We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our Genomics and Biotechnology team located at CRAG center in Bellaterra (Barcelona), offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

The selected candidate will join a research team involved in understanding the mechanisms controlling climacteric fruit ripening in melon.

The objectives of the successful candidate will focus on understanding the fruit ripening process in melon and other cucurbit crops in the framework of the project “Genetic dissection of fruit quality and ripening in melon (MELFRUIT)”.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Compare climacteric and non-climacteric melon fruit ripening with the ripening process in cucumber and watermelon.
• Phenotype traits related to fruit ripening, including ethylene production, in cucumber and watermelon.
• Perform a comparative transcriptomic analysis of fruit ripening between melon, cucumber, and watermelon.
• Study the role of key melon ripening genes in cucumber and watermelon.
  
• Contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit in the Genomics and Biotechnology research program, fostering collaboration and integration activities.
• Work in close collaboration with other teams of IRTA, CRAG, as well as with external academic, institutional and industrial partners.
• Supervise data collection and management, including statistical analysis.
• Work closely with project partners.
• Write technical and scientific reports.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD in Sciences, preferably in plant genetics, genomics, biotechnology and/or plant physiology.
• Knowledge of plant breeding and in development and use of molecular tools applied to study agronomic traits.
• Proven skills in plant and fruit phenotyping.
• Good knowledge of state-of-the-art genotyping technologies, gene editing and methods in molecular biology.
• Proven research skills: literature review, data analysis, scientific article writing.
• Dissemination skills: presentation/communication skills, and technical writing.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development
• Results-oriented, negotiation skills and communication abilities to build a network of relationships.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Desirable requirements

• Basic knowledge on bioinformatics and analysis of sequences.
• Previous experience on gene/QTL mapping.
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan is valued.

Advantages of joining our team:

• Program’s key researcher for this position: Dr. Jordi Garcia-Mas
• Terms of appointment: full-time position for 3 years.
• 37.5 hour workweek, with Friday afternoons off
• Intensive work schedule from 15/06 to 15/09
• 22 vacation days
• 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.

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.

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. Furthermore, commitments to the inclusion of vulnerable groups are considered, with priority given in the first round to disabled candidates.

Timings in the Recruitment Process

30 natural days: Publication and diffusion of the job advertisement on IRTA’s website and/or social media.

5 following working days: Distribution of the pre-selected CVs to the Recruitment Committee for their evaluation.

20 following working days: Interview and/or tests to the most suitable candidates based on the job position.

Start of contract: September/Octobre 2025 (approximately)