Postdoctoral researcher in marine ecosystems modelling for the Marine and Continental Waters Program

IRTA; San Carlos de la Rápita; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule for work-life balance

Continuous training opportunities

3 days of family & work conciliation

45 hours of personal days

Job summary

A leading research institution in Cataluña is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher to model marine ecosystems within the Marine and Continental Waters Program. The role involves data analysis on nutrients and pollutants, collaborative research, and scientific reporting. Candidates with a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences and expertise in statistical software are encouraged to apply. This 3-year temporary position offers a flexible work schedule and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, Marine Ecology, or related fields.
• Experience in marine ecosystems modelling.
• Proven research skills and ability to write project proposals.
• Strong dissemination and technical writing abilities.
• Ability to build collaborative links with national/international organizations.
• Teamwork and adaptability in multidisciplinary environments; English proficiency.
• Catalan/Spanish language skills valued.
• Expertise in nutrients, pollutants, microalgal populations, HABs in marine ecosystems.
• Knowledge of ML/AI methods and species distribution models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature review and data collection on coastal oceanography.
• Analyze data on nutrients and pollutants to predict impacts on ecosystems.
• Contribute to scientific production and reporting of research activities.
• Contribute to program activities and plan milestones.
• Lead reporting and technical writing of progress/final reports.
• Identify opportunities for cutting-edge research aligned with program priorities.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration within the group.

Skills

Data analysis and modelling

Presentation and communication skills

Statistical software (R, Python)

Collaborative research skills

Knowledge of machine learning

Knowledge of species distribution models

Proficiency in English

Catalan and Spanish

Communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Marine Sciences or related fields

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Postdoctoral researcher in marine ecosystems modelling for the Marine and Continental Waters Program

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral researcher in marine ecosystems modelling to join our Marine and Continental Waters Program team located in La Ràpita (Tarragona), offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

Motivated candidates with relevant research experience willing to conduct modelling in marine ecosystems are invited to apply. The researcher will focus on aspects such as the study of nutrients, pollutants, natural contaminants, microalgal populations and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in marine coastal areas, impacting the ecosystems and food safety.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct a literature review and data collection related to coastal oceanography, nutrients, pollutants and HAB dynamics.
• Conduct data analysis and predictive models on the occurrence of nutrients, pollutants and microalgal populations, studying their dynamics under current climate change scenarios with the aim of predicting and adopting preventive measures.
• Analyze data impact on ecosystems and food safety.
• Contribute to the activities of the research program, performing scientific and technical tasks, taking part in the planning and execution of project activities to ensure achievement of milestones.
• Contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the Program.
• Lead and actively contribute the reporting process, such as writing progress and final reports of research activities.
• Identify opportunities for cutting‑edge research and innovation to address strategic priorities of the Marine and Continental Waters Program.
• Contribute to the teamwork and team‑spirit, fostering collaboration and integration activities.

Required qualifications and experience

• Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, Marine Ecology, Statistics, Biology or related fields applied to environmental studies, with experience in the research topic, preferably with an international scope.
• Data analysis and modelling, handling of statistical software (R, Python or equivalent).
• Proven research skills: experience on project proposal writing, literature review, experimental design and implementation, data analysis, scientific article writing.
• Dissemination skills: presentation and communication skills, and technical writing.
• Capacity to successfully develop collaborative research links with national and international research organizations.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
• Proficiency in English.
• Expertise in methodological approaches for data analysis involving nutrients, pollutants, microalgal populations of planktonic and benthic ecosystems.
• Experience in oceanographic studies, involving population dynamics studies and trophic web interactions.
• Knowledge of machine learning and AI algorithms and methods.
• Knowledge of species distribution models.
• Catalan and Spanish are valued.

Advantages of joining our team

• Contract: temporary position for 3 years.
• 37.5 hour workweek, with Friday afternoons off.
• Intensive work schedule from 15/06 to 15/09.
• 3 days of family & work conciliation.
• 45 hours of personal days.
• Flexible schedule for a good work‑life balance.
• Continuous training and professional growth opportunities.

Instructions to Apply

If you wish to be considered for this position and believe you meet the requirements, please send your CV and motivation letter.

Equal treatment and opportunities are guaranteed for all candidates in the selection process, avoiding any stereotypes, attitudes, or obstacles based on gender, origin, age, ideology or other potentially discriminatory conditions. Prior commitments to the inclusion of vulnerable groups are considered, with priority given in the first round to disabled candidates.