RESEARCH SPECIALIST TECHNICIAN (TecEsp_EC-FATE)

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOB

• Location: ICRA – Fundació Institut Català de Recerca de l’Aigua, Girona (Espanya)
• Number of positions available: One (1)
• Expected start: 01/11/2026
• Expected duration of the contract: 10 months
• Gross Annual Salary: 24.000€ – 40.000€

 

 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION

ICRA is looking for a technical research specialist to carry out the tasks required for the EC-FATE Project: Advances in field monitoring and analytical screening techniques for a better understanding of the fate of emerging pollutants in groundwater.

Specifically, the selected person will contribute to WP2 “Characterization of the presence, dynamics and impacts of pollution”, Task SG3: SG 3. Field and laboratory scale analysis of selected pollutants (i.e. nutrients, PhACs and pesticides) of agricultural origin in different aquatic environments: sources, transport and destination.

This specific objective involves fieldwork in different locations with an intense effort in the characterization of the presence and fate of pollution in situ, and laboratory experiments that focus on determining the sorption, degradation and, consequently, the natural attenuation of the different pollutants in the environment.

This WP is mainly dedicated to the analysis of the appearance, fate and impact at the field level of selected pollutants (SG3): nutrients (N), pesticides, including their degradation products, and other ECs, such as PhAC and its degradation products. However, screening methods will be used to detect a broad spectrum of PhAC and other relevant ECs, special emphasis will be placed on compounds already identified in previous projects (e.g. sulfonamide, tetracycline and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, among others) and on those with the highest incidence in groundwater. This WP also aims to define innovative indicators for the assessment of the impact of pollution. It includes statistical analysis of the data and modelling.

 

The contract is part of action PID2022-139911OB-C42, funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the Agency and, where appropriate, the European Union (EC-Fate Project -PID2022-139911OB-C42 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by FEDER, UE).

 

 

MAIN FUNCTIONS

Contribute to WP2 of the project, among others:

1) Support the development of analytical methods to assess the sorption/degradation of emerging pollutants (persistent and mobile compounds and drugs and antibiotics) in soils;

2) Collaborate in the realization of monitoring campaigns and fieldwork to collect samples of groundwater and surface water to address the quality problems derived from the occurrence of ECs and nutrients in the aquatic environment;

3) data interpretation, statistical analysis and hydrological modelling;

4) writing reports, articles and other outreach activities

 

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Requirements

Research Field or Field of Knowledge:

Water Resources, Analytical Chemistry,

Grades and Level of Studies:

Minimum university degree or bachelor’s degree.

Master’s Degree Valued

Skills:

Knowledge of emerging pollutants and nutrients, and analysis techniques in aqueous matrices and soils;

statistical processing of data in the usual programmes, assessing knowledge in R;

good organizational skills;

ability to work in a team, flexible person, eager to learn and ability to work independently;

good writing and communication skills.

Required Languages:

English, Catalan and Spanish

Experience Required:

Experience with the complex analysis of groundwater samples (CEs) and experience and training in fieldwork, as well as in the basic interpretation of data, will be valued.

Experience in the preparation of scientific texts will also be valued.

 

 

Desirable

Have a Master’s degree in related subjects.

Driving licence.

 

 

BENEFITS

Working Conditions: Hiring in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations. Workers receive benefits from the Spanish Social Security System that cover sickness, maternity/paternity leave and work-related accidents.

International Environment: Opportunity to join a prestigious international research institution and be part of a young and growing team.

Continuous training in a high-quality environment.

 

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

All applications must include:

CV (must be written in accordance with the AEI templates: maximum 6 pages, provide only Scopus indexes)

Motivation Letter. In the motivation letter, refer your CV, experience and expectations to the items related to this call that can be positively evaluated. Unrelated information will not be taken into account

DNI or NIE (valid and with a work permit in Spain). If you do not have a NIE, attach a declaration in which you undertake to carry out the necessary procedures to obtain a work and residence permit in Spain.

Academic Qualification

 

Deadline for Submission of Applications:

Submission of applications to Calls – ICRA

The deadline for submitting the candidacy is September 11th, 2026

 

Selection process:

In accordance with the principles of the OTM-R, a gender-balanced Selection Committee is constituted at the beginning of the process for each vacancy. After reviewing the content of the applications, the Selection Committee will begin the interview phase. During the process, it may be necessary to carry out a profile questionnaire, as well as a technical exercise.

 

 

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