PhD Position in Agroecological Practices for Better Arable Crop Production and Soil Health at IRTA Spain

The Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) is inviting applications for a PhD Candidate position focused on agroecological practices, sustainable arable crop production, and soil health. The researcher will join the Sustainable Field Crops team based in La Tallada d’Empordà, Girona, Catalonia, Spain.

IRTA is an agri-food research institute under the Government of Catalonia, with more than 1,000 professionals working across 19 research areas. The institute offers a dynamic and collaborative research environment where researchers can develop their scientific expertise while contributing to challenges affecting agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and society.

The selected PhD candidate will investigate the sustainability impacts of increasing the use of agroecological practices in arable cropping systems. The project will combine field experiments, environmental measurements, data analysis, and soil-crop simulation models to evaluate agricultural systems from multiple perspectives.

The research project is funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and will assess not only agronomic performance but also environmental and socio-economic impacts. This makes the position particularly relevant for graduates interested in sustainable agriculture, agroecology, soil science, crop production, environmental modelling, and agricultural systems research.

Key researchers: Dr. Jordi Doltra and Dr. Francesc Domingo.

Key Details

Category	Details
Position	PhD Candidate in Agroecological Practices for Better Arable Crop Production and Soil Health
Research area	Agroecology, soil health, arable crops and sustainable agriculture
Host organization	IRTA – Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology
Research team	Sustainable Field Crops
Location	La Tallada d’Empordà, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
Contract duration	4 years
Expected start	January 2027, approximately
Salary – Years 1–3	€23,322.09 gross per year
Salary – Year 4	€26,325.47 gross per year
Additional doctoral funding	Up to €7,000
Working time	37.5 hours per week
Remote work	6 working days per month
Application documents	CV and motivation letter
PhD requirement	Applicants must not already hold a PhD
Project	PID2025-172018OR-C21
Funding	MICIU/AEI and European Social Fund Plus

About the PhD Research Project

The doctoral research will assess how agroecological practices can contribute to more sustainable and resilient arable cropping systems. Rather than evaluating agricultural practices through a single indicator, the project will examine their effects across several dimensions, including agronomic performance, soil health, environmental impacts, resource use, and socio-economic outcomes.

The candidate will work with field experiments and modelling tools to compare innovative cropping systems with business-as-usual production systems. This approach will help identify which practices can improve crop production while protecting soil and reducing environmental pressures.

An important component of the research will be the collection of information from plants, soils, crops, and the wider environment. Measurements may include plant performance, soil properties, gas emissions, and other environmental variables. These observations will then be analyzed alongside modelling results to understand system performance at multiple spatial and temporal scales.

The project provides an opportunity to develop expertise in agroecological assessment, soil-crop interactions, field experimentation, environmental monitoring, statistical analysis, and crop and soil modelling.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The PhD candidate will begin by conducting literature reviews and collecting, organizing, and managing research data. The candidate will analyze and visualize datasets generated from field experiments, environmental monitoring, and other project activities.

A substantial part of the position involves field experimentation and sampling. The researcher will conduct experiments and measure plant, soil, gas-emission, and other environmental variables. These activities will require careful experimental planning, field organization, sampling procedures, data recording, and quality control.

The candidate will also use and adapt soil-crop simulation models to analyze agricultural systems at multiple scales. Model-based research will complement the experimental work and help evaluate the longer-term consequences of different cropping practices.

Another major responsibility will be quantifying the agronomic, environmental, and socio-economic impacts of novel cropping systems compared with business-as-usual approaches. The researcher will contribute to interpreting these results and identifying practices that can improve the sustainability of arable farming.

Collaboration will be an important part of the PhD. The candidate will coordinate with researchers from IRTA and other project partners, contribute to the research team’s activities, and participate actively in a multidisciplinary working environment.

The successful candidate will also disseminate research findings through national and international conferences, scientific journal publications, technical articles, presentations, and other appropriate communication channels.

Required Qualifications and Eligibility

Applicants should hold a degree in Agronomy, Biology, Environmental Science, Soil Science, or a related discipline. A relevant Master’s degree is also required, particularly in agronomy, soil science, agroecology, food biotechnology, environmental science, biology, or a closely related field.

Candidates must be in a position to access a doctoral program according to the requirements of Catalan universities. This means demonstrating between 60 and 120 ECTS credits at the official university Master’s level or an equivalent qualification, as applicable.

Applicants must not already hold a PhD degree.

Proficiency in English is required because the research involves scientific communication, international collaboration, academic publications, and participation in conferences.

The ideal candidate should also demonstrate strong teamwork skills, adaptability within multidisciplinary research environments, and a clear interest in professional and scientific development.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

A strong motivation for sustainable agriculture and soil management will be highly relevant to this PhD. Candidates should be comfortable with practical research and ideally have a good capacity for conducting fieldwork, processing data, and analyzing research results.

Previous experience in agronomy or soil-science research is desirable. Experience with plant and soil measurements, environmental monitoring, or gas-emission measurements can be particularly useful for the project.

Good statistical skills are also valued, especially experience analyzing data from multi-year and long-term field trials. Candidates with knowledge of R, Python, or other programming tools may have an advantage, particularly where these skills can be applied to agricultural and environmental datasets.

Experience using crop and soil simulation models is desirable, although the position may also suit candidates who have a strong interest in developing modelling skills during their doctoral research.

Analytical and organizational abilities are important because the research combines field experimentation, laboratory or environmental measurements, data management, modelling, and scientific communication.

Candidates should also have strong written and verbal communication skills and be able to explain research findings clearly to both scientific audiences and non-specialist stakeholders.

