Predoctoral position in Geosciences - PIROS

Organisation/Company Universitat de Barcelona Department OPIR Research Field Geosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 5 Jun 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jul 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Interreg Reference

Number EFA202/06 FEDER INTERREG POCTEFA 2021-2027 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Project: Renewable energy for the development of rural mountain areas: the potential of geothermal energy in the Pyrenees.

The PIROS project places research and innovation at the heart of the energy transition, exploring the potential of geothermal energy as a renewable source in the mountainous areas of the Eastern Pyrenees. Its ambition is to promote sustainable development in the Pyrenean territory and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. The key objectives of PIROS are to assess and harness the geothermal potential of the region’s thermal water sources; determine optimal uses according to different areas (electricity generation, heating, health/well-being, or other direct applications); analyze the socioeconomic impact of geothermal energy on regional sustainable development; and contribute to energy sovereignty and the fight against climate change in the Pyrenees.

Specifically, this offer is focused on the study of the hydrothermal systems of the Eastern Pyrenees and their spatio-temporal evolution in order to establish lithological, structural, and diagenetic controls.

Within this framework, the tasks to be carried out during the PhD period will include:

• Geological and structural mapping of the study areas (based on previous mapping, fieldwork, and satellite imagery).
• Structural analysis: identification of structure types (geometry, architecture) and kinematic characterization.
• Sampling of rocks, cements, and alterations associated with the paleocirculation of fluids through fractures.
• Analysis of the petrophysical properties of rocks and the permeability of the fracture network.
• Petrological and geochemical analyses (elemental and isotopic) of fracture cements to precisely determine where, when, and at what temperature fluid circulation occurred, and how the systems evolved in time and space.

Dating of cements and alterations to establish the longevity of hydrothermal systems, a crucial aspect for assessing the sustainability of this resource.

A passionate and versatile geologist will be highly valued.

• Experience in petrology and geochemistry: You are proficient in petrographic characterization methods and wish to apply them to understand the functioning of a strategic renewable energy resource.
• Strong background in general and structural geology: You aim to apply your knowledge to establish links between groundwater flow and the geological environment, with particular attention to fracture systems.
• Autonomy and field experience: You have conducted field campaigns and are able to take initiative.
• International openness: You are willing to work across France, Andorra, and Spain; you are fluent in Spanish or Catalan (both spoken and written), ideally also in French, and you have a good command of English.
• Strong oral and written communication skills: You enjoy presenting your work and research at scientific meetings and in scientific publications.
• Collaborative mindset: You enjoy exchanging ideas, cooperating, and working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Resilience and adaptability: Working in mountain environments is not an obstacle for you, and you are comfortable establishing initial contact with unfamiliar stakeholders.

Valid EU driving license required.

• Experience in scientific communication (website creation, videos, social media) will be considered a significant asset for promoting the project’s results.

This PhD will be carried out as a joint supervision (cotutelle) with the University of Paris-Saclay and in close collaboration with the other partners of the PIROS project.

Gross salary per year: 24.000,12 €.

The application period runs from May 22 to June 5, 2025, both inclusive.

Hold a BSc/MSc in Geology (or similar) and fulfil the requirements to be admitted into the Earth Sciences PhD program at the Universitat de Barcelona.

A full-time work contract (37.5 hrs/week). The researcher will have the possibility to participate in teaching activities for professional development (not obligatory, though).

Eligibility criteria A specific committee will evaluate the applications using the following criteria:

• Grade point average of the academic transcripts from the applicant's bachelor's or master's degree studies (or 1st and 2nd cycle): up to 5 points out of a total of 10.
• Curricular merits: up to 1 point out of a total of 10 in accordance with the specific criteria listed in Annex 1.
• Suitability for the tasks to be performed within the framework of the research project or research support position to which the successful candidate will be attached: up to 4 points out of a total of 10.

Selection process The specific committee will agree upon an award proposal and draw up a prioritized shortlist of candidates who have achieved a minimum of five pointsor declare the call for applications null and void if none of the applicants reach the minimum score.

The award proposal will be published in the UB's electronic office and must include the total scores of the candidates that have received a total of at least five points.

Application Process

According to the specific requirements and selection criteria, the candidates are expected to provide at least the following documents:

Duration of the contract of employment: 12 months, renewable 01/04/2029 (possibility extension of the project duration).

The candidate proposed for hiring must accept the job offer within 10 working days from the date of notification of the selection.

Priority will be given to people with disabilities (Law 89/2015 of June 2, reserve of quota 2% in favour of people with disabilities in companies of 50 or more people).

Be aware that the starting date sets in this offer is an estimate date. The official starting date will depend on the time necessary for administration to prepare the labour contract and present the necessary documents for the selected candidate to be hired.

This date will be linked to the availability of the proof of the formalization of the registration of the PhD program UB, at the time of signing the contract.

For additional information regards this offer, please, contact Dr. Irene Cantarero: i_cantarero@ub.edu