JUNIOR LEADER GROUP RESEARCHER (GLJunior_L16)

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOB

• Job location: ICRA – Catalan Institute for Water Research, Girona (Spain)
• Number of positions available: 1
• Expected start: October 1st, 2026
• Permanent Position
• Gross Annual Salary package: €48,900 – €60,000

 

 

OFFER DESCRIPTION

ICRA seeks to incorporate a Junior Leader Group researcher into the Ecosystem Services Line, with the aim of leading, consolidating and expanding ICRA’s research in the field of ecosystem services associated with aquatic systems, ecological economics, socio-ecological modelling and water governance.

 

Its activities will focus on the development of conceptual, methodological and quantitative frameworks to assess the contributions of aquatic ecosystems to human well-being, analyse the impacts of global change on the provision of ecosystem services and support decision-making in water management, ecological restoration, spatial planning and climate change adaptation.

The selected person will lead competitive research and transfer projects at national, European and international level; it will coordinate multidisciplinary scientific teams; supervise pre-doctoral, postdoctoral and technical research staff; and will contribute to the strategic development of ICRA’s L16 line, as well as to the transversal activities of the institute.

The work will include the use of environmental and socio-ecological modelling tools, spatial assessment, economic and non-economic assessment of ecosystem services, participatory methods, scenario analysis and integrated approaches to connect ecological, hydrological, economic and social research.

 

The position will contribute to strengthening ICRA’s role as a reference center in interdisciplinary research on water, ecosystems and society, with a special focus on aquatic ecosystem restoration, water resilience, biodiversity, integrated basin management and the implementation of European and international policies related to water, nature and sustainable development.

 

KEY DUTIES

The researcher will play a central role in the consolidation and expansion of ICRA’s strategic research.

 

The functions associated with the position include:

–Research funding acquisition: Actively seeking and securing competitive funding at international, European, and national levels (e.g. Horizon Europe, ERC, and national R&D programmes), as well as from private and industrial partners, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the research line.

–Scientific leadership and unit management: Leading a research line, setting strategic priorities, coordinating scientific activities, and ensuring scientific excellence and operational efficiency.

–Training and supervision of research staff: Supervising and training predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, and visiting researchers, fostering the development of scientific talent and promoting a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

–Team consolidation and capacity building: Strengthening the human and technical capacity of the research line through talent attraction, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributing to the development of a dynamic, motivated, and high-performing research team.

–Dissemination and communication of research results: Ensuring the scientific dissemination of results through publications in high-impact international journals, conferences, and workshops, while also promoting knowledge transfer and engagement with society through outreach activities, collaboration with stakeholders, and communication with policymakers and the public.

 

 

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Must have – Required

Research Field or Field of knowledge:

Earth and Water Sciences / Environmental Engineering / Geography / Environment / Biology or related fields.

Qualifications and Education Level:

PhD in Sustainability / Environmental Sciences / Biology / Ecology / Environmental Engineering

Skills:

-Advanced knowledge in ecosystem services and socio-ecological systems related to water; – Experience in environmental, ecological or socio-ecological modelling; capacity to integrate ecological, hydrological, economic and social data;

-knowledge of spatial analysis and GIS tools; Experience in scenario analysis, economic and non-economic valuation of ecosystem services, environmental and social indicators, and decision-making support.

-Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, lead complex projects, coordinate international collaborations and interact with public administrations, water managers, territorial agents and other stakeholders

Required Languages:

Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is essential. Catalan and Spanish.

Required Experience:

-Minimum 10 years of research experience after the defense of the doctorate, with international postdoctoral experience (minimum 2 years) preferably in research centers or recognized universities.

-Excellent scientific career, demonstrated through peer-reviewed international publications, participation in international conferences, leadership of research groups, leadership or coordination of research projects, attracting competitive funding and experience in supervising pre-doctoral, postdoctoral or technical research staff.

-Experience in interdisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary projects related to water, ecosystems, ecosystem services, restoration, governance, climate change adaptation or environmental policies.

 

Desirable

Experience in the Catalan, national or European research system.

Participation in international networks, expert panels, scientific committees, advisory bodies or project evaluation processes.

Experience in knowledge transfer to public administrations, basin bodies, companies, NGOs or international institutions.

Experience in social sciences, participatory processes, environmental governance or public policy analysis.

Experience in European projects, especially Horizon Europe, Biodiversa+, Water4All, LIFE, PRIMA, Interreg or equivalent programmes.

 

 

BENEFITS

Working conditions: Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leaves and injuries at work.

International Environment: The opportunity to join a prestigious international research institution and become a member of a young and growing team.

Continuous training in a high-quality environment.

 

 

APPLICATIONS PROCEDURE & PROCESS

All Applications must be contain:

CV

Motivation letter

DNI or NIE (valid and with work permit in Spain). If you do not have a NIE, please attach a statement that you commit to take the necessary steps to obtain a work and residence permit in Spain.

Academic Degrees

Letters of Recommendation

 

Deadline for Applications:

Submission of applications at ICRA – Offers

The deadline to submit the required documentation is July 24th, 2026

 

Selection process:

In accordance with the OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed for every vacancy at the beginning of the process. After reviewing the content of the applications, the panel will start the interviews. A profile questionnaire as well as a technical exercise may be required during the process.

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In ICRA we are committed to maintaining and developing a work environment in which the values and principles of our organization are respected and equal opportunities and equality of opportunity and treatment is promoted in each of the areas in which we operate, creating a context favorable to diversity and to eradicate any type of direct or indirect discrimination based on age criteria (within the limits set by the Workers’ Statute), marital status, racial or ethnic origin, social status, religion or convictions, political tendency, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender expression, sexual characteristics, union membership or not, because of language, disability or because of sex, including any unfavorable treatment dispensed for the exercise of conciliation rights or co-responsibility of family and work life.

Recruitment will be carried out as provided for in Article 15 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/1995 of 24 March passing the text of the Workers’ Statute Act, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 of Royal Decree 2720/98 of 18 December (B.O.E. 8 January 1999), Act nº 12/2001 of July 9 (B.O.E. 10 July) and concordant regulations.

The principle of equality between men and women is taken into account, in accordance with Article 14 of the Spanish Constitution, the EU Directive of 9 February 1976 and the provisions of the Agreement of the Council of Ministers of March 4, 2005, passing the Plan for gender equality in the General State Administration.

Universal accessibility for persons with disabilities is taken into account, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 1 of Act nº 51/2003 of 2 December on equal opportunities, and 7% of vacancies are reserved provided the candidates pass the selection processes and are able to accredit disability and compatibility in performing the tasks so that we will progressively reach 2% of the total workforce.

Ensures effective compliance with the rights to equal treatment and non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics of LGBTI people in the ICRA workplace, in accordance with Royal Decree 1026/ 2024, of October 8, which develops the planned set of measures for equality and non-discrimination of LGBTI people in companies.

Basic information on Data Protection Responsible: Fundació Institut Català de Recerca de l’Aigua (ICRA); Purpose: The selection of candidates for current and future jobs offered by our organization; Rights: You have the right to access, rectify and delete the data, as well as other rights indicated in the additional information; Additional information: You can consult the additional and detailed information on Data Protection on our website: http://www.icra.cat/politica-de-privacidad