We are currently seeking a Researcher in Plant Biochemistry / Fruit Physiology to join our Postharvest Program team located in Fruitcentre (Lleida), offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

It is expected that the candidate will lead research of excellence resulting in important advances in fruit postharvest.

We invite applications from ambitious and enthusiastic candidates with relevant research experience to conduct research and innovation activities on the fruit postharvest.

Head of the Program: Dr Neus Teixidó

Program’s key researcher/s for this position: Dr Gemma Echeverria

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Lead and actively contribute to fundraising efforts by preparing and submitting project proposals for public competitive calls and private sector contracts, as well as managing the reporting process, including writing progress and final reports on research activities.
• Contribute to the research group's activities by performing scientific and technical tasks, participating in the planning and execution of experiments to ensure the achievement of research project milestones.
• Collaborate closely with other IRTA researchers, as well as external academic, institutional, and industrial partners.
• Conduct literature reviews, collect and manage data, and perform statistical analyses.
• Contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities within the program.
• Help positioning the Postharvest Program as a group of excellence through regular peer-reviewed publications, contributions at national and international congresses and supervision of PhD and postdoctoral researchers.

Required qualifications and experience

• BSc and MSc in Biology, Agronomy or related field with a PhD in Postharvest technology, Plant Biochemistry and/or Bioengineering and proven scientific excellence and practical experience.
• Experience in fruit and/or vegetable Postharvest Physiology and an outstanding record of scientific publications.
• 2-years Postdoctoral experience abroad and achievements in similar fields.
• Hands on practice on analytical techniques such as liquid and gas chromatography and/or others for the determination of target compounds.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish

Desirable requirements

• Experience in Molecular Biology (gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR or RNAseq, etc).
• Good communicative skills.
• Experience in project management, with good organizational and coordination skills.
• Experience in data processing and bioinformatics will be highly valued.
• Full driving license for Europe and travelling availability.
• Ability to establish and build good collaboration within and outside the institution that will allow pursuing the objectives of the R&D activities and the program strategic research goals.
• Catalan is 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.
• Gross Annual 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 of 2025 or early 2026 (approximately)