IRTA is currently seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Researcher with a PhD related to Data Science, Statistical genetics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or any other related field with strong component in Data Science in plant genetics, to join the Genomics and Biotechnology Program. We invite applications from ambitious candidates with relevant research experience and passion to conduct research and innovation activities on genomics, genetics, and breeding in crops, including the development of data pipelines, predictive models, and algorithms to enhance phenotypic predictions from genomic data.
Head of the Program: Dr Maria José Aranzana Civit
Job location: CRAG
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 candidate.
Employee 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 Responsibilities:
Contribution to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the Genomics and Biotechnology Program, developing and implementing models and algorithms based on state-of-the art methodologies and procedures in the fields of AI and other data science fields to predict phenotypes from genomic information.
Contribution to the 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.
Lead and actively contribute fund rising through the preparation and submission of project proposals for public competitive calls and for contracts with the private sector, as well reporting process, such as writing progress and final reports of research activities.
Identification of opportunities for cutting-edge research and innovation to address strategic priorities of the genomics, genetics and crop breeding areas.
Contribution to the teamwork and team-spirit in the Genomics and Biotechnology and Fruit Production Programs, fostering collaboration and integration activities.
Required qualifications and experience:
Ph.D. in Statistical Genetics, Quantitative genetics, Mathematics, Computer science, or related fields applied to Data Science and crops genetics, with post-doctoral experience in the research topic, preferably with an international scope and applied approach regarding fruit breeding.
Proved experience in genomic prediction, including the development of machine learning algorithms, using omics data.
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. The successful candidate will be expected to attract funds from private and public sectors for research, interact with stakeholders.
Desirable requirements :
Expertise in methodological approaches, including high-throughput phenotyping methods and multi-environment data analysis, to address crop challenges related to climate change
Experience in assessment of the effects of environment and management practices on crop breeding, particularly in fruit crops.
Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, integrating knowledge from genetics, data science, and crop science.
Languages:
Proficiency in English.
Catalan and Spanish are valued.
Application process:
If you wish to be considered for this position, please, apply via our Recruitment Platform to the job post with reference 36/25 and upload your CV and motivation letter until 30/03/2025. 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.