We are currently seeking a PhD Candidate to join our Genomics and biotechnology Program and Fruit growing program teams located in Cerdanyola del Vallès and Lleida, 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 on Artificial Intelligence tools for fruit trees phenotyping and seedling performance prediction in breeding programs.

The selected PhD candidate will be involved in a project focused on advancing the digital transformation of the agrifood sector by applying AI-based tools for fruit phenotyping and predictive genomics in pip-fruit breeding (apples and pears). The work will be based primarily at the CRAG research center in Cerdanyola del Vallès, with field activities carried out at IRTA facilities in Lleida. The research aims to develop standardized image-based methods for fruit characterization and apply deep learning models capable of predicting fruit traits from genetic data, thereby improving breeding efficiency and advisory services for growers. Through this interdisciplinary project, the candidate will gain hands-on experience across phenotyping, genomics, bioinformatics, and AI-driven research methods.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Collect, curate, and process phenotypic and genotypic datasets, including conducting field experiments, sampling, and phenotyping fruit trees.
• Developing methodologies for image analysis and predictive modelling using Machine learning and AI tools.
• Assis in the design and execution of experiments and in the integration of image-based and genomic datasets.
• Manage research data pipelines, model training workflows, and collaborative tasks across research teams.
• Writing papers for Scientific journals and technical articles.
• Disseminating the Research findings at national and international conferences, workshops, and outreach events.

Required qualifications and experience

• Candidates must hold one of the following degrees:
  • A Master’s degree in artificial Intelligence, bioinformatics, statistics, computer Science, data management or similar.
  • 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.
• Training in statistics, data management and application of AI models.
• Experience in handling large datasets and developing predictive algorithms.
• Knowledge of genomics, biology, and/or plant breeding.
• Experience with programming languagues (e.g. Python or R), bioinformatics tools, or image analysis software.
• Not to have a previous PhD degree.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Valid Class B driving licence, obtained with manual transmission qualification.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.

Desirable requirements

• Desirable experience in developing web-based tools and software applications to support phenotyping or genomic analyses.
• Additional and/or advanced education in bioinformatics, including practical exposure to genomic data interpretation, pipeline development, or algorithm implementation.
• Field or laboratory experience with crops, preferably in fruit cultivation, agronomy, or plant breeding programs.
• Strong statistical skills and capacity for data processing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Catalan and Spanish are valued.

Advantages of joining our team:

• Supervisor/s: Maria José Aranzana, Luís Asín and Lidia Lozano
• 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

45 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.