We are currently seeking a PhD Candidate to join our Animal Nutrition Program and Animal Breeding and Genetics Program teams located in Constantí and Caldes de Montbuí, 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 two different research programs: Animal Nutrition (located in Constantí, Tarragona) and Animal Breeding and Genetics (located in Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona). The PhD candidate will join a project aligned with IRTA’s scientific objective “Guarantee animal health and welfare in the context of reduced antibiotic use”.

The main objective of this PhD project is to assess the effects of different feed additives on gut microbiota composition and intestinal immune responses in poultry, with the goal of reducing Salmonella and/or Eimeria prevalence/infection/persistence and their associated antimicrobial resistances.

To reach this main objective it will be necessary:

• To study in vitro (organoids) the capacity of different feed additives to modulate the expression of key genes (microfluidic chips) related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and barrier integrity.
• To determine in vivo the capacity of additives to modulate the intestinal microbiota and gut immune responses in chickens challenged with Salmonella or Eimeria spp., and its pathogenicity reduction.
• To evaluate the immunomodulatory capacity of probiotics to promote a cytotoxic targeted response (through T-cell immune response) and its capacity to reduce intracellular Salmonella persistence.
• To decipher the synergies of additives administered as a blend on host’s immune system and intestinal microbiota to counteract inflammation and symptomatology caused by pathogens, and their consequent infection and dissemination.
• To unveil the specific host’s immune pathways modulated by Salmonella spp. in the different cell types present within the Peyer’ Patches (through Spatial Transcriptomics)

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Conduct literature review on the study topic. 
• Carry out research in immunity, genetics and nutrition in poultry, to increase the sustainability of animal production, reduce antimicrobial use, and improve animal health and welfare.
• Perform tasks related to farming, feed manufacturing, in vivo studies, laboratory sample analyses, data collection and processing involving bioinformatic and statistical analysis.
• Present research results at national and international scientific congresses.
• Publish scientific papers based on the PhD research project in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to the scientific production and innovation activities of the research line of IRTA.
• Collaborate in other research projects as part of a team.

Required qualifications and experience

• Candidates must hold one of the following degrees: Veterinary, Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or similar and:
  • A master’s in nutrition and metabolism, Veterinary science, Animal health, Animal Breeding, Genetics, Animal production or similar; or
  • 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 (e.g. if the candidate holds a Spanish Veterinary degree, the master is not mandatory).
• Not holt a previous PhD degree.
• Proficiency in English
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
• 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.

Desirable requirements

• Demonstrate strong interest in nutrition, immunity, and genetics for a better sustainable poultry production.
• Any prior experience in matters statistical analysis and programming in R will be viewed positively.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability for flexible work (schedules and locations).
• Driving licence.
• Catalan and Spanish are valued.

Advantages of joining our team:

• Supervisor/s: Dr. Joan Tarradas (Animal Nutrition) and Dr. Maria Ballester (Animal Breeding and Genetics)
• 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

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: Fourth trimestre of 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.