PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER – R1 (PreDoc_HaloCycle)

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOB

• Job location: ICRA – Catalan Institute for Water Research, Girona (Spain)
• Number of positions available: 1
• Expected start: 1st October 2026
• Temporal Position. The position is for: 48 months
• Gross Annual Salary package: EPIF* minimum – €26,000 maximum

 

*Spanish Statute for Pre-doctoral Research Staff

OFFER DESCRIPTION

 We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to work in the Project “HaloCycle: Anthropospheric biogeochemistry: halogen cycling in natural and engineered systems”, which belongs to the call ATRAE2025 of the Spanish Government. Specifically, the contract is part of action ATR2025-163682 (ATRAE2025_HALOCYCLE), funded by the State Research Agency of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033.

The objective of HaloCycle is to link the bulk quantification of organo halogens (AOX) using adsorbable organo fluorine (AOF), organo chlorine (AOCl), organo bromine (AOBr) and organo iodine (AOI) with specific quantification of known contaminants using various mass spectrometric techniques. If no relationship is found we will investigate the composition of unknown organo halogens that drive AOX concentrations using innovative and new analytical non-target screening approaches.

This project requires the usage of diverse analytical tools to address complementary analytical windows in explaning the cycling of organo halogens and its ramification for the urban water cycle (e.g., holistically addressing organo halogens in treated effluent, drinking water and arising from natural compounds).

KEY DUTIES

The position involves executing complex technical activities of the project, including sample preparation, processing and analysis of samples using LC-HRMS (Orbitrap), LC-qqq MS (triple quadropole) and adsorbable organic halogens (AOX).

Finally she/he will evaluate obtained data and perform statistical analysis to determine patterns and extract the most relevant data. Also the candidate will contribute to field sampling campaigns, and sample prepraration.

The candidate must be available to communicate with local and foreign operators (English is used as the communication language). The candidate must be able to travel to the project’s sample collection sites.

Tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to collection and compilation of experimental and field monitoring data including:

-Sample preparation using SPE

-Sample analysis using different MS techniques

-Data processing using software such as Compound Discoverer and TraceFinder.

-Data treatment using standard statistical tools.

The selected candidate will have to enrol to a PhD program at the University of Girona.

The candidate will also need to draft scientific papers with the project results and support the project’s Principal Investigator in organizing project meetings.

The participation of at least 2 international conferences and travel to a collaborator´s research facility in Germany are anticipated for the PhD student.

Multiple professional development opportunities will be offered during the position.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Must have – Required

Research Field or Field of knowledge:

Chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or similar.

Qualifications and Education Level:

Master in Analytical chemistry or similar/equivalent.

The selected candidate will have to enrol to a PhD program at the University of Girona

Skills:

General knowledge: 

-Basic theoretical knowledge on analytical chemistry including understanding of various analytical techniques, including chromatography and  mass spectrometry.

-Knowledge on statistical analysis: Proficiency in statistical methods for data analysis, hypothesis testing, and error propagation.

-General knowledge in environmental chemistry: Knowledge of water chemistry, pollutants, and environmental regulations.

Practical Skills

-Laboratory Techniques (handling laboratory equipment, preparing samples, and performing analytical experiments with precision).

-Data Analysis: Proficiency in using data analysis software (e.g., Excel) to process and interpret analytical data.

-Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot experimental issues and develop innovative solutions.

-Technical Writing: Strong communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise scientific reports and papers in english.

Additional Skills

-Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate with other researchers, work in a team, and communicate effectively, ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge within the scope of the position, Self-motivation and ability to solve problems using one’s own initiative.

-Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills to balance research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities.

Required Languages:

High level in English (knowledge of Catalan and Spanish will be positively evaluated).

Required Experience:

Chemical analysis, processing of environmental samples

Desirable

Practical skills and experience in Water Analysis:

-Sample Preparation: Experience in preparing water samples for analysis, including filtration, SPE extraction, and concentration.

-Sample instrumental processing using LC-MS (HRMS), LC-qqq MS.

Experience in research environments related to water treatment or aquatic biogeochemistry.

Driving license

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

Deadline for Applications:

Submission of applications at ICRA – Offers

The deadline to submit the required documentation is July 3rd, 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 between women and men be promoted in each of the areas in which we operate, not tolerating discrimination based on criteria such age, sex, marital status, race, ethnicity, disabilities, political leanings or sexual orientation. 

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.

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