Postdoctoral Researcher Job in Fruit Pathology at IRTA, Catalonia, Spain

The Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Fruit Pathology to join its Postharvest Program at Fruitcentre in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. This is a three-year, full-time postdoctoral research position for a scientist with expertise in plant or postharvest pathology and a strong research background in fruit diseases.

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 provides a dynamic and collaborative environment where researchers can work with academic, institutional, and industry partners while developing their scientific and professional careers.

The successful candidate will join the Postharvest Program, which focuses on improving the quality of fruits and vegetables throughout the postharvest chain. The program develops innovative and sustainable approaches for managing diseases, physiological disorders, and quality losses during storage and other postharvest stages.

This opportunity is particularly suitable for researchers specializing in fruit pathology, plant pathology, disease epidemiology, disease control, and postharvest disease management who want to contribute to national and international research projects while strengthening their scientific profile.

Key Details

Category	Details
Position	Postdoctoral Researcher in Fruit Pathology
Program	Postharvest Program
Host organization	IRTA – Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology
Research location	Fruitcentre, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
Contract	3-year temporary full-time postdoctoral contract
Research focus	Fruit pathology, epidemiology, disease control and postharvest quality
Required degree	PhD in Plant and/or Postharvest Pathology
English	Proficiency required
Pome and stone fruit experience	Valued
International applicants	Eligible
Expected start	October–November 2026, approximately

About the Postharvest Program

The Postharvest Program at IRTA works to address challenges that affect the quality and marketability of fruits and vegetables after harvest. Research activities cover the development of sustainable approaches for controlling diseases and physiological disorders while reducing quality losses throughout storage and the wider postharvest chain.

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to research activities related to fruit pathology, including disease epidemiology and control. The work may involve projects funded at national and international levels as well as contractual research carried out in collaboration with private companies.

The position combines scientific research with knowledge transfer. The successful candidate will be expected to stay current with developments in the field, communicate research findings to stakeholders and end-users, and contribute to the development of the Postharvest Program as a center of research excellence.

Research Tasks and Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will perform research activities associated with designated national and international projects, as well as contractual research with private-sector partners. The scientific work will focus on topics related to fruit pathology and postharvest disease management.

A key responsibility will be maintaining a strong understanding of the state of the art in fruit pathology research. The researcher will be expected to follow developments in the field, identify relevant scientific advances, and contribute to translating research results into knowledge that can be useful to stakeholders and end-users.

Scientific publication will be an important part of the role. The researcher will contribute to peer-reviewed publications, national and international congress presentations, and other forms of scientific dissemination. The position also involves contributing to the supervision of PhD students and researchers.

The successful candidate will work closely with other IRTA researchers and with external academic, institutional, and industrial partners. Effective collaboration will therefore be important for both project delivery and the longer-term strategic objectives of the Postharvest Program.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Agronomy, or a related discipline, together with a PhD in Plant Pathology and/or Postharvest Pathology. Candidates must have proven professional or research experience in fruit pathology and demonstrate a relevant record of peer-reviewed scientific publications in the field. A strong publication record will help demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and communicate results through scientific literature.

Proven experience in disease epidemiology and disease control is also required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and practical research experience relevant to understanding plant or fruit diseases and developing or evaluating control strategies.

The successful applicant must have proficiency in spoken and written English, as the position involves scientific publications, international research collaboration, conferences, and communication with external partners.

Strong teamwork skills are also required. The candidate should be able to adapt to multidisciplinary research environments and demonstrate a commitment to continued professional and scientific development.

Desirable Qualifications

Good communication skills are highly valued for this role, particularly because the researcher will work with scientists, industry partners, stakeholders, and other end-users. Experience in research project management is desirable, along with strong organizational and coordination skills. Candidates who have previously coordinated experiments, research activities, project milestones, collaborations, or scientific deliverables may be particularly well suited to the position.

A full driving licence valid in Europe and willingness to travel are also desirable. This may be relevant to research activities, meetings, field visits, conferences, and collaboration with external partners. Experience working with pome fruits and stone fruits will be valued. Candidates with research backgrounds involving crops such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums, or other commercially important fruit species may therefore have an advantage.

Knowledge of Catalan and Spanish is also valued. Candidates with approximately two years of postdoctoral experience and demonstrated achievements in related research fields will be evaluated as part of the selection process.

