RESEARCH TECHNICIAN ADVANCED (RTA_IRONSEWER)

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOB

• Location: ICRA – Catalan Water Research Institute Foundation, Girona (Spain)
• Number of positions available: 1
• Scheduled start: 01/06/2025
• Expected duration of the contract: 27 months or until the end of the project
• Annual Gross Salary: €25,000

 

 

OFFER DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a motivated and experienced advanced research technician with a background in urban sanitation systems to work on the GenCon2023_IRONSEWER project: Optimizing Iron Salts Dosage in Sewer Systems: Enhancing Functionality and Exploring Microcontaminants Dynamics and Implications for Wastewater-Based Epidemiology. This contract is part of the PID2023-150103OB-I00 (IRON-SEWER) Project – Funded by MCIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 / FEDER, EU

The project aims to develop and apply advanced modelling and real-time monitoring for the optimal use of iron salts in the control of H₂S and CH₄, along with the testing of recycled iron-based by-products as alternatives to commercial products, with the goal of enhancing the circularity and sustainability of the urban water cycle.

Additionally, it addresses the understanding of microcontaminant dynamics in sewer systems with ferric dosing, as well as the evaluation of the stability of exposure biomarkers for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) in sewer networks treated with ferric for corrosion control

 

 

KEY DUTIES

The position involves the coordination and execution of complex technical activities within the project, including sampling in sanitation systems, physico-chemical characterization, construction and operation of pilot systems, as well as the monitoring of treatment systems.

The candidate will be expected to carry out laboratory work, including the design, construction, and installation of pilot plants and experiments in sewer systems. They will also be responsible for monitoring these systems using advanced online instruments, offline chemical analyses, and the implementation and maintenance of online control systems developed within the IRONSEWER project. The technician will work on Work Packages 1 and 2 (WP1 and WP2) of the project.

The role requires a high degree of autonomy and responsibility, along with smooth interaction with IT technicians, administrators, and public wastewater utility operators. The candidate is expected to have the ability to manage part of the budget and to make (or contribute to) decisions that affect key aspects of IRONSEWER activities.

The candidate must be available to communicate with both local and international operators (English is the standard language of communication) and must be willing to travel to the project’s demonstration sites.

 

 

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Requirements

Research Field or Field of knowledge:

Environmental engineering or similar

Qualifications and Level of Studies:

Degree in Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Chemical Engineering or similar.

Master’s degree with a water-related theme in topics related to wastewater treatment or transportation.

Skills:

A driving license is required that allows you to drive vehicles in Spain.

Good knowledge of water and wastewater engineering systems.

Good understanding of occupational health and safety, as well as hazardous operations in wastewater engineering.

Practical knowledge and skills in a technical research environment, especially in scientific and/or engineering disciplines.

Ability to learn new skills and acquire knowledge within the scope of the workplace.

Record keeping skills.

Ability to pay attention to detail.

Demonstrated skills in report writing.

Ability to work effectively and independently, as well as in a team.

Self-motivation and ability to solve problems with one’s own initiative.

Good communication and organizational skills, and ability to achieve objectives within established deadlines.

Experience in writing scientific/technical reports and user-friendly manuals or notes to document procedures and operational instructions.

Languages ​​Required:

English and Spanish. Catalan.

Experience Required:

More than 25 months of experience in research environments in the construction, operation and maintenance of pilot facilities comparable to sanitation networks.

Experience in environmental engineering, ideally in wastewater treatment systems.

Experience in data analysis and critical evaluation of operational procedures.

Experience with analytical techniques applied to wastewater analysis.

Experience in scientific writing and scientific presentations.

Experience working on similar research and development projects.

 

Desirable

Experience in research environments related to wastewater treatment.

 

 

 

BENEFITS

Working conditions : Recruitment in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations. Working people receive benefits from the Spanish Social Security System that cover illnesses, maternity/paternity leave and work 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 & PROCESS

All applications must include:

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.

Driving licence

 

Deadline for Applications:

Submission of applications to Offers – ICRA

The deadline for submitting the candidacy is 04/28/2025.

 

Selection process:

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

 

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

At 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 are promoted between women and men in each of the areas in which we operate, not tolerating discrimination by criteria of age, sex, marital status, race, ethnicity, disabilities, political tendency or sexual orientation.

The recruitment will be carried out in accordance with everything provided for in Article 15 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/1995, of March 24, which approves the text of the Workers’ Statute Law, in accordance with what establishes Article 2 of Royal Decree 2720/98, of December 18 (BOE, January 8, 1999), Law No. 12/2001, of July 9 (BOE, July 10) and corresponding rules.

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 everything set out in the Agreement of the Council of Ministers of March 4, 2005, whereby the Plan for Gender Equality in the General Administration of the State is approved.

The universal accessibility of people with disabilities is taken into account, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 1 of Law No. 51/2003, of December 2, on equal opportunities, and it is reserved 7% of the places as long as the candidates pass the selection process and can prove their disability and compatibility in the performance of the tasks, so that we will gradually reach 2% of the total workforce.

Basic information on Data Protection Responsible: Catalan Water Research Institute Foundation (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 additional and detailed information on Data Protection on our website: http://www.icra.cat/politica-de-privacidad