Geociencias Barcelona (GEO3BCN-CSIC) is seeking a motivated researcher to join the Paleoecology Laboratory (PALAB) through the JAE-PRE 2026 call, a CSIC-funded predoctoral programme offering up to 48 months of full contract to pursue a doctoral degree within CSIC’s research institutes.

The PALAB team is looking for enthusiastic candidates with organization skills that enjoy both team- and independent work willing to join an international team where excellent work environment is a must. Background knowledge on botany or plant ecology, and statistical analysis are desirable.

The project

This PhD will be part of the MOMPAST project: ‘Past analogues of sustainable food production under climate change scenarios: assessing pre-Columbian large-scale practices’ viability in flood-prone environments’ [PID2022-138059NB-I00], and will consist of studying the land use of an ancient culture characterised by large-scale water management inhabiting the Mompos Depression (N Colombia), and its effects on the surrounding landscape (terrestrial and aquatic communities). This study will be undertaken by analysing several proxies (microscopic remains such as pollen or diatoms) preserved in sedimentary archives (like the sediments beneath the water present in swamps or lakes) and archaeological pits, establishing a long-term record of the biotic dynamics and human-environment interactions.

Applicants must





- Hold a Master’s degree before the starting date.
- Demonstrate English proficiency (equivalent to level B2).
- Be willing to participate in extended field campaigns (up to one month) in remote tropical environments.
- Be comfortable carrying out laboratory work involving standard chemical procedures and reagents.

What we offer

- A fully funded 4-year PhD position (gross annual salary of 32,565.71€ including taxes; distributed in 14-pay gross monthly salary of 1818.30€).
- Integration into a dynamic international research team.
- Training in palaeoecological, archaeological, and environmental research methods.
- Opportunities for international collaboration and fieldwork in Colombia.

Key information

- The PhD will be carried out in the CSIC research institute Geosciences Barcelona and will be supervised by Encarni Montoya and Mª Carmen Trapote, within the Paleoecology Laboratory.
- Starting date: between 15th October and 15th December 2026
- Pre-application process: Please send your application (including a motivation letter, CV and academic record of your University Degree) to [email protected] or [email protected]. Preselected candidates will be appointed for an online interview.
- Pre-application deadline: 7th August 2026
- Learn more about the MOMPAST project

📌 PhD contract offer (Barcelona)
🏢 Geociencias Barcelona del CSIC (GEO3BCN-CSIC)
📍 Barcelona