Fully Funded PhD: Sustainable Double-Cropping Systems and mitigation of N losses (nitrate leaching, N2O emissions and NH3 volatilization) – Universitat de Lleida, Spain
Quick Overview
The Universitat de Lleida is offering a PhD position within the DoubleCrop project to research sustainable double-cropping systems through diversification, circularity, and mitigation of nitrogen losses. The successful candidate will develop on-farm field experiments and lead the parametrization and evaluation of the STICS model for double cropping systems, combining experimental and modelling approaches.
Key Details
| Position | PhD Researcher |
| Project | DoubleCrop – Sustainable double-cropping systems |
| Institution | Universitat de Lleida / Agrotecnio |
| Location | Lleida, Catalonia, Spain |
| Qualification | MSc in Agricultural, Soil and/or Environmental Sciences or related field |
| Grade Requirement | Minimum 7.0/10 average qualification |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| Apply Via | Contact Dr. Daniel Plaza-Bonilla or Dr. Jorge Lampurlanés |
| Contact | daniel.plaza@udl.cat / jorge.lampurlanes@udl.cat |
| Project Reference | PID2025-168974OB-I00 |
Research Project
The PhD candidate will work on sustainable double-cropping systems integrating soybean or fertigation with micro-filtered pig slurry. The research focuses on:
- Developing on-farm field experiments based on sequential double cropping systems
- Measuring reactive N gas losses (nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide emission, ammonia volatilization)
- Leading parametrization and evaluation of the STICS model for double cropping systems
Responsibilities
- Develop on-farm field experiments for sequential double cropping systems
- Measure reactive nitrogen losses (nitrate leaching, N₂O emissions, ammonia volatilization)
- Lead parametrization and evaluation of the STICS model for double cropping systems
Qualifications and Skills
Required:
- Master’s Degree or equivalent (minimum 300 ECTS)
- Minimum average qualification of 7.0/10 (for foreign degrees, use equivalence criteria)
- Knowledge of field crops agronomy, soil sciences, and/or process-based modelling
- Strong background in data collection and statistical analysis for life sciences
- Driving license
- High command of English
- Strong communication and scientific writing skills
Desirable:
- Expertise in Mediterranean cropping systems
- Command of Spanish
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Location | Lleida, Spain |
| Salary | According to Spanish laws |
| Contract | 4-year PhD contract at Universitat de Lleida |
| Research Environment | Interface between agronomy, soil sciences, and environmental sciences |
About the Lab
The research group works on the interface between agronomy, soil sciences, and environmental sciences. For further information, visit: https://danielplazabonilla.eu/
About UdL and Lleida
The Universitat de Lleida offers high-quality teaching with over 700 years of academic tradition. It has been ranked among the top three universities in Spain for Agronomic Engineering. Lleida offers a high quality of urban living in a safe and pleasant environment, surrounded by the Horta de Lleida—a highly diverse agricultural area of 19,000 hectares with predominance of orchards.
Application Tips
- Check grade equivalence – For foreign degrees, compute average qualification using the official criteria: https://universidades.sede.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/Equivalencia_notas_medias
- Highlight modelling experience – Strong interest in process-based modelling is essential.
- Show field research skills – Experience with on-farm experiments and data collection.
- Emphasize communication skills – Scientific writing and presentation abilities.
- Contact supervisors early – Reach out with letter of interest, academic records, and CV.
How to Apply
Contact Dr. Daniel Plaza-Bonilla (daniel.plaza@udl.cat) or Dr. Jorge Lampurlanés (jorge.lampurlanes@udl.cat) with:
- Letter of interest
- Academic records
- CV
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the minimum grade requirement? 7.0/10 average qualification.
- What ECTS requirement? At least 300 ECTS.
- What modelling experience is required? Experience or strong interest in process-based modelling, particularly the STICS model.
- What language skills are required? High command of English; Spanish is welcomed.
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