We are currently seeking a PhD candidate 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.

We invite applications from motivated candidates with passion and a strong interest in conducting research and innovation activities within a research team involved in understanding the mechanisms controlling climacteric fruit ripening in melon. The candidate will use genetic and genomic approaches to characterise and validate candidate genes for QTLs involved in climacteric ripening and fruit quality in the framework of the project “Genetic dissection of fruit quality and ripening in melon (MELFRUIT).

We seek a PhD candidate with skills in plant genetics and genomics, highly motivated to perform experiments related to plant phenotyping and genotyping, QTL identification, and validation of genes underlying fruit quality and ripening traits using gene editing technologies. The PhD candidate will have access to different training activities, including an international stage, to enrich his/her scientific knowledge, to broaden skills and
capabilities, as well as gain multidisciplinary expertise.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the design, set-up, and running of experiments in the framework of the PhD research project.
• Phenotype fruit ripening traits in different plant materials and segregating populations.
• Genotype plant materials using state-of-the-art genotyping technologies.
• Characterize quantitative trait loci (QTL) involved in fruit ripening and quality.
• Identify and validate candidate genes for QTL involved in fruit ripening and quality using gene editing technologies.
• Perform advanced statistical analysis and interpret results.
• Literature review and writing of scientific articles to be published in international peer-reviewed journals, conference communications, and project reports.
• Supervise graduate and master's students and seek opportunities to collaborate with other IRTA researchers, as well as other external academic partners

Required qualifications and experience:

Candidates must hold one of the following degrees:
a) A Master’s in Biological sciences, Biotechnology, Genetics or related disciplines.
b) To be in a position to access a doctoral programme according to the requirements of Catalan universities, i.e. accrediting between 60 and 120 ECTS credits at the official university master's degree level or equivalent.

•  Not to have a previous PhD degree.
• Candidates who have been chosen for an interview with the Selection Committee, should bring or send – for the interview- a certified copy of the degree and/or master, as well as the academic record showing the marks of all subjects studied.
• Proficiency in English
• 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.

Desirable requirements:

• Knowledge of bioinformatic analysis.
• Knowledge of techniques related to molecular biology, molecular genetics, and genotyping.
• Good analytical and organisational skills.
• Good communication skills, proactivity, and ability to work as part of a team
• Catalan and/or Spanish will be valued

Advantages of joining our team:

• Supervisor/s: Dr. Jordi Garcia-Mas and Dr. Marta Pujol
• Terms of appointment: 4 years
• Contract: The financial remuneration for the PhD Candidate contract will be €1,363.10/gross per month (19,083.40/gross per annum) and for the first and second years. For this third year, it will be €1,460.46/gross per month (€20,446.44/gross per annum) and for the fourth year it will be €1,825.58/gross per month (€25,558.12/gross per annum) which will be subject to the corresponding withholdings, pursuant to prevailing regulations, and to the collective employment agreement of IRTA. IRTA will also pay the fees of the doctoral school when receiving the enrolment. (1)
• 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: Third Trimester 2025 (approximately)

(1) The financial remuneration of the PhD Candidate contract may not be less than 56% of the salary established for the category of Research Collaborator F of the Collective Agreement of the IRTA during the first two years, 60% in the third year and 75% in the fourth.