PhD position in contaminants in marine ecosystems and analytical chemistry at IDAEA-CSIC Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research in Spain

PhD position at IDAEA-CSIC in contaminants in marine ecosystems

The Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) in Barcelona, Spain is recruiting a predoctoral researcher for the European-funded SEATRACE project (HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-05). The project focuses on the characterisation of complex contaminant mixtures in marine ecosystems and the integration of advanced analytical chemistry with environmental and human health risk assessment.

The PhD research will address marine pollution, seafood safety, and exposure to contaminant mixtures. The selected candidate will work in a multidisciplinary and international environment and contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and collaboration with international partners.

Research topics include developing innovative analytical methods for marine-relevant pollutants in water, sediment, and marine organisms; combining active and passive sampling techniques; using advanced mass spectrometry; and applying target, suspect, and non-target screening approaches. The project also involves preparing and analysing environmental and biological samples, validating miniaturised analytical methods, and integrating chemical data with ecotoxicological and risk assessment information.

Eligible backgrounds include Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Marine Sciences, Pharmacy, Environmental Engineering, or related disciplines. Applicants should have strong interest in organic contaminants in environmental and biological matrices, good English skills, and the ability to work in an organised, rigorous, and collaborative way.

Working conditions: full-time predoctoral contract for 36 months, with annual renewal subject to positive evaluation and funding. Estimated gross annual salary: EUR 25,456.10. Target start date: 01/10/2026.

How to apply: email your CV and motivation letter to Sandra Pérez and Nicola Montemurro, include the subject line specified in the announcement, and add 2-3 references in your CV. Deadline: 31/07/2026.