Offer Description
Project “Advances in the fate, impact and remediation of pollutants for water sustainability /Advances in ISOtope TRACing of the fatE, impact and remediation of pollutants (Advance4Water-ISOTRACE)”, Codi: PID2022-139911OB-C41.
The ADVANCE4WATER project aims to deepen our understanding of water resource contamination and contribute to environmental sustainability by improving our capacity to reduce its impacts. The project investigates point‑source and diffuse pollution in groundwater systems, including nitrates, halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as pesticides and pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs). A second objective is to evaluate innovative strategies for induced attenuation of agricultural, urban and industrial contamination at laboratory and field scale.
The ISOTRACE subproject, led by the University of Barcelona, contributes to these objectives through:
- Methodological development of advanced isotope techniques, with a focus on compound‑specific isotope analysis (CSIA) for CECs and VOCs, and the set‑up of Fe isotope analysis.
- Application of isotope tools to field case studies to investigate the fate, impact and natural attenuation of CECs and VOCs.
- Validation of induced remediation strategies in pilot‑scale field tests targeting nutrients, VOCs and CECs.
The selected postdoctoral researcher will support the development, optimisation and application of analytical and isotopic methodologies for organic contaminants of emerging concern. The position involves close collaboration with an experienced postdoctoral researcher to ensure knowledge transfer during the initial months.
Main tasks and responsibilities include:
- Development and optimisation of compound‑specific isotope analysis (CSIA) methodologies for selected organic contaminants, including derivatization, injection and chromatographic conditions.
- Development and validation of extraction methods and passive sampling approaches at laboratory and field scale.
- Development and implementation of extract purification protocols for isotopic analysis.
- Design, execution and monitoring of laboratory experiments, including recovery tests, isotope fractionation studies and evaluation of matrix effects.
- Chemical and isotopic analysis of laboratory and field samples using the methodologies developed within the project.
- Processing and interpretation of geochemical and isotopic datasets, and preparation of analytical and technical reports.
- Contribution to project coordination meetings, deliverables and dissemination activities.
- Preparation of scientific publications and presentation of results at national and international conferences.
- Supervision of undergraduate and master’s students, and collaboration with PhD candidates and other postdoctoral researchers in an interdisciplinary research environment.
The researcher will join the MAiMA Research Group at the University of Barcelona and work in close collaboration with project partners, PhD researchers, technicians and other postdoctoral researchers
Where to apply
Website: http://www.ub.edu/caiac/solBeca?idConvocatoria=50550
Skills/Qualifications
PhD in Chemistry, Geochemistry, or related disciplines.
Relevant research experience in organic geochemistry (≥3 years postdoctoral experience highly desirable; experience in isotope geochemistry strongly valued).
Proven experience in analytical chemistry applied to water chemistry: sample treatment, extraction, purification, chemical and isotopic analysis, etc.
Strong background in analytical chemistry, organic geochemistry and/or isotope geochemistry.
Strong personal competencies: motivation, organisational skills, initiative, flexibility and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
Specific Requirements
Ability to develop and troubleshoot analytical methodologies for organic contaminants is highly desirable.
A strong academic background and a publication record in international peer‑reviewed journals, appropriate to the candidate’s career stage, will be positively valued.
Catalan appreciated: basic level.
Additional Information
Benefits
A full-time work contract (37,5 hrs/week).
Gross salary per year (distributed in 12 monthly payments):
between 25.200,00 EUR and 27.600,00 EUR, depending on CV/experience
11 months: between 23.100 EUR and 25.300 EUR, depending on C/V experience
Eligibility criteria
A specific committee will evaluate the applications using the following criteria:
- Overall adequacy of the CV to the position (maximum 40)
- Postdoctoral experience in organic geochemistry (maximum 15)
- Experience in analytical chemistry and method development (maximum 20)
- Experience in isotope geochemistry and organic chemistry (maximum 20)
- Motivation letter (maximum 5)
Selection process
The specific committee will agree upon an award proposal and draw up a prioritized shortlist of candidates who have achieved a minimum of 50 points or declare the call for applications null and void if none of the applicants reach the minimum score.
The award proposal will be published in the UB’s electronic office and must include the total scores of the candidates that have received a total of at least 50 points.
Application Process:
According to the specific requirements and selection criteria, the candidates are expected to provide at least the following documents:
- Full CV
- Motivation letter
Additional comments
The candidate proposed for hiring must accept the job offer within 3 working days from the date of notification of the selection.
Be aware that the starting date sets in this offer is an estimate date. The official starting date will depend on the time necessary for administration to prepare the contract and present the necessary documents for the selected candidate to be hired.
Priority will be given to people with disabilities (Law 89/2015 of June 2, reserve of quota 2% in favour of people with disabilities in companies of 50 or more people).
DURATION OF THE CONTRACT of employment: 11 MONTHS with possibility of extension, subject to the execution period of the project (potential extension of its duration) and the existence of an economic endowment
Details of Postdoc Position:
https://seu.ub.edu/ofertaPublicaCategoriaPublic/listPublicacionsAmbCategoria?categoria.id=946143
Website for additional job details: http://www.ub.edu/caiac/solBeca?idConvocatoria=50550
