The Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), AstraZeneca and RMIT University are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to propose a research project around nature-based systems to reduce the presence of relevant chemical and biological contaminants from wastewater treatment plant effluents. The selected candidate will be part of the AuSpire researcher training program, co-funded by the European Commission under the MSCA COFUND scheme, with a 36-month postdoctoral contract.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will be based primarily at the IDAEA-CSIC facilities to conduct their research using its laboratories, while regular visits to RMIT Europe and AstraZeneca’s premises are also foreseen. In addition, the position provides access to the Rubà WWTP (located 10 km from Barcelona), where a nature-based system (NBS) is available, allowing to run tests.
The researcher must undertake a secondment at RMIT premises in Melbourne, Australia, for up to 12 months. Additionally, the program includes compulsory annual in-person workshops at various locations across Spain, along with online training and networking activities.
Requirements
The expected candidate profile for the position is as follows:
- Strong background in Environmental chemistry and toxicology (5 years or more).
- Minimum of 6 publications.
- Minimum of 3 publications as first author in relevant journals in the field.
- Proven ability to work within a team.
- Experience mentoring students, excellent presentation skills, independent thinking.
Working conditions
- 4,000 EUR relocation for employment stipend to cover costs associated with taking up employment (flights, visa, insurance, etc.), to be distributed monthly as a top-up to the gross salary.
- 9,000 EUR relocation for secondment stipend to cover compulsory project-related travel and accommodation costs (flights, visa, insurance, accommodation, etc.).
- 3,000 EUR travel stipend to cover flights and accommodation for participating in compulsory AuSpire training and networking events in Spain over the 3 years.
- 314 EUR monthly family allowance offered to candidates who meet the criteria
- Becoming a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow and be invited to join the Marie Curie Alumni Association.
- 22 days of paid holiday leave.
- 4 personal leave days.
- Christmas closure (between Christmas and New Year) – 4 working days of leave (not discounted from holidays).
- Spanish Social Security coverage.
- Sick leave.
- Parental leave.
- Hybrid work scheme.
- Two weeks per year remote work from anywhere.
- Flexible salary benefits (meals, transport, healthcare, kindergarten).
- Free coffee and fruit.
- Access to research and training facilities (analytical chemistry and ecotoxicology laboratories)
How to apply?
Those interested must contact Dr Victor Matamoros (victor.matamoros@idaea.csic.es) and Professor Vincent Pettigrove (vincent.pettigrove@rmit.edu.au) for further information.
Deadline: 26th January 2026
