PhD Candidate in Computer Vision and Image Processing Technologies Focused on Fruit Crops Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries in Spain

PhD opportunity in computer vision for fruit crops at IRTA and the Computer Vision Center (CVC), UAB. The project is based in Bellaterra (Barcelona) and Lleida, Spain, with occasional temporary mobility to Lleida and Girona for fieldwork. The selected candidate will join the IRTA Fruit Production Program and the Computer Vision Center of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, working at the interface of artificial intelligence, computer vision, image processing, and precision agriculture.

Research focus. The PhD project centers on computer vision and image processing technologies for apple and peach crops under real field conditions. The doctoral researcher will develop advanced methods for 3D image reconstruction, object detection, semantic segmentation, and the processing of multispectral imagery. The aim is to transform field data into practical agronomic knowledge that supports decision-making, site-specific crop management, orchard digitalization, and technology transfer to the agricultural sector.

Research environment. The work will be carried out in a collaborative and multidisciplinary setting with computer vision engineers and agronomists. The project is linked to the UAB PhD Program in Computer Science, specifically the research line on computational models for artificial vision. The collaboration between IRTA and CVC offers an advanced European research environment with strong links to applied agricultural innovation.

Supervision. Key researchers for the position are Dr. Estanis Torres and Dr. Luis Asin. The project is co-supervised by the IRTA Fruit Production Program and the CVC at UAB.

Tasks. The PhD candidate will contribute to the design and execution of experiments, image acquisition in orchards, dataset curation, advanced data analysis, and the development and validation of AI/computer vision algorithms to detect and classify flowers, fruitlets, fruits, and other orchard structures. The role also includes literature review and scientific writing for journal articles, conference papers, and project reports.

Funding and contract. The position is a 4-year temporary full-time contract with a 37.5-hour workweek. Salary is 23,322.09 EUR gross per year for the first three years and 26,325.47 EUR gross per year in the fourth year. The doctoral grant provides up to 7,000 EUR in additional support for research stays of at least one month at other R&D centres and tuition fees for the four years of the PhD programme. Additional benefits include Friday afternoons off, intensive summer schedule, vacation and personal days, remote work options, and flexible working arrangements.

Eligibility highlights. Applicants need a relevant university degree and master’s degree in engineering or a related discipline, strong programming and computer vision skills, fieldwork readiness, and good English proficiency. Applicants must not already hold a PhD. Desirable experience includes agronomy, precision agriculture, horticulture, Catalan and Spanish, and a Category B driving licence.

How to apply. Submit a CV and motivation letter through the IRTA recruitment site. Candidates selected for the contract must provide documentation proving admission to or enrolment in a doctoral programme at the time of signing.

Deadline. Applications close on 23 October 2026 at 23:56 (Europe/Madrid).