Research Leadership and Collaboration

Beyond technical research skills, IRTA is looking for a researcher capable of developing strong professional relationships within and outside the institution. The successful candidate will contribute to R&D activities and help advance the strategic research goals of the Postharvest Program.

The role requires a willingness to organize and share information, suggest improvements, adapt to changing research needs, and take on new challenges. Flexibility and a constructive approach to collaboration will be important in a research environment involving multiple projects and partners.

Motivation, initiative, and the ability to work effectively with different teams will also be valuable attributes for candidates seeking to establish or strengthen an independent postdoctoral research profile.

Salary, Contract and Benefits

The position is offered as a three-year temporary full-time postdoctoral contract. The standard working week is 37.5 hours, with Friday afternoons off. The position also includes an intensive work schedule from June 15 to September 15, supporting a flexible approach to working time during the summer period.

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

IRTA provides opportunities for continuous training and professional development, allowing researchers to expand their scientific, technical, organizational, and collaborative skills.

International Applicants

International researchers are welcome to apply. Candidates selected from countries outside the European Union can receive support from IRTA’s People Department with the process of obtaining the necessary residence and work permits. This support can help international researchers transition to the position and establish their research career in Catalonia.

Career Opportunities and Research Development

The position provides an opportunity to develop a strong profile in fruit pathology and postharvest research while working within a multidisciplinary agricultural research institute. The combination of national and international projects, contractual research, peer-reviewed publication, conference participation, supervision, and collaboration with industry can provide valuable experience for researchers aiming to progress toward research leadership positions.

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to the scientific positioning of the Postharvest Program and develop relationships with researchers and organizations beyond IRTA.

Selection Process

The recruitment process begins with a curricular assessment, during which the candidate’s qualifications, experience, publications, and other merits are evaluated according to the criteria established in the job offer. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to one or more interviews with a Selection Committee. These interviews will assess professional experience, competencies, suitability for the position, and other relevant aspects of the candidate’s profile.

Depending on the needs of the recruitment process and the position profile, additional competency-based and/or psychometric tests may also be included. The expected contract start date is October–November 2026, approximately.

Equal Opportunities and Inclusion

IRTA states that equal treatment and equal opportunities are guaranteed throughout the selection process. The organization seeks to avoid stereotypes, bias, and barriers associated with 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.

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the requirements and are interested in the position should submit their application through APPLY NOW.

Applicants should ensure that their CV clearly demonstrates their academic qualifications, postdoctoral experience, fruit pathology expertise, publication record, research experience in disease epidemiology and control, and relevant project or collaboration experience. Where applicable, candidates should also highlight experience with pome or stone fruits, project management, international collaboration, scientific supervision, and research involving industry partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the research position about?

The position focuses on fruit pathology and postharvest disease management. The researcher will work on national and international projects and contractual research related to fruit diseases, disease epidemiology, disease control, and postharvest quality.

Where is the postdoctoral position located?

The researcher will be based at Fruitcentre in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, as part of IRTA’s Postharvest Program.

How long is the contract?

The position is offered as a three-year temporary full-time postdoctoral contract.

What PhD is required?

Applicants should have a PhD in Plant Pathology and/or Postharvest Pathology, in addition to a relevant Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Agronomy, or a related field.

Is fruit pathology experience required?

Yes. Candidates are expected to have proven experience in fruit pathology and a relevant peer-reviewed scientific publication record in this field.

Is experience in disease epidemiology required?

Yes. Proven experience in disease epidemiology and disease control is included among the required qualifications.

Is postdoctoral experience required?

The position values candidates with around two years of postdoctoral experience and achievements in similar research fields. This is listed as a desirable qualification rather than the core academic requirement.

Is experience with specific fruit crops an advantage?

Yes. Experience with pome fruits and stone fruits will be valued during the selection process.

Do international researchers need to be EU citizens?

No. International candidates can apply. If a successful candidate is from outside the European Union, IRTA’s People Department will support the candidate with residence and work permits.

Is a driving licence required?

A full driving licence valid for Europe is listed as a desirable requirement, together with willingness to travel.

Are Catalan and Spanish required?

Catalan and Spanish are valued, while proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is specifically required.

What are the working conditions?

The position includes a 37.5-hour workweek, Friday afternoons off, an intensive schedule from June 15 to September 15, 23 vacation days, family and work conciliation days, personal days, six remote-working days per month, and flexible working hours.

When does the contract start?

The expected start date is October–November 2026, approximately.