We are currently seeking a Researcher in Epidemiology of plant pathogens in fruit trees to join our Sustainable Plant Protection Program team located in Lleida (IRTA Agrònoms), offering a great opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment within our organization.

The position focuses on epidemiology and modelling plant disease in fruit trees with a deep knowledge on the biology, epidemiology, modelling and management of diseases of fruit trees, accordingly with the main research lines of the Sustainable Plant Protection Program. We invite applications from ambitious candidates with relevant research experience and passion in the field. The appointed candidate will lead research of excellence to boost advances in this area of knowledge.

Head of the Program: Dr Jordi Riudavets

Program’s key researchers for this position: Dr Jordi Cabrefiga and Dr Jordi Luque

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Active promotion, supervision and leadership of national and international research projects.
• Supervision and contribution to the design, implementation and analysis of experiments and field tests, and their subsequent reporting.
• Collaboration with teamwork and team-spirit in the Sustainable Plant Protection Program, fostering collaboration and integration activities.
• Update continuously with scientific knowledge to be positively transferred to stakeholders and end-users.
• Participate in positioning the Sustainable Plant Protection Program as a group of excellence through regular peer-reviewed publications, contributions at national and international congresses, and students’ supervision.
• Work in close collaboration with other teams of IRTA, as well as with external academic, institutional and industrial partners, in approaching new integrated control strategies for the management of fruit tree diseases.

Required qualifications and experience

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and especially on epidemiology of Plant Pathogens with proven scientific excellence and practical experience.
• Proven experience in the study of epidemiology (mainly modelling) and management of fungal and/or bacterial diseases affecting Mediterranean fruit tree crops and/or other woody species, and an outstanding record of scientific publications in this field.
• Work experience in biosafety facilities and procedures.
• Minimum of 3 years as postdoctoral experience.
• Full driving license for Europe and travelling availability.
• Proven dissemination skills: presentation/communication skills, and technical writing.
• Proven experience in extension activities through advisory and knowledge transfer to advisors and growers.
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
• Proficiency in English.

Desirable requirements

• Motivated and willing to take on new challenges.
• Capacity to prioritize tasks effectively and to anticipate, plan and write R+D projects, reports and technical documents.
• Teamwork skills and ability to establish and build relationships that will allow pursuing the objectives of the R&D activities.
• Proven experience in supervising students.
• Willingness to organise and share information. Proactive in suggesting improvements.
• Flexibility and adaptation.
• Catalan and Spanish will be 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 Annua 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 / early 2026 (approximately)