquaculture.

Head of the Program: Dr. Jorge Diogène

Program’s key researcher for this position: Margarita Fernández Tejedor

Position type: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)

Terms of appointment: Contract for the project AGROLABS DIGITALS

Salary: Category F from the RDT salary scale of IRTA (€34,077)

Employee Benefits: 22 vacation days, 3 days of family & work conciliation, 45 hours of personal days, Friday afternoons off, a compressed summer schedule from 15/06 to 15/09, and a conciliation schedule.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Develop forecast models for harmful algal blooms using long-term time series of phytoplankton and environmental data.
2. Run the forecast models in an operational framework, including data visualization through a web portal to provide early warnings to the aquaculture industry about the weekly probability of HABs occurrence.
3. Contribute to the activities of the research program by performing scientific and technical tasks, and participating in the planning and execution of the project AGROLABS to ensure milestone achievement.
4. Perform literature reviews, data collection, and management, involving statistical analysis.
5. Contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the program.
6. Foster teamwork and collaboration within the Marine and Continental Waters Program.

Required qualifications and experience:

1. Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fields with experience in data analysis, ecological modelling/forecasting, or ecosystem science, preferably with post-doctoral experience and an international scope.
2. Proven research skills including project proposal writing, literature review, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific publication.
3. Strong dissemination skills including presentation, communication, and technical writing.
4. Ability to develop collaborative research links with national and international organizations and interact with private companies. Capable of attracting research funds from private and public sectors and engaging with stakeholders.

Desirable requirements:

1. Experience with programming environments such as R or Python.
2. Experience in statistical analysis and machine learning.
3. Experience in modelling and forecasting Harmful Algal Blooms.
4. Experience using satellite data products.

Languages:

• Proficiency in English required.
• Knowledge of Catalan and Spanish is valued.

Application process:

If interested, apply via our Recruitment Platform referencing job post 63/25, uploading your CV and motivation letter by 07/05/2025. All information will be kept confidential.

IRTA will support successful international candidates in obtaining residence and work permits. IRTA guarantees an open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process, considering social exclusion candidates preferentially.