PhD Position in Soil Microplastics, Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling at IRTA, Spain [Salary: €26,325/year]
The Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) in Catalonia, Spain, is offering a four-year PhD position in soil microplastics, carbon and nitrogen cycling, and greenhouse gas emissions. The doctoral researcher will join the Sustainability in Biosystems Programme at IRTA Torre Marimon in Caldes de Montbui, near Barcelona.
The position is part of the CARBON-PLAST project, which investigates how microplastics affect soil health and biogeochemical processes in Mediterranean agricultural systems. The research will examine interactions between microplastics, soil microbial communities, carbon and nitrogen cycling, and greenhouse gas emissions.
This is a particularly interdisciplinary PhD opportunity, combining soil science, environmental pollution, microbiology, biogeochemistry, climate change research, spectroscopy, molecular biology, greenhouse gas monitoring, and life cycle assessment (LCA). The expected contract start is January 2027, and applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree but must not already have a PhD.
About the CARBON-PLAST PhD Project
The doctoral researcher will contribute to the CARBON-PLAST project, titled Microplastic effects on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in Mediterranean agriculture. The project is funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and aims to understand the consequences of microplastic contamination for agricultural soil health.
Microplastics are increasingly recognized as an environmental concern, but their effects on fundamental soil processes remain incompletely understood. This project will investigate whether microplastics alter carbon and nitrogen dynamics, greenhouse gas production, and microbial communities under Mediterranean agricultural conditions.
The research will combine controlled laboratory experiments with field studies at IRTA’s long-term agricultural experimental sites. This combination will allow the doctoral candidate to investigate mechanisms under controlled conditions while also examining how these processes operate in real agricultural systems.
Research Methods and Responsibilities
The selected PhD candidate will develop a doctoral research plan together with the supervisory team and progressively take responsibility for designing and executing experiments. A major part of the research will involve soil microcosm incubation experiments. These experiments will investigate interactions among microplastics, soil microorganisms, and carbon and nitrogen cycling under controlled conditions.
The researcher will also conduct field sampling campaigns at IRTA’s long-term experimental sites. Fieldwork will include soil sampling, greenhouse gas monitoring, and preparation of samples for physicochemical, microbiological, and microplastic analyses. The project will measure important soil carbon and nitrogen pools and transformations while monitoring emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
Microplastic Analysis Using LDIR and FTIR
One of the technically distinctive aspects of this PhD is the use of advanced analytical methods to extract, characterize, and quantify microplastics from environmental samples. The project will use LDIR and FTIR spectroscopy, giving the successful candidate an opportunity to develop expertise with sophisticated analytical infrastructure dedicated to microplastic research.
The researcher may also work with molecular microbiology approaches, including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, and sequencing, depending on previous experience and the needs of the doctoral project. These techniques will help connect the presence and characteristics of microplastics with changes in soil microbial communities and biogeochemical processes.
Carbon, Nitrogen and Greenhouse Gas Research
The PhD will examine how microplastics may influence the movement and transformation of carbon and nitrogen within agricultural soils. Greenhouse gas measurements will be an important component of the research. The candidate will quantify CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions from both laboratory and field experiments.
Understanding these interactions is important because agricultural soils are central to both food production and climate regulation. Changes in soil microbial activity and nutrient cycling can influence greenhouse gas emissions as well as soil fertility and broader ecosystem functions. The project therefore sits at the intersection of soil health, agricultural sustainability, environmental pollution, and climate change.
Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Impact
The project also includes an environmental impact component based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. The doctoral candidate will quantify relevant environmental impacts and integrate experimental results with appropriate LCA approaches. Experience with LCA software, databases, or emission models is considered desirable, although it is not a mandatory qualification. This aspect of the research can provide useful interdisciplinary experience for candidates interested in sustainable agriculture, environmental assessment, and science-based environmental policy.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold an MSc degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Suitable backgrounds include:
- Environmental Sciences
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemistry
- Related fields
Importantly, applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in areas such as soil science, environmental pollution, biogeochemistry, microbiology, or climate change. Previous laboratory experience in environmental or agricultural research is required, along with basic knowledge of experimental design, statistical analysis, and data processing. Strong written and spoken English skills are also required. The research environment is multidisciplinary, so applicants should be able to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
Desirable Skills
Several additional qualifications can strengthen an application. Experience with soil analysis, greenhouse gas measurements, or microplastic research is particularly relevant. Knowledge of molecular biology methods such as DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, or sequencing is also advantageous. Applicants with experience using R, Python, or similar statistical software are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of FTIR or LDIR spectroscopy, laboratory or field experimentation, and scientific writing can also be beneficial.
Experience with LCA software and databases is desirable, while knowledge of Catalan and/or Spanish and a Category B driving licence are additional advantages. Not every desirable skill is expected from one applicant. The position is designed for a motivated researcher who can develop expertise throughout the doctoral project.
PhD Funding and Salary
The doctoral position is offered under a four-year contract.
The salary structure is:
| Contract Year | Gross Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | €23,322.09 |
| Year 2 | €23,322.09 |
| Year 3 | €23,322.09 |
| Year 4 | €26,325.47 |
These amounts are gross salaries and are subject to applicable withholdings and the relevant IRTA collective employment agreement.
The doctoral grant also provides up to €7,000 in additional funding. This funding can support research stays of at least one month at other research and development centers and tuition fees for the four years of the PhD programme.
Benefits and Working Conditions
The position includes a 37.5-hour working week, with Friday afternoons off. Between June 15 and September 15, an intensive work schedule is available. Employees receive 23 vacation days, three family and work conciliation days, and 45 hours of personal days. The position also provides the possibility of remote work for up to six working days per month, together with a flexible schedule intended to support work-life balance.
The successful candidate will have access to IRTA’s research infrastructure, including its LDIR microplastic facility and long-term agricultural experimental sites. The position also provides continuous training and professional development opportunities, supervision from researchers working in soil health, environmental microbiology and greenhouse gas emissions, and opportunities to collaborate with national and European research networks.
International Research Environment
IRTA is an agri-food research institute under the Government of Catalonia, with more than 1,000 professionals working across 19 research areas. The selected candidate will join an international and collaborative research environment focused on scientific excellence, innovation, and professional development.
The CARBON-PLAST project is led by a multidisciplinary team consisting of Dr. Gemma Burón (Principal Investigator), Dr. Belén Fernández, Dr. Francesc Prenafeta, and Dr. Marta Ruiz. This supervisory structure provides an opportunity to work across several research disciplines rather than focusing exclusively on one analytical approach.
Support for International Candidates
International applicants are welcome to apply. Candidates from outside the European Union who are selected for the position will receive support from IRTA’s People Department with the process of obtaining the necessary residence and work permits. At the time of signing the employment contract, the successful candidate must provide documentation confirming either admission to a doctoral programme or enrollment in the programme.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit:
- CV
- Motivation letter
The application should clearly demonstrate the candidate’s academic background, relevant research experience, motivation for pursuing a PhD, and interest in soil microplastics, carbon and nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, or related environmental research. Candidates should also highlight relevant laboratory, field, analytical, statistical, or molecular biology experience where applicable.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process consists of several potential stages. First, candidates undergo a curricular assessment, during which their qualifications and merits are evaluated according to the criteria established in the job offer.
Shortlisted candidates will participate in one or more interviews with a Selection Committee. The interviews will assess professional experience, competencies, motivation, and suitability for the research position. Depending on the requirements of the selection process, additional competency-based or psychometric tests may also be used. The expected contract start date is January 2027.
Equal Opportunities
IRTA states that equal treatment and equal opportunities are guaranteed throughout the selection process. The organization aims to avoid stereotypes, bias, and barriers associated with gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, ideology, or other potentially discriminatory conditions.
