Senior Research Opportunities in Water Science (ICREA)

Are you considering your next major career step?

The Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) is inviting expressions of interest from internationally leading senior researchers who wish to build or consolidate a long-term research career in Europe by jointly applying for upcoming opportunities for permanent positions offered by the Spanish and Catalan research systems.

ICRA is a leading multidisciplinary research centre dedicated to the whole water cycle, with a strong scientific focus on continental waters and the major water-related challenges associated with global change in the Mediterranean region.

Our research spans a wide range of strategic topics, including:

• Water quality and emerging contaminants
• Microbiology and antimicrobial resistance
• Freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
• Water scarcity, droughts and climate resilience
• Nature-based solutions
• Advanced water treatment and water reuse
• Digital and technological innovation for water
• Water governance, economics and policy

We are particularly interested in hearing from highly competitive senior candidates who may be strong applicants for:

• ICREA Programme (Catalonia) – expected in early 2027

This prestigious program is open to researchers worldwide, and additional funding opportunities are expected for candidates currently based in the USA, creating a particularly attractive window for international mobility and career transition.

We are looking for candidates with:

• At least 10 years of postdoctoral research experience
• A strong international scientific reputation
• Demonstrated excellence in:

o high-impact publications
o competitive funding acquisition
o leadership of ambitious research agendas
o coordination or leadership of national and international projects
o collaboration with industry, government, utilities, or public administration

ICRA offers an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic, internationally connected, and scientifically ambitious environment, with strong institutional support and clear potential for long-term impact and leadership. ICRA is located in Girona, a beautiful city at the crossroads between the mountains and the sea, just 40 minutes from Barcelona by train.

If you are interested in exploring this opportunity, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please send your CV to:

Prof. Mira Petrovic, Deputy director of research; mpetrovic@icra.cat