Postdoctoral Job in Applied Entomology at IRTA, Spain

The Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), an agri-food research institute under the Government of Catalonia, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Entomology. The successful candidate will join the Sustainable Plant Protection Program based in Cabrils, Catalonia, Spain.

IRTA brings together more than 1,000 professionals working across 19 research areas. The institute promotes research and innovation that contribute to the future of the agri-food sector and society. This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment while developing expertise in sustainable pest management and applied entomology.

The researcher will focus on the assessment of sustainable pest control methods and the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. A major part of the work will involve promoting, monitoring, and using natural enemies of pests to develop biological control strategies for different commodities and storage facilities. This role is particularly relevant to researchers with expertise in arthropod pests affecting stored products, pest monitoring, pest management, biological control, and sustainable plant protection.

Key Details

Detail	Information
Position	Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Entomology
Research Program	Sustainable Plant Protection Program
Institution	Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA)
Location	Cabrils, Catalonia, Spain
Field	Applied Entomology, Plant Protection, Biological Control, IPM
Contract	Temporary, full-time
Contract Duration	3 years
Expected Start	October 2026, approximately
Working Time	37.5 hours per week
Remote Work	6 workdays per month
PhD Requirement	PhD in Agricultural Entomology or a related discipline
Language	English proficiency required
Non-EU Support	Residence and work permit support for the selected candidate

About the Postdoctoral Research Position

The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to the applied entomology research line within the Sustainable Plant Protection Program. The role combines experimental research, data analysis, scientific communication, project development, and collaboration with researchers and stakeholders.

The main research focus is the development of sustainable approaches to pest management. The researcher will work on strategies designed to proactively promote natural enemies, monitor pest and beneficial arthropod populations, and establish biological control approaches that can be applied to different commodities and storage environments.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the scientific development and international positioning of the research program through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and collaboration on research and innovation activities.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

The researcher will proactively contribute to ongoing activities within the applied entomology research line. This will include carrying out scientific and technical work connected with current research projects and supporting the achievement of project objectives and milestones.

Responsibilities will include planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments. The researcher will help ensure that experiments are properly designed and executed and that the resulting data contribute effectively to the objectives of each research project.

Another important responsibility will be contributing to the scientific production of research and innovation activities within the Sustainable Plant Protection Program. This may include preparing scientific manuscripts, technical documents, reports, presentations, and other research outputs.

The postdoctoral researcher will also be expected to stay up to date with relevant scientific literature and emerging developments in applied entomology, sustainable pest management, and biological control. Scientific knowledge should be communicated effectively to stakeholders and end users where appropriate.

The successful candidate will contribute to strengthening the position of the Sustainable Plant Protection Program as a research group of excellence. This will include regular contributions to peer-reviewed publications and national and international scientific congresses.

Teamwork is another important component of the position. The researcher will collaborate with colleagues across the program and contribute to activities that encourage scientific cooperation, integration, and knowledge exchange.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should hold a PhD in Agricultural Entomology or a related discipline. Candidates are expected to have demonstrated research experience relevant to the position, particularly in the study of arthropod pests affecting stored products.

Strong experience in the monitoring and management of stored-product pests is required. Applicants should also have an outstanding record of scientific publications in this area. Knowledge and experience in biological control will be considered an advantage, particularly where it complements expertise in sustainable pest management and Integrated Pest Management strategies.

Candidates should demonstrate strong research skills, including the ability to conduct literature reviews, analyze research data, and prepare scientific articles. Effective scientific communication is also important, with presentation and technical writing skills expected.

Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required.

The successful applicant should be comfortable working in multidisciplinary environments and demonstrate a collaborative attitude, adaptability, teamwork, and a commitment to professional development.

Desirable Skills

Additional qualifications and experience can strengthen an application. IRTA particularly values candidates who can prioritize tasks effectively and anticipate, plan, and prepare R&D projects, reports, and technical documents.

Experience working successfully within multidisciplinary teams is also desirable. Candidates should be able to establish professional relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues and research partners to achieve R&D objectives.