IRTA also emphasizes inclusion for vulnerable groups, with the first stage of the selection process reserved for candidates with functional diversity. This PhD offers a strong combination of fundamental environmental research and applied agricultural science. The project addresses an increasingly important environmental question: how microplastic contamination may influence the biological and biogeochemical processes that underpin healthy agricultural soils. By combining laboratory microcosms with long-term field experiments, the research can examine both mechanisms and real-world environmental responses.
The candidate will also gain exposure to advanced analytical techniques such as LDIR and FTIR spectroscopy, molecular microbiology, greenhouse gas monitoring, statistical analysis, and life cycle assessment. For graduates interested in soil science, environmental microbiology, climate change, agricultural sustainability, environmental pollution, or biogeochemistry, this interdisciplinary PhD could provide valuable technical and research experience in an international European research environment.
Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Candidate in Soil Microplastics, Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling |
| Institution | IRTA – Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology |
| Programme | Sustainability in Biosystems |
| Project | CARBON-PLAST |
| Project Focus | Microplastics, soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gases |
| Location | IRTA Torre Marimon, Caldes de Montbui, Catalonia, Spain |
| Contract | 4 years |
| Start Date | Approximately January 2027 |
| Degree Required | MSc or equivalent |
| PhD Already Held | Not eligible; applicants must not already hold a PhD |
| Year 1 Salary | €23,322.09 gross/year |
| Year 2 Salary | €23,322.09 gross/year |
| Year 3 Salary | €23,322.09 gross/year |
| Year 4 Salary | €26,325.47 gross/year |
| Additional Funding | Up to €7,000 |
| Working Time | 37.5 hours/week |
| Remote Work | Up to 6 workdays/month |
| Research Methods | Microcosms, field experiments, LDIR, FTIR, molecular microbiology, GHG monitoring, LCA |
| Key Gases | CO₂, CH₄, N₂O |
| Research Stay | Funding available for stays of at least 1 month |
| Application | CV + motivation letter |
| Funding Project | PID2025-175152OR-I00 |
| Funding Agencies | MICIU/AEI and European Social Fund Plus FSE+ |
How to Apply
Candidates who meet the requirements should submit their CV and motivation letter through APPLY NOW . The position is part of project PID2025-175152OR-I00, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+).
Applicants should emphasize their fit with the research project and demonstrate relevant experience in environmental or agricultural laboratory research, experimental design, statistics, soil science, microbiology, or related areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this PhD about?
The PhD investigates how microplastics affect soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, microbial communities, and greenhouse gas emissions in Mediterranean agricultural systems.
Where is the PhD located?
The position is based at IRTA Torre Marimon in Caldes de Montbui, Catalonia, Spain.
What degree do I need?
Applicants need an MSc degree or equivalent in Environmental Sciences, Soil Science, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
Can someone who already has a PhD apply?
No. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.
How long is the contract?
The PhD contract is for four years.
What is the salary?
The gross annual salary is €23,322.09 during the first three years and €26,325.47 in the fourth year.
Is additional funding available?
Yes. The doctoral grant provides up to €7,000 for eligible research stays and tuition fees during the four-year PhD programme.
Will I work with microplastics directly?
Yes. The research includes extraction, characterization, and quantification of microplastics from environmental samples using techniques including LDIR and FTIR spectroscopy.
Will the PhD involve fieldwork?
Yes. The researcher will conduct field sampling at IRTA’s long-term agricultural experimental sites, including soil sampling and greenhouse gas monitoring.
Which greenhouse gases will be measured?
The project specifically includes measurements of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O.
Is programming experience required?
No, but experience with R, Python, or similar statistical software is considered desirable.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Applicants from outside the EU can apply. IRTA’s People Department will support selected non-EU candidates with residence and work permit procedures.
When does the position start?
The expected start date is January 2027, approximately.
What documents are required?
Applicants should submit a CV and motivation letter.
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