Junior Leader Group Researcher

JUNIOR LEADER GROUP RESEARCHER (GLJunior_L16)No espere a enviar su solicitud después de leer esta descripción; se espera un gran volumen de candidaturas para esta oportunidad.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOBJob

location:
ICRA – Catalan Institute for Water Research, Girona (Spain)Number of positions available: 1Expected start: October 1st, 2026Permanent PositionOFFER DESCRIPTIONICRA seeks to incorporate a Junior Leader Group researcher into the Ecosystem Services Line, with the aim of leading, consolidating and expanding ICRA’s research in the field of ecosystem services associated with aquatic systems, ecological economics, socio-ecological modelling and water governance.
Its activities will focus on the development of conceptual, methodological and quantitative frameworks to assess the contributions of aquatic ecosystems to human well-being, analyse the impacts of global change on the provision of ecosystem services and support decision‑making in water management, ecological restoration, spatial planning and climate change adaptation.
The selected person will lead competitive research and transfer projects at national, European and international level; will coordinate multidisciplinary scientific teams; supervise pre-doctoral, postdoctoral and technical research staff; and will contribute to the strategic development of ICRA’s L16 line, as well as to the transversal activities of the institute.
The work will include the use of environmental and socio‑ecological modelling tools, spatial assessment, economic and non‑economic assessment of ecosystem services, participatory methods, scenario analysis and integrated approaches to connect ecological, hydrological, economic and social research.
The position will contribute to strengthening ICRA’s role as a reference centre in interdisciplinary research on water, ecosystems and society, with a special focus on aquatic ecosystem restoration, water resilience, biodiversity, integrated basin management and the implementation of European and international policies related to water, nature and sustainable development.
KEY DUTIESResearch funding acquisition: Actively seeking and securing competitive funding at international, European, and national levels (e.g. Horizon Europe, ERC, and national R&D programmes), as well as from private and industrial partners, ensuring the long‑term sustainability and growth of the research line.
Scientific leadership and unit management: Leading a research line, setting strategic priorities, coordinating scientific activities, and ensuring scientific excellence and operational efficiency.
Training and supervision of research staff: Supervising and training pre‑doctoral and post‑doctoral researchers, technical staff, and visiting researchers, fostering the development of scientific talent and promoting a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
Team consolidation and capacity building: Strengthening the human and technical capacity of the research line through talent attraction, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributing to the development of a dynamic, motivated, and high‑performing research team.
Dissemination and communication of research results: Ensuring the scientific dissemination of results through publications in high‑impact international journals, conferences, and workshops, while also promoting knowledge transfer and engagement with society through outreach activities, collaboration with stakeholders and communication with policymakers and the public.
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLSResearch Field or Field of knowledge: Earth and Water Sciences / Environmental Engineering / Geography / Environment / Biology or related fields.
Qualifications and Education Level: PhD in Sustainability / Environmental Sciences / Biology / Ecology / Environmental Engineering.

Skills:
Advanced knowledge in ecosystem services and socio‑ecological systems related to water.
Experience in environmental, ecological or socio‑ecological modelling; capacity to integrate ecological, hydrological, economic and social data.
Knowledge of spatial analysis and GIS tools; experience in scenario analysis, economic and non‑economic valuation of ecosystem services, environmental and social indicators, and decision‑making support.
Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, lead complex projects, coordinate international collaborations and interact with public administrations, water managers, territorial agents and other stakeholders.
REQUIRED LANGUAGESFluency in English, both spoken and written, is essential. Catalan and Spanish.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCEMinimum 10 years of research experience after the defense of the doctorate, with international postdoctoral experience (minimum 2 years) preferably in research centres or recognised universities.
Excellent scientific career, demonstrated through peer‑reviewed international publications, participation in international conferences, leadership of research groups, leadership or coordination of research projects, at