Job Description

CREAF is seeking a predoctoral researcher for the eMETA-RARE project (Using elementome-metabolome and biogeochemical-metabolomic niches to investigate common and rare plant characteristics), with the reference PID2025-174311NB-I00 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y universidades, the Agencia Estatal de Investigación and Co-funded by European Union (MICIU /AEI /10.13039/501100011033)

eMETA-RARE aims to understand why some species are abundant whilst others remain rare. The project addresses this by investigating differences in elementomes and biogeochemical niches between abundant and rare species through the elemental ecology framework. By integrating elemental data with metabolome configurations, the project will reveal how elemental composition shifts directly link to metabolism and species functioning across environmental gradients. The central hypothesis posits that abundant and rare species exhibit predictable differences in their elementomes, metabolomes, and corresponding biogeochemical and metabolic niches both at local (individuals and populations) and regional (species) scales. These differences reflect contrasting elemental and metabolic strategies directly linked to species prevalence and ecological roles.

To achieve the main aims of the project, we will conduct vegetation inventories across NE Spain, perform seasonal surveys of several forests over two years and execute laboratory experiments using abundant and rare plants to measure elemental and metabolic flexibility under changing environmental and nutritional constraints. This PhD thesis will contribute substantially to achieving the objectives of the project.

The PhD candidate will develop skills in elemental ecology, analytical chemistry, and metabolomics in the field of ecology. Although a high degree of independence, initiative, and self-directed learning will be expected throughout the PhD, particularly in developing analytical, computational, and quantitative skills, the candidate will progressively build these competencies through hands-on research, specialized training and expert supervision, especially on the most technically demanding aspects of elementome and metabolome analyses. Through this research, the PhD student will gain deep expertise in data processing, statistical modelling, and data integration across environmental gradients, building a strong foundation in the fields of ecological stoichiometry and eco-metabolomics. This PhD thesis will provide the student with cutting-edge interdisciplinary skills to address complex ecological questions and pursue a successful, competitive scientific career.

A full-time contract is offered (37.5 hours per week) with planned incorporation in January 2027* and It will last at least 48 months. The salary offered (gross) is established by the RD EPIF (Real Decreto 103/2019, de 1 de marzo, por el que se aprueba el Estatuto del personal investigador predoctoral en formación): with 75% of € 33.941,46** = € 25.456,15 each year.

*The start of the contract will depend on the final resolution of the project, not coming into force

until it’s resolved and it’s possible to allocate expenses to it.

**Salary from Group 1 (M3) of the salary table from the Convenio colectivo único para el personal laboral de la Administración General del Estado of 2024 (subject to possible salary increases when new salary amounts are approved).

For informal enquiries, please, contact IP garant:

Marcos Fernández Martínez ([email protected])

MAIN FUNCTIONS

• Field work to collect samples of plant tissues (e.g., leaves, wood).
• Laboratory work will be mainly performed at CREAF while metabolomics analyses will be conducted at ICIFOR-INIA (Institute of Forest Science, National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology) in Madrid.
• Curate the datasets and perform statistical analyses.
• Lead the writing of the scientific articles originating from the results of the thesis.
• Contribute to the main objectives of the research group, including participation in the projects of other team members.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees related to biology, environmental sciences, forestry, biophysics, physics, chemistry or similar.
• Botanical skills and field work experience.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Willingness to develop strong analytical and quantitative skills with an aptitude for large-scale data analysis and advanced statistics.
• Good English level, both spoken and written. Catalan and Spanish are highly recommended.
• Excellent oral and writing communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team and independently.

ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS

• Availability to travel for field work for several days.
• Driving licence (B2).
• Expertise programming in R and/or Python.
• Experience and interest in biology and ecology.
• Previous experience in ecological research.
• Participation in scientific publications (first-author publications will be strongly valued).
• Experience performing experiments in biology.
• Candidates who have a recognized disability will be considered and accredited equal to or greater than 33% will be prioritized, if the disability is compatible with the proper performance of the job.

SELECTION PROCES AND CRITERIA

1. Admission of candidates: 1) CVA (please download and complete the document available at the following link) in English, 2) motivation letter (less than 1 page), 3) academic transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees (in Spanish or English), and 4) the contact details of at least two previous supervisors so that we can request references until November 16, 2026. Applications submitted to any portal other than the CREAF job board and the instructions included therein will not be accepted.
2. Pre-selection: assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
3. Selection: evaluation of the pre-selected candidates through scoring based on objective criteria, interviews with a shortlist of candidates, and a proposed exercise.
4. Final decision: if a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally informed of their selection, and all other participants in the selection process will be notified by email.

JOB OFFER