We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral researcher in marine ecosystems modelling to join our Marine and Continental Waters Program  team located in La Ràpita (Tarragona), offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

We invite applications from motivated candidates with relevant research experience willing to conduct modelling in marine ecosystems. The researcher will focus on aspects such as the study of nutrients, pollutants, natural contaminants, microalgal populations and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in marine coastal areas, impacting the ecosystems and food safety.

Head of the Program: Dr Jorge Diogène

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a literature review and data collection related to coastal oceanography, nutrients, pollutants, and HAB dynamics.
• Conduct data analysis and predictive models on the occurrence of nutrients, pollutants, and microalgal populations, studying their dynamics, under current climate change scenarios, with the aim of predicting and adopting preventive measures.
• Data analysis of their impact in the ecosystems and food safety.
• Contribution to the activities of the research Program, performing scientific and technical tasks, taking part in the planning and execution of project’s activities to ensure the achievement of milestones of research projects.
• Contribution to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the Program.
• Lead and actively contribute reporting process, such as writing progress and final reports of research activities.
• Identification opportunities for cutting-edge research and innovation to address strategic priorities of the Marine and Continental Waters Program.
• Contribution to the teamwork and team-spirit in the Marine and Continental Waters Program, fostering collaboration and integration activities.

Required qualifications and experience

• Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, Marine Ecology, Statistics, Biology, or related fields applied to environmental studies, with experience in the research topic, preferably with an international scope.
• Data analysis and modelling, handling of statistical software (R software, Python or equivalent).
• Proved research skills: experience on project proposal writing, literature review, experimental design and implementation, data analysis, scientific article writing.
• Dissemination skills: presentation/communication skills, and technical writing.
• Capacity to successfully develop collaborative research links with national and international research organizations.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
• Proficiency in English

Desirable requirements

• Expertise in methodological approaches for data analysis involving nutrients, pollutants, microalgal populations of planktonic and benthic ecosystems.
• Experience on oceanographic studies, involving population dynamics studies and trophic web interactions.
• Knowledge of machine learning and AI algorithms and methods.
• Knowledge of species distribution models.
• Catalan and Spanish are valued

Advantages of joining our team:

• Contract: temporary position for 3 years
• 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 / Start of 2026(approximately)