RESEARCHER IN IRRIGATION AGRONOMY FOR THE EFFICIENT USE OF WATER IN AGRICULTURE PROGRAM

IRTA is currently seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Researcher with a PhD related with the efficient use of water and fertilizers to join the research team on Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture Program.The selected candidate will lead and execute research projects and contracts around the interaction of irrigation with fertilization practices and soil management. This includes research and dissemination activities addressed to improve the efficient use of water and fertilizers, innovation on fertigation management, management of irrigation/fertigation under suboptimal soil conditions and dealing with crop’s nutrient disorders related with irrigation. Emphasis is placed on applied research on these topics and transfer of the outcomes to the agricultural sector.Head of the Program: Dr. Jaume CasadesúsProgram’s key researcher/s for this position: Joan Girona, Joaquim Bellvert, Víctor Blanco.Job location: IRTA Fruitcentre (Lleida)Full-time position (37.5 h/week)Terms of appointment: permanent position or IRTA Consolida (tenure track) position, subject to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.Gross Annual Salary: to be resolved according to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidateEmployee Benefits: 22 vacation days, 3 days of family & work conciliation, 45h of personal days, Friday afternoon off, Compressed Summer schedule from 15/06 to 15/09, Conciliation schedule.Tasks and Responsabilites:Lead a research line on the interaction of irrigation with fertilization practices and soil management, with special focus on the economic and environmental sustainability of irrigated horticultural crops under a changing climate. The expected outputs of the research line will be R+D contributions to advance the State of Art in technologies and agronomic practices for an efficient use of water and fertilizers at the plot and regional scales.Contribute to other activities of the research Program, performing scientific and technical tasks, taking part in the planning and execution of the experiments to ensure the achievement of milestones of research projects.Contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the Program.Lead and actively contribute fund rising through the preparation and submission of project proposals for competitive public calls and for contracts with the private sector, as well as reporting process, such as writing progress and final reports of research activities.Identify opportunities for cutting-edge research and innovation to address strategic priorities of the research program on Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture.Contribute to teamwork and team spirit in the research program on Efficient Use of Water in Agriculture, fostering collaboration and integration activities.Create synergies with other research programs at IRTA.Required qualifications and experience:PhD dealing with the efficient use of water and fertilizers in irrigated crops.Demonstrated scientific production in this research topic.Experience on applied research in this research topic.Hands-on experience in field data collection and proficiency with soil and plant sensors.Proved research skills: experience on project proposal writing, literature review, experimental design and implementation, data analysis, scientific article writing.Dissemination skills: presentation/communication skills, and technical writing.Capacity to successfully develop collaborative research links with national and international research organizations, and the ability to interact closely with private companies and irrigation district managers. The successful candidate will be expected to attract funds from private and public sectors for research, interacting with stakeholders.Full driving license for Europe and travelling availability.Desirable requirements:Research experience with Precision Irrigation/Fertilization and the involved digital technologies, such as application of sensors, remote sensing and GIS.Applied experience in fertilization practices and soil management.Practical experience in managing and optimizing irrigation systems and fertigation heads.Experience and knowledge in water management in Spain, including work with irrigation districts.Experience in dissemination and transfer of knowledge to farmers and technicians.Skills in data management and analysis.Demonstrating an attractive publication record and participation in funded projects.Network of collaborators at a national and/or international level.Proven experience in technical and scientific initiatives, at an international level, and eventually national level.A proactive profile, solutions-focused approach to work, with ability to adapt to changing requirements.Capacity to perform high quality work and commitment.Languages:Proficiency in EnglishCatalan and Spanish are valuedApplication process:If you wish to be considered for this position, please, apply via our Recruitment Platform to the job post with reference 53-25 and upload your CV and motivation letter until 24/04.All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.IRTA guarantees an open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process (OTM-R) to all registered candidacies avoiding thus any bias on gender, origin, age, ideology, or other circumstances that could be discriminatory. Candidates in a situation of social exclusion will be considered in the first place.