Predoctoral Contract (PIF2025): The Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS-CSIC) in Córdoba, Spain, invites applications for a Predoctoral Contract (PIF2025) within the project “PATHOSMART: Smart Surveillance of Vascular Plant Pathogens.”
The position offers a unique opportunity to work on integrating epidemiological modelling, remote sensing, and molecular tools to tackle major plant pathogens such as Xylella fastidiosa and Verticillium dahliae. The selected candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of experts in plant health, remote sensing, and data science, contributing to cutting-edge research on plant disease surveillance and climate change impacts.
📘 Summary Table
| Designation | Predoctoral Researcher (PIF2025) |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Smart Surveillance of Vascular Plant Pathogens: Integrating Epidemiological Modelling, Remote Sensing, and Molecular Tools (PATHOSMART) |
| Location | Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS-CSIC), Córdoba, Spain |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Expected Start Date | Spring 2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 20, 2025 |
| Contact Email | j.navas@csic.es, rcalderon@csic.es |
| Subject Line (for email) | “PIF PATHOSMART Offer” |
🎓 Designation
Predoctoral Researcher (PIF2025) under the PATHOSMART project at IAS-CSIC.
🧪 Research Area
- Plant Pathology and Epidemiology
- Remote Sensing (Hyperspectral and Multispectral Imagery)
- Molecular Biology and Modelling
- Climate Change and Agricultural Sustainability
📍 Location
Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS-CSIC)
Córdoba, Spain
🎯 Eligibility / Qualification
Required:
- Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Biology, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields
- Knowledge of data analysis, remote sensing, and GIS
- Good written and spoken English skills
Highly Valued:
- Experience with epidemiological modelling or hyperspectral/multispectral data analysis
- Programming skills in R, Python, or MATLAB
- Knowledge of advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques
🧭 Job Description
The selected candidate will:
- Contribute to the development of a smart surveillance system for detecting and modelling infections caused by Xylella fastidiosa and Verticillium dahliae.
- Integrate epidemiological models, satellite remote sensing, and molecular tools for enhanced disease monitoring.
- Participate in field campaigns, laboratory analyses, and international collaborations.
- Gain continuous training in epidemiological modelling, spectral analysis, and advanced research methodologies.
- Engage in research stays at leading international institutions and access specialized courses in related fields.
📝 How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Academic Transcript
Send your application via email to:
📧 j.navas@csic.es (Dr. Juan A. Navas Cortés, Principal Investigator)
📧 rcalderon@csic.es (Dr. Rocio Calderón Madrid)
Email Subject: “PIF PATHOSMART Offer”
⏰ Last Date to Apply
November 20, 2025
🌱 About the Project
PATHOSMART aims to develop a next-generation smart surveillance system for vascular plant pathogens, integrating epidemiological modelling, molecular diagnostics, and remote sensing technologies. The project seeks to anticipate disease spread, enhance risk assessment, and support sustainable agriculture under changing climate conditions.