Previous experience in supervising students will be considered an advantage. Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to respond positively to changing research requirements are also desirable.

A driving licence is an additional advantage. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan will also be valued.

Employment Benefits

The position is offered as a temporary full-time contract for three years. The standard working week is 37.5 hours, with Friday afternoons off.

IRTA also provides working arrangements designed to support work-life balance. These include an intensive work schedule from June 15 to September 15, 23 vacation days, three days dedicated to family and work conciliation, and 45 hours of personal days.

Employees can work remotely for six workdays per month, subject to the applicable arrangements. The position also includes a flexible schedule and opportunities for continuous training and professional growth.

Benefits at a Glance

• Three-year temporary full-time contract
• 37.5-hour working week
• Friday afternoons off
• Intensive working schedule from June 15 to September 15
• 23 vacation days
• 3 days for family and work conciliation
• 45 hours of personal days
• Remote work for 6 workdays per month
• Flexible working schedule
• Continuous training opportunities
• Professional growth and development opportunities

Support for International Candidates

International researchers are welcome to apply. If the selected candidate is from a non-EU country, IRTA’s People Department will provide support with the process of obtaining the required residence and work permits. This support can be particularly valuable for international researchers considering relocation to Catalonia for a postdoctoral research career.

Equal Opportunities and Inclusion

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 its commitment to inclusion for vulnerable groups. The first round of the selection process is reserved for candidates with functional diversity.

Selection Process

The recruitment process will involve several stages.

1. Curricular Assessment

The first stage involves an assessment of the candidates’ qualifications, experience, and merits according to the criteria established in the job offer.

2. Interview

Candidates who progress through the selection process may participate in one or more interviews with a Selection Committee. The interviews will assess professional experience, competencies, and suitability for the position.

3. Additional Tests

Depending on the requirements of the position and the needs of the recruitment process, IRTA may conduct additional competency-based assessments and/or psychometric tests. These assessments are intended to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ suitability.

Start Date

The expected start of the contract is October 2026, approximately.

Applicants interested in this postdoctoral position should ensure that their academic background, research experience, publication record, and professional skills clearly demonstrate their suitability for applied entomology and sustainable pest management research.

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the requirements and wish to be considered for the position should submit their application through APPLY NOW.

Before applying, applicants should carefully review the position requirements and ensure that their CV and supporting information clearly demonstrate relevant experience in stored-product arthropod pests, pest monitoring and management, biological control, research, scientific publication, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Postdoctoral Researcher in Applied Entomology position?

It is a postdoctoral research position within IRTA’s Sustainable Plant Protection Program. The researcher will work on sustainable pest control, Integrated Pest Management, natural enemies, biological control, and monitoring and management of arthropod pests affecting stored products.

Where is the postdoctoral position based?

The position is based in Cabrils, Catalonia, Spain.

What degree is required?

Applicants must have a PhD in Agricultural Entomology or a related discipline.

Is experience with stored-product pests required?

Yes. Proven experience with arthropod pests affecting stored products, particularly their monitoring and management, is a key requirement.

Is biological control experience required?

Knowledge of biological control is listed as an asset, meaning it can strengthen an application but is not stated as an essential requirement.

Is English required?

Yes. Candidates should have proficiency in spoken and written English.

How long is the contract?

The position is a temporary full-time contract for three years.

When does the contract start?

The expected start date is October 2026, approximately.

Can non-EU candidates apply?

Yes. If a non-EU candidate is selected, IRTA’s People Department will support the candidate with obtaining the required residence and work permits.

Is remote work available?

Yes. The position provides the possibility of remote work for six workdays per month, along with a flexible schedule.

Is knowledge of Spanish or Catalan required?

Spanish and/or Catalan knowledge is valued, while English proficiency is the stated language requirement.

How are candidates selected?

The selection process includes curricular assessment and interviews. Additional competency-based and/or psychometric tests may also be used depending on the position and recruitment process.