We are currently seeking a Researcher-Specialist in Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture practices in Woody crops to join our Fruit Production Program team located in IRTA-Mas Badia (La Tallada d’Empordà, Girona) or other IRTA centres where Fruit Production activities are carried out, offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

The selected candidate will carry out research, innovation and demonstration projects and technology transfer activities in Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture practices in temperate fruit orchards. Specifically, research topics will include: a/. orchard cover crop management, b/. apple replant syndrome, c/. tree row soil cover management (i.e. herbicide alternatives), c/. orchard biodiversity management d/. soil management and integrated plant nutrition management to increase soil fertility, reduce soil greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance crop productivity and quality. The researcher will develop his/her activities in the Fruit Production program in a collaborative environment, interacting with other teams of the Fruit Production Program including Crop Technology and Plant Material (rootstocks and cultivars) and other research programs. We are looking for somebody with a developed sense of curiosity, humble in attitude and that develops well in teamwork and collaboration environment. The researcher-specialist will interact with the fruit industry providing scientifical and technical leadership. Research lines will be focused mainly on pome,stone fruits and nuts.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Lead a research line on Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture Practices in the Fruit Production research program.
• Participate actively in the preparation of proposals for national and international public calls.
• Participate actively in agreements with private companies.
• To be involved in the transfer of knowledge and technologies to the private sector.
• Participate in dissemination activities related with the research line.
• Create synergies with other research lines at IRTA and in other research institutions or universities.

Required qualifications and experience

• Ph.D. in Plant Science (B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agronomy, Biology or related).
• Scientific experience in fruit research.
• Scientific experience publishing in peer‐review scientific journals
• Experience to interact with the agricultural sector and scientific community.
• Post-doc minimum experience of 2 years in research institutions.
• Sound informatics background at advance user level of the Office pack (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.) and data analysis software.
  
• Advanced English, both spoken and written.
• Full driving license for Europe and travelling availability.
• Skills and experience in Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture practices in       temperate fruit orchards including one or several of the following topics: orchard     cover crop management, apple replant syndrome, tree row soil cover management (i.e. herbicide alternatives), orchard biodiversity management, soil management and integrated plant nutrition management to increase soil fertility, reduce soil greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance crop productivity and quality.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.

Desirable requirements

• Experience as research project leader during at least 2 years.
• Capacity on fruit industry concertation, technology transfer and fostering innovation added value.
• Strong organization capacity and ability to learn and successfully work within multidisciplinary teams and experience to motivate research teams.
• Mind oriented to challenges and focus on results.
• Capacity and skills to develop and encourage strong collaborative links with the national and international scientific community and the fruit industry sector (Catalan, Spanish and European).
• Capacity to foresee, plan and write R+D projects, reports and technical documents.
• Languages (French, Catalan and Spanish)

Advantages of joining our team:

• Contract: Permanent position or IRTA Consolida (tenure track) position subject to      the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
• 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.
• 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.

Selection Process:

Curricular assessment: The candidate’s qualifications and merits will be evaluated according to the criteria established in the job offer.

 Interview(s): These will be conducted by a Selection Committee to assess the candidate’s suitability in terms of professional experience and competencies.

Additional tests (if applicable): Depending on the position profile and the needs of the process, specific competency-based tests and/or a psychometric test may be included in order to more accurately assess the suitability of the candidates.

Start of contract: End 2025 or Early 2026 (approximately)