CREAF is seeking a senior researcher to lead a cutting-edge international research line in evolutionary ecology, focused on how populations adapt to accelerated environmental change. This interdisciplinary position bridges genomics, animal behaviour, and ecosystem functioning to predict and mitigate the impacts of global change on biodiversity.
The position is oriented toward the development of an international research line in evolutionary ecology focused on the study of ecological and evolutionary responses of populations to accelerated environmental change. This line combines large-scale field and laboratory experiments, studies of animal behaviour, population and community ecology, and high-throughput genomics tools based on whole-genome sequencing of native and invasive species, with the aim of identifying the ecological, behavioural, and genetic mechanisms that enable rapid adaptation to challenges arising from global change, including biological invasions, habitat transformation, and climatic alterations.
The research seeks to link processes operating from the genomic scale to the ecosystem scale in order to understand how individual responses translate into changes in population dynamics, ecological interactions, and ecosystem functioning. This interdisciplinary and cutting-edge approach strengthens the centre’s position as an international reference in evolutionary and behavioural ecology in the context of global change, while also generating both fundamental and applied knowledge for the development of evidence-based solutions aimed at the conservation and management of Mediterranean biodiversity. Within this framework, the research line contributes to improving the capacity to predict, mitigate, and manage the impacts of global change on biological communities and the ecosystem services essential for human well-being
In accordance with the institutional commitment acquired in the proposal, the position is oriented towards its structural stabilization within CREAF through self-funding mechanisms and the Contracte Programa of the Generalitat, thereby contributing to the consolidation of an independent research profile and reinforcing the centre’s scientific capacities in strategic areas, following the award of a Consolidación Investigadora grant in this field.
A full-time contract is offered (37.5 hours per week) with immediate start. The gross annual salary offered is €47.026,84 (corresponding to category R2).
The offer is in accordance with the announcement published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Catalonia (Diari Oficial de la Generalitat de Catalunya) on 11 June 2026, number 9690, by the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), which sets out the terms and conditions of the call for this Research Support position to be filled through a merit-based selection process.
MAIN FUNCTIONS:
Develop an independent, innovative, and competitive research line in evolutionary ecology, animal behaviour, and eco-evolutionary dynamics within contexts of accelerated environmental change, with special emphasis on rapid adaptation processes, biological invasions, and other challenges associated with global change.
Lead the design, coordination, and execution of field and laboratory experiments across various spatial and temporal scales, including animal behaviour studies under natural and controlled conditions, population monitoring, and the collection of ecological, phenotypic, and genomic data.
Develop and implement integrative approaches based on next-generation genomics, advanced statistical modelling, and big data analysis to study the interactions between ecological, behavioural, and evolutionary processes.
Coordinate the analysis and interpretation of high-throughput sequencing data, including whole genomes of native and invasive species, as well as the use of high-performance computing infrastructure and advanced bioinformatics tools.
Lead the publication of results in high-impact international scientific journals and promote the transfer of the knowledge generated towards biodiversity conservation and management.
Supervise and mentor research personnel in training, including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff, contributing to their scientific training and professional development.
Drive the acquisition of competitive national and international funding and lead the development of new scientific proposals in excellence-based calls.
Contribute to the consolidation and leadership of a strategic research line at CREAF in evolutionary and behavioural ecology, reinforcing the centre’s international profile and its capacity to generate evidence-based solutions to address the impacts of global change on Mediterranean biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem services,
REQUIREMENTS:
PhD in Biology, Ecology, Evolution, or related disciplines.
Proven scientific track record in evolutionary ecology, animal behaviour, invasion biology, or eco-evolutionary dynamics.
Possession of, or having previously held, a recognized research consolidation grant or certificate (e.g., Consolidación Investigadora, Ramón y Cajal, I3/R3 certificate, or equivalent international tenure-track/consolidation milestones).
Postdoctoral training at internationally recognized research centres or universities in ecology, evolution, or animal behaviour.
Consolidated publication record as a primary or corresponding author in high-impact international journals.
Proven experience in the design and execution of ecological and evolutionary experiments under both natural and controlled conditions.
Experience in high-throughput sequencing techniques and population genomics (e.g., RADseq, WGS, or equivalent approaches) and in the bioinformatic analysis of genomic data.
Experience in managing and analysing large volumes of biological data using high-performance computing (HPC) environments and bioinformatics clusters.
Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis and ecological modelling using R or equivalent tools.
Experience in integrating ecological, behavioural, morphological, and molecular data.
Demonstrable experience in leading competitive national and international projects funded by public and/or private organizations.
Proven experience in securing competitive funding and preparing proposals for international programmes of excellence.
Evidence of international scientific leadership in high-level competitive calls, including participation in advanced evaluation stages of European excellence programmes (e.g., ERC).
Experience in coordinating international collaborative networks.
Proven experience in supervising national and international predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
Successful track record in attracting, training, and mentoring research personnel within national and international competitive calls.
Proven research experience in island systems, biological invasions, rapid adaptation processes, or eco-evolutionary dynamics.
Experience in coordinating international fieldwork campaigns in island ecosystems or other complex natural systems.
Experience in developing innovative methodologies for the study of animal behaviour and the quantification of high-resolution phenotypic traits.
Demonstrated ability to work in and lead multidisciplinary and international teams.
Fluency in spoken and written scientific English.
Demonstrated experience in knowledge transfer, scientific advisory, and outreach aimed at public administrations, biodiversity managers, and society.
Demonstrated experience in communication with national and international media.
ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS:
Experience in applying ecological and evolutionary knowledge to the conservation and management of Mediterranean biodiversity.
Participation in scientific knowledge transfer initiatives related to invasive species management, endangered species conservation, or ecological restoration.
Experience in coordinating collaborations between research centers, public administrations, and conservation organizations.
International recognition of the scientific career through awards, plenary invitations, competitive research stays, or participation in international scientific committees
Candidates with a certified disability of 33% or more will be prioritized, provided the disability is compatible with the position's responsibilities.
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA:
Application submission: Interested candidates must apply to the position and attach the required documentation, an English CV, and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) until June 28th, 2026. Applications submitted through any portal other than CREAF’s job board or not following the indicated instructions will not be accepted.
Pre-selection: Assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
Selection: Evaluation of shortlisted candidates based on objective criteria, interviews with a short list of candidates, and completion of a proposed exercise.
Final decision: If a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally notified of the selection, and all other participants in the process will be informed by email.