26-10-00051 Postdoctoral Researcher in Air Quality, Wildfires and Human Health

Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia Organisation/Company Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia Research Field Environmental science » Natural resources management Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 6 Nov 2026
- 14:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description This research position at the CTFC offers an excellent opportunity to develop a scientific career in applied forest science research within a stimulating and transdisciplinary working environment. Within these two groups, the CTFC seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct both fundamental and applied research primarily focused on:
* Air quality and aerosol characterization using sensors and Earth observation data (Atmospheric Modelling and Extreme Wildfires Group).
* Developing pioneering research on the relationship between the environment and human health (Biosphere Reserves and Biocities Group). Located in Solsona (Pre-Pyrenees, Catalonia), CTFC employs approximately 200 staff members, produces more than 140 scientific publications annually, and manages an annual budget of around €12 million. Its research and knowledge transfer activities are structured around four programs: Multifunctional Forest Management, Landscape Dynamics and Planning, Biodiversity Management and Conservation, and Bioeconomy, Health and Governance. More institutional information is available at: www.ctfc.cat. TERMS OF THE APPOINTMENT
* The contract is expected to start in November 2026.
* This is a full-time position with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension.
* The successful candidate will be based at CTFC in Solsona (Northeastern Spain), working as a member of the Landscape Dynamics and Planning and Bioeconomy, Health and Governance programmes.
* In accordance with CTFC's salary scales, the gross annual salary will be approximately €33,500 per year.
*

Working hours
37.5 hours per week.
* 23 + 6 days of annual leave, together with attractive work-life balance and family-friendly working conditions.
* Opportunity to travel internationally to collaborate with other researchers and relevant stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Contribute to the development of a research line integrating indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring, its characterization, and its implications for human and environmental health.
* Ability to carry out field and laboratory work related to the thermochemical conversion of biomass and other combustion systems.
* Apply for competitive funding calls in the fields of air quality, human health, and environmental sustainability.
* Integrate into the research teams of the two CTFC groups already working on these topics, as well as collaborate transversally with other CTFC teams.
* Prepare national and international project proposals and secure research funding.
* Publish in scientific journals and disseminate research results at scientific and technical conferences, as well as through knowledge transfer activities.
* Contribute to other institutional activities. Research Field Environmental science » Natural resources management Education Level PhD or equivalent DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
* Authorship of relevant scientific publications.
* Strong analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.
* Previous participation in research projects.
* Ability to disseminate scientific results.
* Willingness to work in multidisciplinary teams.
* Ability to conduct independent research and address scientific questions.
* Ability to collaborate with and complement ongoing research within the group. Particular consideration will be given to personal qualities such as teamwork, problem-solving, coordination, leadership, communication, execution capacity, and autonomy.
* Knowledge of Catalan will be considered an asset. SOFT COMPETENCES
* Fast learning ability and critical thinking skills.
* Ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate within multidisciplinary environments.
* Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude.
* Coordination and leadership abilities.
* Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a high degree of autonomy. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
* The candidate must hold a completed PhD in Forest Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline relevant to the main topic of this call.
* Demonstrated knowledge and experience in combustion-related emissions, air quality assessment, aerosol characterization, exposure assessment, and health effects.
* Proven competencies in data management.
* Proven proficiency in both spoken and written Spanish and English. Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent Languages SPANISH Level Exc