Environmental Losses in Soil Conservation Agriculture and 4R Plus Nutrient Management
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an exciting international collaboration project between the University of Córdoba (UCO, Spain) and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P, Morocco). The research will focus on environmental losses in a novel approach combining Conservation Agriculture and 4R Plus Nutrient Management.
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 and UM6P
- 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
Preferred Skills
- Experience with Hydrus-1D or similar hydrological models
- Knowledge of Conservation Agriculture practices
- Spanish language skills
- Familiarity with Conservation Agriculture principles (e.g., no-till systems, cover cropping, crop rotation)
- Hands-on experience with field work and laboratory analysis
- Working knowledge of GIS tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) for spatial data analysis
- Experience in 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 July 2025.
- Gross monthly salary of 2,119.17 euros, which comfortably covers living expenses in Córdoba.
- Opportunity to work on an innovative, international project with real-world impact
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities at UCO and UM6P
- Possibility for research stays at partner institutions, including Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).
The University of Córdoba (UCO) is a leading research institution in Spain, particularly strong in Agricultural Sciences. As a PhD candidate, you’ll be part of a dynamic research environment at the forefront of sustainable agriculture.
Please submit the following documents to r22flroc@uco.es
- CV
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Copy of Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Contact information for two academic references
Application deadline: 20/04/2025
For inquiries about the position, please contact:
- Prof. Tom Vanwalleghem ag2vavat@uco.es
- Dr. Andres Peñuela apenuela@uco.es
UCO and UM6P are equal opportunity employers and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.