We are currently seeking a Researcher in Soil Science to join our Sustainable Field Crops Program team located in La Tallada d'Empordà (IRTA Mas Badia), offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization. 

The objectives of the successful candidate will focus on advancing soil science research and sustainable agricultural practices in Mediterranean field crop systems. This includes conducting in-depth soil assessments, monitoring key soil health indicators and developing innovative fertility management strategies to optimize productivity and sustainability. The candidate will design and implement field experiments, employ advanced analytical tools such as remote sensing, GIS and soil sensors, and explore soil’s role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

Beyond research, the position emphasizes sustainable soil management and agronomic support, fostering resilient cropping systems under challenges such as drought, salinity and climate variability. The candidate will actively engage with farmers, advisors, policymakers, and researchers to translate findings into practice, contribute to training and knowledge transfer and support evidence-based decision-making.

Finally, the successful candidate will lead and contribute to cutting-edge projects in soil fertility, regenerative agriculture, and agroecology, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, securing research funding, and ensuring alignment with environmental regulations and sustainable land-use policies.

Head of the Program: Dr Marta da Silva Lopes

Program’s key researcher/s for this position: Dr Francesc Domingo

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Soil Science Research & Analysis

• Conduct soil assessments in Mediterranean field crop systems, evaluating physical, chemical, and biological properties.
• Monitor soil health indicators, including organic matter content, microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and water retention.
• Develop and implement soil fertility management strategies to optimize crop production and sustainability.
• Study the impact of tillage, crop rotation, cover crops, and organic amendments on soil quality and productivity.

Field Experimentation & Data Collection

• Design and execute field trials to assess soil-crop interactions under Mediterranean agro-climatic conditions.
• Utilize remote sensing, soil sensors, and laboratory analysis to gather soil-related data.
• Apply geospatial analysis (GIS) and soil mapping to improve land-use planning and precision agriculture.
• Investigate carbon sequestration potential and soil’s role in climate change mitigation.

Sustainable Soil Management & Agronomic Support

• Develop and recommend best practices for soil conservation, erosion control, and water-efficient farming.
• Assess and improve nutrient management strategies, including organic and mineral fertilization approaches.
• Collaborate with crop breeders and agronomists to develop resilient cropping systems adapted to soil variability.
• Study the effects of droughtstress, salinity, fertility and climate change on soil-crop dynamics.

Stakeholder Engagement & Knowledge Transfer

• Work closely with farmers, agricultural advisors, policymakers, and researchers to promote sustainable soil practices.
• Organize and participate in workshops, training programs, and extension services to disseminate findings.
• Provide technical support and soil management recommendations to improve field crop productivity.

Project Management & Scientific Contribution

• Contribute to research projects focused on soil fertility, regenerative agriculture, and agroecology.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, reports, and technical guidelines.
• Contribute to secure research funding through grant writing and collaborative proposals.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable land-use policies.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD in Agronomy, Soil Science or related disciplines.
• Experience in data analysis.
• Knowledge of Soil Science with at least 7 published peer-reviewed articles in international scientific journals
• Knowledge of the state-of-the-art statistical tools
• Proven research skills: literature review, data analysis, scientific article writing.
• Dissemination skills: presentation/communication skills, and technical writing.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Desirable requirements

• Strong problem-solving skills and scientific curiosity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Adaptability to fieldwork under varying conditions.
• Commitment to sustainability and long-term agricultural resilience.
• Having hold a post-doc on subjects related to this position.
• Experience on soil mapping and soil taxonomy.

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: Beginning 2026 (approximately)