Researcher in Precision Agriculture for Field Crops
hace 3 días
Lleida
We are looking for a enthusiastic and motivated Researcher with a PhD in Agronomy, Precision Agriculture, Remote Sensing, or a related fieldto join the Sustainable Field Crops Program team, based in Lleida. We offer the opportunity to be part of an organization with a dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on professional development. Por favor, lea detenidamente la siguiente descripción del puesto para asegurarse de que encaja con el perfil antes de enviar su solicitud. This position will focus on the development and integration of remote sensing, geospatial data and agronomic knowledge to support decision-making in major arable crops such as rice, maize, and soybean, among others (Agrolabs Digitals IRTA). By combining in-field data, remote sensing, GIS, and data-driven decision tools, the successful candidate will lead high-quality research and contribute to developing practical solutions for more resilient and resource-efficient agricultural systems. Tasks and Responsibilities: Remote Sensing and Digitalization of Agricultural Systems: • Design, implement and improve methodologies for the digitalization of agricultural plots using remote sensing technologies, including satellite imagery, UAV/drone data, proximal sensors and in-field monitoring systems., • Develop workflows to extract agronomic indicators (e.g., crop phenology, biomass, stress, nutrient status) from multi-source data., • Contribute to the integration of these datasets into decision support systems (DSS) for arable crops. Data Management, Processing and Integration: • Lead the cleaning, harmonization, and structuring of agronomic and environmental datasets related to crop development., • Build reproducible pipelines for data ingestion, processing, and storage, ensuring compatibility with digital platforms and DSS tools., • Apply advanced analytics, AI and machine learning techniques for pattern detection, predictive modelling and decision support. Development of Decision Support Tools (DSS): • Participate in the development and improvement of DSS like a DSS for crop variety selection in extensive crops or digital tools for recommending innovative crop production technologies., • Translate agronomic knowledge and experimental results into operational algorithms and recommendation systems (e.g., prescription maps, input optimization tools)., • Ensure tools are user-oriented, scalable and adaptable to farmer needs. Precision Agriculture and Input Optimization: • Develop and validate strategies for site-specific management of inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, water) using precision agriculture approaches., • Integrate remote sensing data and predictive models to optimize input use efficiency while maintaining productivity., • Contribute to the design of variable-rate application strategies and sustainability-oriented practices. Field Trials and Demonstrations: • Set up and manage short- and long-term field trials to test and validate precision agriculture technologies and practices — including AI-powered solutions — across key crops (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, and soybeans)., • Proof measurable benefits of reduced input usage and improved application efficiency to farmers, stakeholders and the scientific community. Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer: • Work closely with agronomists, farmers, industry partners and other research teams to translate findings into practical, scalable applications., • Provide training, workshops and technical support focused on the transfer of knowledge on digital tools to end-users and the adoption of precision agriculture and digital technologies in the sector. Reporting and Dissemination: • Provide high-quality reports, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and presentations for journals, conferences and public audiences., • Contribute to the dissemination of the economic and environmental benefits of precision agriculture, with particular emphasis on AI innovations and their impact. Grant Writing and Funding: • Lead and contribute to the development of competitive grant proposals and funding applications to secure resources in sustainable agriculture, input efficiency and AI integration in crop production. Mentorship and Leadership: • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers, interns and technical staff, fostering a collaborative, innovative and high-performance environment centered on cutting-edge AI applications in agriculture. Required qualifications and experience • Ph.D. in Agronomy, Crop Science, Precision Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field., • Proven experience in precision agriculture and digital agronomy, particularly in arable crops, including the use of remote sensing data and field observations to support input optimization (e.g. variable rate technology) and crop monitoring., • Expertise in remote sensing and geospatial analysis, including the use of satellite imagery, UAV/drone data, proximal sensing and GIS tools for agricultural applications., • Experience in the digitalization of agricultural systems, including integration of multi-source data (soil, crop, weather) and generation of agronomic indicators., • Demonstrated experience in data management and processing (e.g., R, Python, or similar), including cleaning, harmonization, structuring, and integration of datasets for use in decision support systems (DSS) or digital platforms., • Experience in the use of different technologies (bulk electric conductivity, gamma rays, etc.) to map soil field intra-field variability., • Deep understanding of agronomic practices, crop physiology and soil science. Familiarity with integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agriculture practices., • Proven ability to design, implement, and manage field trials and research projects. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail., • Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, advisors, agronomists and industry partners., • Strong communication and interpersonal skills., • A strong track record of publishing research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presenting at conferences., • Experience in developing project proposals and securing funding., • Ability to mentor and guide junior researchers and interns, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment., • Willingness to stay updated with advancements in precision agriculture technologies and integrate new approaches into projects., • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical solutions to complex agricultural challenges., • Proficiency in English., • Strong teamwork skills, ability to adapt to multidisciplinary environments and a focus on professional growth and development., • Full driving license for Europe and travelling availability., • Good communication skills and client-oriented thinking and working., • Expertise in methodological approaches to develop empirical and mechanistic models., • Advanced proficiency in data analysis and programming environments, such as R, Python, or equivalent, including experience in handling large and complex datasets., • Strong capability in the use of AI and machine learning techniques for data processing, predictive modelling and decision support in agricultural or geospatial contexts., • Catalan and Spanish are valued. Advantages of joining our team: • Contract: permanent position or IRTA Consolida (tenure track) position subject to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate., • Salary: to be resolved according to the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate, • 37.5 hour workweek, with Friday afternoons off, • Intensive work schedule from 15/06 to 15/09, • 3 days of family & work conciliation, • 45 hours of personal days, • Flexible Schedule for a good work-life balance., • Continuous training and professional growth opportunities. Please know that if you are the chosen candidate and you are from a country which does not belong to the UE, IRTA’s People Department will support you to get the residence and working permits. Instructions to Apply If you wish to be considered for this position and believe you meet the requirements, please submit your application through the form available at the bottom of this page. Equal treatment and equal opportunities are guaranteed for all candidates in the selection process, avoiding stereotypes, bias or barriers linked to gender, sexual orientation, origin, age, ideology, or any other potentially discriminatory condition. The organization also ensures inclusion commitment toward vulnerable groups, and the first round of the selection process is reserved for candidates with functional diversity. Selection Process: Curricular assessment: The candidate’s qualifications and merits will be evaluated according to the criteria established in the job offer. Interview(s): These will be conducted by a Selection Committee to assess the candidate’s suitability in terms of professional experience and competencies. xcskxlj Additional tests (if applicable): Depending on the position profile and the needs of the process, specific competency-based tests and/or a psychometric test may be included in order to more accurately assess the suitability of the candidates. Start of contract: October - November 2026 (approximately) #J-18808-Ljbffr