We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in applied entomology for the Sustainable Plant Protection Program to join our Sustainable Plant Protection team located in IRTA Cabrils, offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

The selected candidate will join the PROACTIVITY AND IMPROVEMENT OF IPM STRATEGIES IN STORED COMMODITIES (STORED-IPM) research project. 

The Postdoctoral Researcher will focus on the assessment of sustainable pest control methods and on the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to proactively promote the presence of natural enemies of pests, to monitor them, and to set up biological control strategies in different commodities and storage facilities. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the activities of the research line, performing scientific and technical tasks, taking part in the planning and execution of the experiments to ensure the achievement of milestones of the research projects.
• Perform literature review, data collection and management, involving statistical analysis.
• Contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the Program.
• Write technical and scientific reports.
• Collaborate with the teamwork and team-spirit in the Sustainable Plant Protection Programme, fostering collaboration and integration activities.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD in Agricultural Entomology or related disciplines.
• Proven experience in arthropod pests affecting stored products, with a special focus on their monitoring and management, and an outstanding record of scientific publications in this field.
• Knowledge of biological control would be an asset.
• Proven research skills: literature review, data analysis, scientific article writing.
• Dissemination skills: presentation/communication skills, and technical writing.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.

Desirable requirements

• Driving licence.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Flexibility and adaptation to new challenges.
• Quality and detail orientation.
• Planning and organization.
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan is valued.

Advantages of joining our team:

• Head of the Program: Dr. Jordi Riudavets
• Contract: full-time position for 3 years with the possibility to extend it for 1 year extra.
• 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)