Job Information
- Organisation/Company: IRTA
- Department: Human Resources
- Research Field: Medical sciences » Veterinary medicine
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 6 Sep 2026 - 23:40 (Europe/Madrid)
- Country: Spain
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours Per Week: 37.5
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Jan 2027
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Offer Description
We are looking for a PhD Candidate in Animal Health to join the Animal Health Program team, based in IRTA-CReSA (Bellaterra, Barcelona) We offer the opportunity to be part of an organization with a dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on professional development.
The Doctoral Thesis is part of a coordinated project funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) dealing with Brucella placental pathogenesis and development of vaccines against animal brucellosis. We offer the opportunity to be part of an organization with a dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on professional development. The student will receive a multidisciplinary training combining a wide variety of techniques of microbiology, molecular genetics, cell culture, animal experimentation, immunology, omics and applied biotechnology
Key researchers for the position: Dr. María Jesús Grilló (CSIC Professor of Research)
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Participate in the design, planning and execution of experimental studies related to Brucella pathobiology, immunology and vaccines development.
- Carry on laboratory work including techniques of molecular biology, microbiology, cell cultures, animal experiments, and immunology.
- Working in the high biosecurity level 3 (BSL3) and animal experimentation facilities of IRTA-CReSA.
- Collect, organize and analyze experimental data.
- Perform literature reviews and stay updated on advances in brucellosis research.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, conference communications and peer-reviewed publications.
- Contribute to teamwork, scientific seminars and research discussions, within the group and with other researchers.
- Participate in training activities associated with the doctoral program.
Where to apply
Website: https://talent.irta.cat/en/jobs/8137303-phd-candidate-in-animal-health-and-brucellosis-research
Requirements
Research Field: Medical sciences » Veterinary medicine
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Required qualifications and experience
- Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine and/or Master's degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Tissue Engineering, Animal Health or a related field, or fulfilment of the academic requirements to access a doctoral program in Spain.
- Knowledge on laboratory techniques applicable to biological and biomedical research, particularly in molecular biology and cell cultures.
- Knowledge of English
- Teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments, and a clear focus on professional growth and development.
- Motivation, scientific curiosity and commitment to research excellence.
- Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree (PhD)
Desirable requirements
- Skills in techniques of molecular biology, bacteria culture and identification, cell and tissue cultures or a related field.
- Previous training in host-pathogen interactions.
- Familiarity with biosafety procedures and laboratory work in containment facilities (BSL-3 experience will be positively valued).
- Experience in scientific communication and presentation of results.
- Experience in data analysis and scientific writing.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration within a research team.
- Catalan and Spanish are valued.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Research Field: Medical sciences » Veterinary medicine
Additional Information
Benefits
Advantages of joining our team:
- Contract: 4 years
- Salary:
- First, second and third year of contract: 23.322,09€ gross per year
- Fourth year of contract: 26.325,47€ gross per year
Subject to the corresponding withholdings, pursuant to prevailing regulations, and to the collective employment agreement of IRTA
The doctoral grant provides up to 7.000€ in additional funding to cover:
- Research stays of at least one month at other R&D centres.
- Tuition fees for the four years of the PhD programme.
- 37.5 hour workweek, with Friday afternoons off
- Intensive work schedule from 15/06 to 15/09
- 23 vacation days
- 3 days of family & work conciliation
- 45 hours of personal days
- Remote work 6 workdays per month
- Flexible Schedule for a good work-life balance.
- Continuous training and professional growth opportunities.
Selected candidates must, at the time of signing the employment contract, provide documentation confirming either their admission to a doctoral programme or their enrolment in the programme.
Please know that if you are the chosen candidate and you are from a country which does not belong to the UE, IRTA’s People Department will support you to get the residence and working permits.
Selection process
Timings in the Recruitment Process
Curricular assessment: The candidate’s qualifications and merits will be evaluated according to the criteria established in the job offer.
Interview(s): These will be conducted by a Selection Committee to assess the candidate’s suitability in terms of professional experience and competencies.
Additional tests (if applicable): Depending on the position profile and the needs of the process, specific competency-based tests and/or a psychometric test may be included in order to more accurately assess the suitability of the candidates.
Start of contract: January 2027 (approximately)
The contract is part of project PID2025-173463OB-C21, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Social Fund Plus FSE+.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: IRTA
Country: Spain
State/Province: Catalonia
City: Bellaterra
Contact
State/Province: Barcelona
City: Caldes de Montbui
Website: http://www.irta.cat
Street: Torre Marimon Crta. C-59, Km. 12,1
Postal Code: 08140
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