We are looking for a PhD Candidate to join the Ruminant Production Program team, based in Torre Marimon (Caldes de Montbui, Barcelona). We offer the opportunity to be part of an organization with a dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on professional development.

The selected candidate will conduct research and innovation activities to recovery of the gastrointestinal tract functionality in dairy beef calves after transportation

Key researchers for the position: Maria Devant and Sònia Martí

Tasks and Responsibilities:

- The ones corresponding to a PhD student. Write a PhD thesis and publish scientific papers on the grounds of the PhD project.

- To perform literature review, data collection and management (field and lab), involving statistical analysis.

- To contribute to the scientific production of the research and innovation activities of the research line.

- To collaborate on other projects as part of a team.

Required qualifications and experience

- Candidates must hold one of the following degrees: Veterinary, Science Animal Health, Science Animal Production, or similar and have completed their studies leading to such an award in January 2018 or later.

And:

a) A Master’s in animal science/animal nutrition; or

b) To be in a position to access a doctoral programme according to the requirements of Catalan universities, i.e. accrediting between 60 and 120 ECTS credits at the official university master's degree level or equivalent.

- Not to have a previous PhD degree.

- Proficiency in English

- Strong teamwork skills,



ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development.

Desirable requirements

- Demonstrated experience in matters of nutrition and animal health.

- Demonstrated experience in management, and gut health in calves.

- Strong interest and basic knowledge in Animal Nutrition and Welfare.

- Good communication skills

- Ability for adaptable work (schedules and locations)

- Driver license (required)

- Knowledge of Catalan and Spanish will be valued

Advantages of joining our team:

- Contract: 4 years

- Gross annual salary in 14 payments:

- First year of contract: 19.800€

- Second and third year of contract: 24.025€

- Fourth year of contract: 26.325€

*which will be subject to the corresponding withholdings, pursuant to prevailing regulations, and to the collective employment agreement of IRTA. IRTA will also pay the fees of the doctoral school when receiving the enrolment.

- 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.





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.

Instructions to Apply

If you wish to be considered for this position and believe you meet the requirements, please send your CV and motivation letter.

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.

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: November-December 2026 (approximately)

El contrato es parte de la ayuda PID2023-150544OB-I00 , financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por el FSE+

Busquem un/a

📌 PhD Candidate for the Ruminant Production Program (España)
🏢 IRTA
📍 España