A valid driving licence is desirable due to the field-based nature of the research. Knowledge of Catalan and Spanish is also valued.

Salary and Contract Benefits

The position offers a four-year contract with an annual gross salary of €23,322.09 during the first, second, and third years and €26,325.47 during the fourth year.

Salary figures are subject to the applicable withholdings and the provisions of the IRTA collective employment agreement.

In addition to the salary, the doctoral grant provides up to €7,000 in additional funding. This funding can cover research stays of at least one month at other R&D centers and tuition fees for the four years of the PhD program.

The employment package includes a 37.5-hour working week, with Friday afternoons off. Employees can also benefit from an intensive work schedule between June 15 and September 15.

Additional benefits include 23 vacation days, three days for family and work conciliation, and 45 hours of personal days. The position also provides six remote-working days per month and a flexible schedule designed to support a healthy work-life balance.

IRTA also offers continuous training and professional development opportunities, allowing the successful candidate to build technical and scientific expertise throughout the doctoral project.

Doctoral Program Requirement

Candidates selected for the position must provide documentation at the time of signing the employment contract confirming either their admission to a doctoral program or their enrollment in the program.

Applicants should therefore ensure that they understand the relevant doctoral admission requirements and are able to meet the academic conditions required by Catalan universities.

International Applicants

International candidates are welcome to apply. If the successful candidate comes from a country outside the European Union, IRTA’s People Department will provide support with the process of obtaining the necessary residence and work permits.

This can make the position particularly attractive to international graduates seeking to pursue doctoral research in Spain within an established agricultural research institute.

Why Apply for This PhD in Agroecology and Soil Health?

This PhD opportunity is well suited to graduates who want to work at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, agroecology, soil health, crop production, environmental science, and agricultural modelling.

The research is multidisciplinary by design. It combines hands-on fieldwork with quantitative analysis and simulation modelling, allowing the candidate to study agricultural systems from both experimental and systems-level perspectives.

The focus on agroecological practices is also highly relevant to current efforts to improve agricultural sustainability. Understanding how changes in cropping systems affect soil condition, crop productivity, environmental emissions, resource use, and socio-economic performance can support evidence-based approaches to sustainable farming.

For candidates considering careers in universities, research institutes, environmental organizations, agricultural companies, public-sector research, or sustainable farming systems, the position offers an opportunity to develop transferable research and analytical skills.

Recruitment and Selection Process

The recruitment process begins with a curricular assessment. During this stage, the candidate’s academic qualifications, research experience, and other merits are evaluated according to the criteria established in the job offer.

Candidates who progress through the initial assessment may be invited to one or more interviews with a Selection Committee. The interviews will assess professional experience, competencies, suitability for the position, and other relevant factors.

Depending on the position profile and recruitment requirements, additional competency-based and/or psychometric tests may also be conducted.

The anticipated start date for the contract is January 2027, approximately.

Equal Opportunities and Inclusion

IRTA states that equal treatment and equal opportunities are guaranteed throughout the recruitment process. The organization seeks to avoid stereotypes, bias, and barriers related to gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, ideology, or any other potentially discriminatory condition.

IRTA also maintains an inclusion commitment toward vulnerable groups. The first round of the selection process is reserved for candidates with functional diversity. The contract is part of research project PID2025-172018OR-C21, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+).

How to Apply

Candidates who believe they meet the eligibility requirements should submit a CV and motivation letter for consideration. The application should clearly explain the candidate’s academic background, relevant research or field experience, interest in agroecology and soil health, technical skills, and motivation for undertaking doctoral research. APPLY NOW

Applicants with experience in agronomy, soil science, environmental monitoring, field experiments, statistical analysis, programming, crop modelling, or related areas should highlight these skills in their application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this PhD position about?

The PhD focuses on assessing how agroecological practices can improve arable crop production and soil health. The research will evaluate agronomic, environmental, and socio-economic impacts using field experiments, data analysis, and crop and soil modelling.

Where is the PhD position located?

The successful candidate will join IRTA’s Sustainable Field Crops team in La Tallada d’Empordà, Girona, Catalonia, Spain.

How long is the contract?

The contract is for four years.

What is the salary?

The gross annual salary is €23,322.09 for the first three years and €26,325.47 for the fourth year, subject to applicable withholdings and the IRTA collective employment agreement.

Is additional doctoral funding available?

Yes. The doctoral grant provides up to €7,000 for eligible expenses, including research stays of at least one month at other R&D centers and PhD tuition fees for the four-year program.

What academic qualifications are required?

Applicants should have a degree in Agronomy, Biology, Environmental Science, Soil Science, or a related discipline, together with a relevant Master’s degree such as agronomy, soil science, agroecology, environmental science, biology, or a related field.

Can applicants who already have a PhD apply?

No. The position requires candidates not to have a previous PhD degree.

Do I need previous research experience?

Previous research experience in agronomy or soil science is desirable but not listed as an absolute requirement. Experience with plant and soil measurements, fieldwork, environmental monitoring, or gas-emission measurements can strengthen an application.

Is programming experience required?

Knowledge of programming, particularly R and/or Python, is desirable. Experience with data analysis and agricultural or environmental modelling can also be beneficial.

Is experience with crop and soil models required?

Experience using crop and soil models is listed as a desirable qualification. Candidates interested in developing modelling expertise may also find the position relevant.

Is a driving licence required?

A car driving licence is listed among the desirable requirements, which is relevant given the field-based components of the research.

Are international candidates eligible?

Yes. International candidates can apply. For selected candidates from outside the European Union, IRTA’s People Department will provide support with residence and work permits.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants should submit a CV and motivation letter.

When is the expected start date?

The anticipated contract start date is January 2027, approximately.