Postdoctoral researcher in Remote Sensing for Evapotranspiration

Institut De Recerca I Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (Irta); Lérida; Presencial; EUR 32.000 - 39.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

3-year contract

14 payments per year

37.5 hour workweek (Fridays off)

23 vacation days

Remote work 6 days/month

Descripción de la vacante

IRTA Lleida is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher in Remote Sensing for Evapotranspiration to advance the Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture program. The role focuses on developing remote sensing methods to estimate ET and integrate with hydrological models for sustainable irrigation management.

The successful candidate will process multi-source satellite imagery, generate biophysical indicators, and collaborate with field measurements and eddy covariance data to improve water use efficiency

Formación

• PhD in Remote Sensing, Earth Observation, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Hydrology, or related fields.
• Proven research experience in remote sensing applications for water management and agricultural monitoring.
• Experience in processing and analysing satellite imagery (e.g., Sentinel, Landsat).
• Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python) and GIS tools.
• Strong skills with physical surface energy balance models to estimate ET.
• Hands-on experience with field sensors, dataloggers, data acquisition systems and basic electronics.
• Dissemination skills: scientific writing and communication.

Responsabilidades

• Contribute to research activities using remote sensing and earth observation to improve water use in agriculture.
• Research data integration: multi-source satellite imagery, vegetation parameters, and energy balance models (e.g., TSEB) to estimate ET.
• Contribute to scientific publications and research outputs.
• Support project proposals and reporting for public calls and private contracts.
• Collaborate with IRTA teams and external partners to transfer knowledge.

Conocimientos

Python

GIS

Remote sensing

Teamwork

Water management

Educación

PhD in Remote Sensing / Earth Observation / Hydrology

Herramientas

GIS tools

Satellite imagery processing

Descripción del empleo

We are looking for a Postdoctoral researcher in Remote Sensing for Evapotranspiration to join the Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture Program team, based in Lleida. We offer the opportunity to be part of an organization with a dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on professional development.

The successful candidate will contribute to research projects focused on the development and application of remote sensing approaches for estimating evapotranspiration and improving water use efficiency in agricultural systems. The work will involve the processing and analysis of multi-source remote sensing data, including satellite and high-resolution imagery, the generation of vegetation and biophysical indicators, and the integration of remote sensing products with field measurements, eddy covariance data and integration into hydrological models. The position will combine methodological development with applied research, aiming to develop innovative solutions for sustainable irrigation management and the transfer of scientific knowledge to the agricultural sector.

Head of the Program: Dr Joaquim Bellvert

Program’s key researcher/s for this position: Dr Jaume Casadesús & Dr Víctor Blanco.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• To contribute to research activities focused on the use of remote sensing and Earth observation technologies for improving the assessment and management of water use in agricultural systems, with particular emphasis on evapotranspiration estimation and use of hydrological models.
• To research remote sensing, environmental and ground-based data integration approaches, including: processing and analysis of multi-source satellite imagery at different spatial and temporal resolutions, generation and evaluation of vegetation biophysical parameters, development and application of remote sensing surface energy balance models (e.g. TSEB) to estimate ET and its partition components in different woody crops, processing and analysis of eddy covariance, sap-flow and other field measurements for calibration and validation of remote sensing products, and integration of Earth observation data with crop and agro-hydrological models.
• To contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the Program.
• To actively contribute fund rising through the preparation and submission of project proposals for public competitive calls and for contracts with the private sector, as well reporting process, such as writing progress and final reports of research activities.
• To contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit in the research program on Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture, fostering collaboration and integration activities.
• To create synergies with other research programs at IRTA.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD in Remote Sensing, Earth Observation, Environmental Sciences, Geosciences, Hydrology, Computer Science of related fields.
• Proven research experience in remote sensing applications for water management and agricultural monitoring.
• Experience in processing and analysing satellite imagery (e.g. Sentinel, Landsat or similar platforms)
• Experience with programming languages (e.g. Python) and with GIS tools.
• Strong skills on the use of physical surface energy balance models to estimate ET.
• Hands-on experience with field sensors, dataloggers, data acquisition system and basic electronics.
• Proved research skills: experience on project proposal writing, literature review, experimental design and implementation, data analysis, scientific article writing.
• Dissemination skills: presentation/communication skills, and technical writing.
• Capacity to successfully develop collaborative research links with national and international research organizations, and the ability to interact closely with private companies and irrigation district managers.
• Full driving license for Europe and travelling availability.
Knowledge of English
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.

Desirable requirements

• Research experience in the processing and analysis of eddy covariance data.
• Experience on the use of different SEB models (TSEB, SEBAL, METRIC, ALEXI …).
• Experience in the application of hydrological models.
• Relevant peer-reviewed publication record and participation in funded projects.
• Network of collaborators at a national and/or international level.
• Proven experience in technical and scientific initiatives, at an international level, and eventually national level.
• Languages (Catalan and Spanish)

Advantages of joining our team:

• Contract: 3 years
• Salary: 35.100,62€ gross annual in 14 payments
• 37.5 hour workweek, with Friday afternoons off
• Intensive work schedule from 15/06 to 15/09
• 23 vacation days
• 3 days of family & work conciliation
• 45 hours of personal days
• Remote work 6 workdays per month
• Flexible Schedule for a good work-life balance.
• Continuous training and professional growth opportunities.

Please know that if you are the chosen candidate and you are from a country which does not belong to the UE, IRTA’s People Department will support you to get the residence and working permits.

Equal treatment and equal opportunities are guaranteed for all candidates in the selection process, avoiding stereotypes, bias or barriers linked to gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, ideology, or any other potentially discriminatory condition. The organization also ensures inclusion commitment toward vulnerable groups, and the first round of the selection process is reserved for candidates with functional diversity.

Selection Process:

Curricular assessment: The candidate’s qualifications and merits will be evaluated according to the criteria established in the job offer.

Interview(s): These will be conducted by a Selection Committee to assess the candidate’s suitability in terms of professional experience and competencies.

Additional tests (if applicable): Depending on the position profile and the needs of the process, specific competency-based tests and/or a psychometric test may be included in order to more accurately assess the suitability of the candidates.

Start of contract: November - December 2026 (approximately)