IRTA PhD Candidate – Genetic & Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Stress Crop Adaptation (Lleida, Spain)

IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, Government of Catalonia) is hiring a PhD Candidate in Genetic and Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Stress Adaptation and Variety Performance in Crops, based in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. Deadline: 28 November 2026.

Job Details

Company: IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, Government of Catalonia)

Position: PhD Candidate in Genetic and Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Stress Adaptation and Variety Performance in Crops

Location: Lleida – Agrònoms, Catalonia, Spain

Contract: 4 years full-time (37.5 h/week)

Work Arrangement: Hybrid work up to 6 days/month

Expected Start: December 2026

Supervisor: Dr. Marta da Silva

Project Details

The 4-year doctoral position is embedded in the Horizon Europe HEROCROP project.

Job Description

Research covers crop resilience, plant adaptation, phenotypic variability, and genotype × environment × management (G×E×M) interactions, with principal experimental emphasis on wheat and opportunities for cross-crop collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work combines field phenotyping, genetic information and quantitative analysis (R/Python workflows).
  • High-throughput phenotyping.
  • Collaboration with European partners.

Eligibility Criteria

Mandatory:

  • Master’s in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Biology or related discipline eligible for doctoral enrolment.
  • Strong interest in quantitative genetics / crop physiology / predictive breeding.
  • Good English.
  • Motivation to learn statistical/computational methods.

Desirable:

  • Field trials, phenotyping, genomic prediction, linear mixed models, remote sensing, crop modelling.
  • Spanish/Catalan valued but not required.

Salary

  • Years 1–2: €19,656.35 gross annual salary (14 payments).
  • Year 3: €21,060.37 gross annual salary (14 payments).
  • Year 4: €26,325.47 gross annual salary (14 payments).
  • Doctoral tuition covered by IRTA.

Documents Required

CV and motivation letter.

How to Apply

Apply online via the official IRTA talent portal (CV + motivation letter). Deadline: 28 November 2026.

Additional Information

Visa/relocation support for non-EU candidates.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Apply online via the official IRTA talent portal by 28 November 2026.