We are currently seeking a researcher in Aquatic Animal Heath to join our Aquaculture Program team located in La Ràpita (Tarragona), offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

The Program covers research and contractual activities across all main disciplines of aquaculture (nutrition, reproduction, health, welfare, zootechnics...), mainly focused on Mediterranean aquatic species of both production and biodiversity relevance, under a perspective of climate change threats and One Health context. In addition, the Program is also interested in boosting the farming of algae under the context of aquaculture diversification and reduction of the C footprint.

The researcher will be focused on algae production technological innovation, screening for local strains and valorisation of alternative protein sources with the ambition to become one of the research leaders, at national and international level and, thus, support the transition to a future with a high quality, safer, more efficient, and more sustainable food system. In particular, the work will focus on diagnostics, epidemiology, and risk analysis of relevant pathogens (listed, no-listed and emergent) affecting Mediterranean aquatic species. It will also include functional in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo studies. We offer a multidisciplinary and oriented-research environment towards solving problems and creating innovative approaches and solutions for intensive algal production.

Head of the Program: Dr. Enric Gisbert

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Identification of public calls and thus application for funding (national and international call) and execution of research on historical and current aquatic diseases affecting species of interest and public health.
• Implementation of the use of medium-scale production systems like photobioreactors for algae production.
• Collaboration with other IRTA research groups in the valorization of algal products.
• Responsibility for the correct maintenance, updating and improvement of the algae biobank at IRTA.
• Active communication and networking along the value chain (research groups and all stakeholders) to generate collaborative scenarios and funding opportunities.
• Promote fluid and transparent communication and dissemination regarding research results, both internally and externally, including relevant stakeholders and policymakers. While honoring the on-going confidential agreements signed.
• Promote excellency and high impact in scientific and technological projects outputs.
• Contribution to the scientific development and strategic projection of IRTA.
• Actively contribute to the positioning of the aquaculture Program, as a group of excellence, through regular peer-reviewed publications, contributions at national and international congresses, participation in national and international expert’s committees and research forums.
• Supervise graduate and postgraduate students, direct PhD thesis.
• Promote and supervised permanent training of the technical staff.
• Strengthen collaborative research between IRTA and other national and international research groups in the framework of aquatic health.

Required qualifications and experience

• PhD in biology, phycology, marine biology, biotechnology or equivalent.
• Proven experience in the research field of microalgal an macroalgal studies, including international experience.
• Proven experience in algal culturing, and physiology studies.
• Experience in writing Spanish or EU-funded proposals.
• Dissemination skills: solid presentation/communication skills, scientific (peer-reviewed journals) and technical writing skills.
• Strong organizational capability.
• Ability to stablish and build relationships that will allow pursuing the objectives of the R&D activities.
• Availability for travelling.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
• Proficiency in English

Desirable requirements

• Leadership and collaborative skills.
• Sound knowledge on legislation related to aquatic health (One Health) and the stakeholders involved at private, research and official level (competent authorities).
• Network of active collaborations in research and development at a national and/or international.
• Receptive to challenges, ability to align the professional objectives and institutional priorities and strategy.
• Driving licence type B.
• Spanish and Catalan are 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: Late 2025 or early 2026 (approximately)