Universidad de Cordoba

Homepage: https://www.uco.es

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an exciting international project at the University of Córdoba (UCO). The research will focus on environmental losses in a novel approach combining Conservation Agriculture and 4R Plus Nutrient Management, (Right source of nutrients, at the Right rate, at the Right time, and in the Right place)

Project Overview
The objective of the project “Conservation Agriculture and 4R Plus Nutrient Stewardship in Spanish farms” in which this contract is framed is to build the scientific foundation and demonstrate that this new approach, which combines Conservation Agriculture and 4R Plus, could work under field conditions, and that it improves nutrient use efficiency, reducing losses and enhancing farmers’ profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform rainfall simulations to assess soil erosion and nutrient losses
• Analyse losses of carbon and phosphorus in sediment
• Measure soil moisture dynamics and percolation losses of water and nutrients using sensors
• Calibrate and validate runoff and percolation using a model (e.g. Hydrus-1D)
• Preparation of monitoring and justification reports for the project
• Collaborate with an international team of researchers from UCO
• Present findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, or a related field
• Car driving license
• EU citizenship or EU work permit (we can only accept EU applicants or EU work permit holders due to administrative constraints)

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Hydrus-1D or similar hydrological models
• Knowledge of Conservation Agriculture practices (e.g., no-till systems, cover cropping, crop rotation)
• Spanish language skills
• Hands-on experience with field work and laboratory analysis
• Working knowledge of GIS tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) for spatial data analysis
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and modelling software (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

We Offer

• Full-time PhD position at the University of Cordoba (Spain), initial 6-month contract, renewable up to 4-year, starting 1 Nov 2025
• Opportunity to work on an innovative, international project with real-world impact
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• Possibility for research stays at partner institutions
• Gross monthly salary of 2100€/month, which comfortably covers living expenses in Córdoba. Córdoba is a city with a high living quality and a relatively low cost of living

Please submit the following documents to apenuela@uco.es in a single PDF:
1. CV
2. Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
3. Copy of Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
4. Contact information for two academic references
Application deadline: July, 21st 2025

For inquiries about the position, please contact

• Prof. Tom Vanwalleghem at ag2vavat@uco.es
• Dr. Andres Peñuela at apenuela@uco.es