We are currently seeking a Researcher Specialist in Monogastric Nutrition to join our Animal Nutrition team located in Mas Bové (Constantí, Tarragona), offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

We are seeking applications from motivated candidates with a solid understanding of poultry production—particularly in the area of nutrition. Ideal candidates will have relevant research experience and a strong passion for collaborating with the private sector to drive innovation and applied research. If you are passionate about bridging science and practice in poultry nutrition, we encourage you to apply.

Head of the Program: Dr. Maria Devant.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Scientific:

• Fundraising & Proposal Development: Lead and actively contribute to fundraising efforts by preparing and submitting project proposals for private sector contracts, and support the development of proposals for public competitive calls. Assist in reporting processes, including writing progress and final reports.
• Scientific Contribution: Support the research program by performing scientific and technical tasks, including planning and executing experiments to meet project milestones.
• Data Management: Conduct literature reviews, manage data collection, and perform statistical analyses.
• Scientific Output: Contribute to the scientific production and publication of research and innovation activities within the program.
• Team Collaboration: Foster a collaborative and team-oriented environment within the Animal Nutrition Program, promoting integration and cooperation across the Animal Production Area.

     2. Innovation:

• Industry Collaboration: Engage closely with industry partners to co-develop practical solutions in poultry nutrition.
• Innovation Facilitation: Promote the adoption of innovative nutritional strategies and improved feeding practices in poultry production systems (applied research).
• Strategic Innovation: Identify opportunities for innovation that align with the strategic priorities of the Animal Nutrition Program.

     3. Dissemination:

• Knowledge Transfer: Disseminate research findings through outreach, training sessions, and extension activities.

Required qualifications and experience

• Ph.D. in Scientist with Monogastric Nutrition background or related fields applied to the monogastric (preferably) poultry animal nutrition with background in Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Science, Animal Science or similar.
• Post-doctoral research experience.
• 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. The successful candidate will be expected to attract funds from private and public sectors for research, interact with stakeholders.
• Contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit and foster and add to further collaboration and integration and manage staff and resources assigned to the research program.
• Develop a critical mass in the area, by interacting with the other researchers of the team and building a dynamic team of researchers, post-doctoral researchers(s) and post-graduate student.
• Proficiency in English
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.

Desirable requirements

• Expertise in methodological approaches in nutrition poultry studies, in particular, to analyse enzymatic activity assays, in vitro and in vivo digestibility evaluation, and mineral metabolism.
• Experience on assessment of the effects of feed processing on feed quality and animal performance.
• Statistical knowledge to analyse models related to animal science studies.
• International postdoctoral experience.
• Catalan and Spanish are valued.

Advantages of joining our team:

• Contract: permanent position or IRTA Consolida (tenure track) position, subject to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate
• Annual Gross 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
• 22 vacation days
• 3 days of family & work conciliation
• 45 hours of personal days
• Flexible Schedule for a good work-life balance.
• 6 days of remote work per month
• 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

75 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: Between late 2025 and early 2026 (approximately)