Researcher in Plant Nutrition and Fertigation

Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA); Lérida; Presencial; EUR 55.000 - 75.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Permanent contract

Consolida track (tenure)

37.5 hour workweek

Remote work 6 days/month

23 vacation days

Flexible schedule

Descripción de la vacante

IRTA, based in Lleida, seeks a Researcher in Plant Nutrition and Fertigation to lead projects under the Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture Program. The role focuses on sustainable water and nutrient management, fertigation, and soil-plant-water interactions to increase irrigation efficiency and crop performance.

The successful candidate will manage field and laboratory experiments, publish results, and engage with private sectors and irrigation districts while seeking external funds.

Formación

• PhD in efficient water and fertilizer use in irrigated crops.
• Experience in proposal writing, literature reviews, experimental design and data analysis.
• Strong track record of publishable research in peer-reviewed journals.
• Applied research experience in irrigation/fertigation and nutrient management.
• Hands-on field data collection and sensor proficiency.
• Strong dissemination and scientific writing skills.
• Ability to build collaborative links with national/international orgs and private sector.
• Willingness to travel and hold a European driving license.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and contribute to sustainable water and nutrient management research lines.
• Study interactions among irrigation, fertigation, soil, and crop performance.
• Develop and apply models to assess water and nutrient use efficiency.
• Contribute to fertigation and irrigation strategy development and evaluation.
• Plan, implement, and monitor field/lab experiments and analyze results.

Conocimientos

PhD in irrigation

Project proposal

Data analysis

Field data collection

English

Spanish

Educación

PhD in irrigation

Herramientas

Soil sensors

Descripción del empleo

We are looking for a Researcher in Plant Nutrition and Fertigation 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 lead and contribute to competitive research projects and collaborative contracts focused on sustainable water and nutrient management in agricultural systems. The research activities will address the interactions between irrigation, plant nutrition, soil management and crop performance. The position encompasses research on irrigation and fertigation management, nutrient cycling, dynamics in soil-plant systems, and the process governing nutrient transport and nitrate leaching under different irrigation regimes. Emphasis is placed on applied research on these topics and transfer of the outcomes 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 lead and contribute to the research line on sustainable water and nutrient management in agricultural systems, addressing the interactions between irrigation, fertilization, soil processes and crop performance. The research activities will include the development and evaluation of strategies to improve irrigation and fertilization efficiency, including fertigation management, nutrient application strategies, irrigation system performance, and the sustainable use of water and nutrient resources.
• To perform research on soil–plant–water–nutrient interactions and the processes controlling water and nutrient dynamics in agricultural systems, including nutrient mobility and availability, nitrate leaching and environmental losses, nutrient cycling processes, and the interaction between irrigation practices, soil properties and crop uptake.
• To develop and apply approaches to assess and optimize water and nutrient use efficiency, including experimental approaches, monitoring strategies, and the use of mechanistic and/or empirical models to evaluate water and solute transport under different soil conditions, irrigation regimes and climate scenarios.
• To contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative fertigation and irrigation management strategies, including the optimization of irrigation scheduling, nutrient delivery systems, and the management of irrigation infrastructure (e.g., irrigation networks, filtration systems and fertigation equipment).
• To participate in research projects and collaborative contracts by planning, implementing and monitoring field and laboratory experiments, analysing results, contributing to scientific publications, and supporting the transfer of knowledge and technologies to the agricultural sector.
• To contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the Program.
• To lead and 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 identify opportunities for cutting-edge research and innovation to address strategic priorities of the research program on Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture.
• 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 dealing with the efficient use of water and fertilizers in irrigated crops.
• Proved research skills: experience on project proposal writing, literature review, experimental design and implementation, data analysis, scientific article writing.
• Excellent track record on scientific production in this research topic in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience on applied research in this research topic.
• Hands-on experience in field data collection and proficiency with soil and plant sensors.
• 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. The successful candidate will be expected to attract funds from private and public sectors for research, interacting with stakeholders.
• Full driving license for Europe and travelling availability.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
• Proficiency in English and in Spanish

Desirable requirements

• Research experience with Precision Irrigation/Fertilization and the involved digital technologies, such as application of sensors.
• Practical experience in managing and optimizing irrigation systems and fertigation heads.
• Experience and knowledge in water management in Spain, including work with irrigation districts.
• Experience in dissemination and transfer of knowledge to farmers and technicians.
• Skills in data management and analysis.
• Demonstrating an attractive 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.
• A proactive profile, solutions-focused approach to work, with ability to adapt to changing requirements.
• Capacity to perform high quality work and commitment.
• Knowledge of Catalan

Advantages of joining our team:

• Contract: permanent full-time position or IRTA Consolida (tenure track) position subject to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate
• Salary: To be resolved according to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate
• 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

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)