We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Marine and Continental Waters Program in the framework of the AGROLABS DIGITALS project team, based in La Ràpita (Tarragona, Catalonia). We offer the opportunity to be part of an organization with a dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on professional development.
AGROLABS DIGITALS is a pioneer research and innovation project of IRTA that aims to boost the Agrifood sector with the digital transformation both in plant and animal production. The AGROLABS DIGITALS’s Action dedicated to the Marine Environment is devoted to the Monitoring of the marine environment and the parameterization of environmental conditions and hazards in bivalve production. The postdoctoral researcher will join a team with complementary profiles and expertise.
Head of the Program: Dr Jorge Diogène
Program’s key researcher for this position: Dr Margarita Fernández Tejedor
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- To develop forecast models for harmful algal blooms, using long-term time series of phytoplankton, oceanographic and physical variables, integrating hydrodynamics, numerical and statistical modelling.
- To run the forecast models in an operational framework including data visualization through a web portal to provide early warnings to the aquaculture industry about the weekly probability of HABs occurrence.
- To contribute to the activities of the research Program, performing scientific and technical tasks, taking part in the planning and execution of the project AGROLABS to ensure the achievement of milestones of the project.
- To perform literature review, data collection and management, involving statistical analysis.
- To contribute to the scientific production of the innovation activities of the Program.
- To contribute 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, Ecology, Environmental Science and Technology, or related fields applied to data analysis and/or, ecological modelling/forecasting, or ecosystem science, with post-doctoral experience in the research topic, preferably with an international scope and applied approach regarding ocean forecast.
- 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, and the ability to interact closely with private companies.
- Proficiency in English
- Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
Desirable requirements
- Expertise working with common programming environments, such as R or Phyton.
- Experience in statistical analysis, machine learning and/or numerical modelling applied to the marine environment.
- Experience in the modelling and forecast of Harmful Algal Blooms occurrence.
- Experience in the use of satellite data products.
- Prior experience in writing proposals for research public funding calls.
- Languages (Catalan and Spanish)
Advantages of joining our team:
- Contract for scientific and technical activities linked to the AGROLABS DIGITALS project.
- 37.5 hour workweek, with Friday afternoons off
- Intensive work schedule from 15/06 to 15/09
- 23 vacation days
- 3 days of family & work conciliation
- 45 hours of personal days
- Remote work 6 workdays per month
- 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 submit your application through the form available at the bottom of this page.
Equal treatment and equal opportunities are guaranteed for all candidates in the selection process, avoiding stereotypes, bias or barriers linked to gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, ideology, or any other potentially discriminatory condition. The organization also ensures inclusion commitment toward vulnerable groups, and the first round of the selection process is reserved for candidates with functional diversity.
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: December 2026 – January 2027 (approximately)
