IRTAis a research institute owned by the Government of Catalonia ascribed to the Ministry of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda. IRTA is one of the CERCA centers of excellence of the Catalan Research System. Our purpose is to contribute to the modernization, competitiveness and sustainable development of agriculture, food and aquaculture sectors, the supply of healthy and quality foods for consumers and, generally, improving the welfare and prosperity of the society.
We are granted by the EU with the HRS4R PhD candidate for the Sustainable Field Crops Program distinction for “HR Excellence in Research” and thus we offer a rich environment for knowledge development and exchange where to develop a scientific career, and possibilities for professional promotion according to the attained achievements. [ref. CPI2223]
IRTA is currently seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PhD student to join the Sustainable Field Crops Program. We invite applications from ambitious candidates with relevant research experience and passion to conduct research and innovation activities on the on the framework of a project funded by the Spanish ministry of Science and Innovation.
The main purpose of this multidisciplinary proposal is to generate scientific knowledge and tools to cope with some of the main current demands of wheat breeding programs oriented to Mediterranean environments. The specific objectives aim to develop tools to improve the adaptation of wheat to harsh environments.
The first aim is the identification of genome regions and genes involved in drought tolerance and the identification of genotypes with a root system architecture adapted to suboptimal environmental conditions.
The second specific objective will create solutions for the spread of new virulent races in the frame of current climate changes by exploiting a wide genetic variation to identify resistance sources to the main wheat diseases. The third specific objective focusses on developing tools to improve the accuracy of selection in different environments by using genomic information and the validation of landrace collections to be used as training populations for Mediterranean environments.
Supervisor/s: Dr José M. Soriano and Dr Marta Da Silva Job location: IRTA Lleida Agrònoms Full-time position (37.5 h/week) Terms of appointment: The duration of the PhD Candidate contract will be for four years.
Salary: The financial remuneration will be of €1,291.18 gross per month (€ 18,076.52/gross per annum) for the first year. For the second year will be of €1,311.41 gross per month (€ 18,359.74/gross per annum).
For the third year, il will be €1,619.64/gross per month (€ 22,674.96/gross per annum) and for the fourth year it will be € 1,729.26/gross per month (€ 24,209.64/gross per annum), which will be subject to the corresponding withholdings, pursuant to prevailing regulations, and to the collective employment agreement of IRTA
(1) IRTA will also pay the annual fees of the doctoral school when receiving the enrolment. Employee Benefits: 22 vacation days, 3 days of family & work conciliation, 45h of personal days, Friday afternoon off, Compressed Summer schedule from 15/06 to 15/09, Conciliation schedule.
Tasks and Responsabilites: The ones corresponding to a PhD student. The selected candidate will be enrolled at the PhD program of Agricultural and Food Science and Technology in the Universitat de Lleida and will need to fulfil the academic requirements of the PhD program.
The specific tasks include: – To perform literature review, data collection and management. – Genetic mapping, field phenotyping and laboratory analyses – Write Scientific articles – To contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit in the research line.
Required qualifications and experience -Candidates must hold one of the following degrees: Agronomy, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology or similar. – a) A Master’s in Plant breeding or similar – b) To be in a position to access a doctoral programme according to the requirements of Catalan universities, i.e. accrediting between 60 and 120 ECTS credits at the official university master’s degree level or equivalent. – Not to have a previous PhD degree.
Desirable requirements
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Analytical and organizational capacities.
- Driver license.
- Languages
- – Proficiency in English
- – Catalan and Spanish are valued
Application process If you wish to be considered for this position, please, apply via our Recruitment Platform to the job post with reference CPI2223 and upload your CV and motivation letter. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Deadline for application: 08/09/ 2023