Fully Funded PhD – Wheat Agronomy and Breeding, IRTA Spain
Quick Overview
IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology) in Catalonia is seeking a PhD candidate to join the REWHEAT project, a national research project funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI). This project focuses on developing climate-resilient, high-yielding wheat with stable and superior grain and gluten quality, combining Mediterranean landrace diversity with advanced breeding and predictive modelling. The position is based in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, with a start date of January 2027.
Experience Level: Master’s degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, or related field
Best Fit: Candidates with experience in cereal crop research and data analysis
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Key Details
| Position | PhD Candidate |
| Project | REWHEAT – Climate-resilient wheat development |
| Institution | IRTA (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology) |
| Location | Lleida, Catalonia, Spain |
| Qualification | Master’s in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Biology, or related field |
| Contract Duration | 4 years |
| Salary (Year 1-3) | €23,322.09 gross per year |
| Salary (Year 4) | €26,325.47 gross per year |
| Additional Funding | Up to €7,000 for research stays and tuition fees |
| Start Date | January 2027 (approximately) |
| Deadline | September 15, 2026 |
| Apply Via | CV and motivation letter to IRTA |
| Key Researchers | Dr. Marta da Silva and Dr. Adrian Gracia Romero |
Project Overview
The REWHEAT project is focused on developing climate-resilient, high-yielding wheat with stable and superior grain and gluten quality. The project will combine Mediterranean landrace diversity, advanced breeding with predictive modelling, and optimized agronomic management.
The selected candidate will work on:
- Introducing key quality and adaptation traits into elite wheat
- Forecasting grain quality and yield from genetic, phenological, soil, and climate data
- Designing nitrogen and irrigation strategies that maintain quality under warmer and more variable conditions while reducing resource use and environmental impact
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Characterize and select Mediterranean wheat landraces and breeding lines for gluten quality, yield, climate resilience, and adaptation traits
- Develop and manage MAGIC and backcross populations under field and controlled conditions, applying marker-assisted selection and allele pyramiding
- Conduct and evaluate field, greenhouse, and laboratory trials to assess grain yield, protein content, gluten quality, and stability across environments
- Collect and integrate genetic, phenological, soil, crop, climate, and management data to develop predictive models for yield and grain quality
- Design and validate nitrogen, fertilization, and irrigation strategies aligned with crop phenology to stabilize quality and improve resource efficiency
- Analyze and communicate results through statistical and genomic approaches, scientific publications, reports, presentations, and collaboration with project partners
Candidate Requirements
Required:
- Master’s degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Biology, or closely related field
- Experience in field, greenhouse, or laboratory experiments involving cereal crops, preferably wheat
- Knowledge of plant breeding, quantitative genetics, crop physiology, or grain-quality assessment
- Experience in data analysis using statistical software (R, Python, or equivalent)
- Ability to collect, manage, and interpret genetic, phenotypic, environmental, and agronomic data
- Strong organizational, analytical, and scientific writing skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Good command of written and spoken English
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree (PhD)
Desirable:
- Basic knowledge of plant breeding, genetics, agronomy, crop physiology, or cereal science
- Previous academic exposure to wheat, crop improvement, plant adaptation, or grain quality
- Familiarity with field, greenhouse, or laboratory work through thesis, internship, or research project
- Basic experience with data analysis using R, Python, Excel, or similar software
- Interest in quantitative genetics, crop modelling, climate resilience, or sustainable crop management
- Catalan and Spanish language skills are valued
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | 4 years |
| Salary (Year 1-3) | €23,322.09 gross per year |
| Salary (Year 4) | €26,325.47 gross per year |
| Additional Funding | Up to €7,000 for research stays and tuition fees |
| Workweek | 37.5 hours, Friday afternoons off |
| Intensive Schedule | 15/06 to 15/09 |
| Vacation | 23 days |
| Family & Work Conciliation | 3 days |
| Personal Days | 45 hours |
| Remote Work | 6 workdays per month |
| Flexible Schedule | For work-life balance |
| Training | Continuous training and professional growth |
Application Tips
- Highlight cereal crop experience – Wheat experience is preferred.
- Show data analysis skills – R, Python, or equivalent.
- Demonstrate research experience – Field, greenhouse, or lab work.
- Show language skills – English required; Catalan and Spanish valued.
- Submit CV and motivation letter – As specified.
- Apply before deadline – September 15, 2026.
How to Apply
Send your CV and motivation letter to IRTA.
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Visa Support: IRTA’s People Department will support residence and working permits for non-EU candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the duration? 4 years.
- What is the salary? €23,322.09/year (years 1-3), €26,325.47/year (year 4).
- What is the project focus? Climate-resilient wheat with stable grain and gluten quality.
- What language skills are required? English required; Catalan and Spanish valued.
- Do I need a PhD already? No, applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.
