We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Animal Welfare and Aquaculture Program teams, based in Monells (Girona), and La Ràpita (Tarragona) Catalonia, Spain . We offer the opportunity to be part of an organization with a dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on professional development.

The research project is focused on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) welfare from juveniles until the smoltification phase. Our objective is to develop an environmental programming approach for Atlantic salmon juveniles by characterising the circadian daily rhythm of thermal preference from fry to the smolt stage using our innovative thermal choice paradigm and synchronise this with the natural photoperiod. Our goal is to apply, for the first time, an optimal thermal regime in salmon aquaculture that will directly impact upon optimisation of salmon welfare throughout the production cycle.

Key researchers for this position: Prof Sonia Rey Planellas and Dr Neil Duncan.

The position will be based between Monells and La Ràpita, as the in vivo studies and experimental work associated with the project will be conducted in La Ràpita.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

- Contribute to leading, coordinate and execute the SMOLTime project according to the main aims and objectives by designing the experiments, organising the material and the required equipment, work in collaboration with the Aquaculture and laboratory Technicians on fish management and maintenance and organising and participating in the sampling, data collection and analysis.
- Organise the team meetings, travel and reporting to the funder following the deadlines and requirements for the project.
- Manage and assist the technical staff, research assistants and potential students related to the project.
- Contribute to the activities of the Animal Welfare and Aquaculture 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.
- Perform literature review, data collection and management, involving statistical analysis.
- Contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the Program.
- 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.
- Identify opportunities for cutting-edge research and innovation to address strategic priorities of the Aquatic Animal Welfare group.
- Contribute to the teamwork and team-spirit fostering collaboration and integration activities.

Required qualifications and experience

- Ph.D. related to Biological Sciences, Animal Behaviour and/or Welfare, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Science, Animal Science or similar specialized in fish.
- Strong understanding of fish behaviour and welfare, circadian rhythms and salmon biology related to smoltification.
- Knowledge of English at proficiency level.
- Experience on working with fish, able to understand the husbandry requirements and help on the building of the tanks, systems and general maintenance.
- Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.
- Proven 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.
- Driving licence and willingness to drive to facilities and farms and visit the other partners of the consortium.
- Capacity to work independently and for long hours and under fish farming conditions.
- Willingness and ability to travel national and international including to the facilities and the laboratories involved in the project (UAB and UVigo).
- Capacity to participate and present the results of the project to national and international conferences as well as to related stakeholders and funders.
- Previous post-doctoral research experience (national or international).




- Experience on fish husbandry and animal handling.
- Expertise on behavioural video analysis using BORIS or ETHOVISION or related software.
- FELASA accreditation for animal experimentation or similar if international.
- Experience in molecular biology and fish immunology.
- Expertise in methodological approaches to analyse blood parameters and monoamines.
- Expertise in the evaluation of sensors and images and machine learning.
- Experience on the use of R and Python.
- Statistical knowledge to analyse models related to animal science studies.
- Knowledge of Spanish or Catalan language.

Advantages of joining our team:

- Contract: postdoctoral temporary contract for 3 years
- Gross annual salary in 14 payments: 35.100,62€
- 37.5 hour workweek, with Friday afternoons off
- Intensive work schedule from 15/06 to 15/09
- 3 days of family & work conciliation
- 45 hours of personal days
- Adaptable Schedule for a good work-life balance.
- Continuous training and professional growth opportunities.

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.

Equal treatment and equal opportunities are guaranteed for all candidates in the selection process, avoiding stereotypes, bias or barriers linked to gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, ideology, or any other potentially discriminatory condition. The organization also ensures inclusion commitment toward vulnerable groups, and the first round of the selection process is reserved for candidates with functional diversity.

Selection 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:

from 1st January 2027 (approximately and depending on the funding and the project agreement and candidate availability)

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📌 Postdoctoral Researcher in Aquatic Animal Welfare (San Sadurní)
🏢 IRTA
📍 San Sadurní