🌿🛰👩💻 PROJECT TITLE: PID2024-161564OB-I00 Smart Surveillance of Vascular Plant Pathogens: Integrating Epidemiological Modelling, Remote Sensing and
Molecular Tools (PATHOSMART).
📍WORKPLACE: Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS-CSIC), Córdoba, Spain
📆 EXPECTED START DATE AND DURATION: Spring 2026, 4 years
🧭 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
PATHOSMART aims to develop a smart surveillance system to detect, monitor, and model infections caused by Xylella fastidiosa and Verticillium dahliae across different
plant species and agroecosystems. By integrating epidemiological models, satellite remote sensing (high-resolution hyperspectral and multispectral imagery), and
advanced molecular tools, the project seeks to enhance risk assessment, optimize surveillance and control, and anticipate the spread of these pathogens in the context
of climate change. PATHOSMART combines approaches from plant epidemiology, remote sensing, molecular biology, and modelling, providing an innovative platform
for managing emerging plant diseases and protecting agricultural and natural ecosystems.
💼 What we offer
• Integration into a multidisciplinary research team in plant health and remote sensing.
• Continuous training in advanced tools for epidemiological modelling and spectral analysis.
• Opportunities for research stays at internationally renowned institutions, fostering scientific collaboration and the development of new skills.
• Access to specialized courses and advanced training programs in epidemiology, modelling, and remote sensing.
• Active participation in field campaigns and laboratory analyses.
🧰 Requirements
• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Biology, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields.
• Knowledge of data analysis, remote sensing, and GIS.
• Good written and spoken English skills.
🌎 Highly valued
• Previous experience in modelling or handling/analysis of hyperspectral or multispectral imagery.
• Programming skills in R, Python, or MATLAB.
• Knowledge of advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques.
📩 Contact and application submission
If you are passionate about PATHOSMART and would like to join our team, please send your CV, motivation letter, and academic transcript to Juan A. Navas Cortés
(Principal Investigator of the project) at j.navas@csic.es and Rocío Calderón Madrid at r.calderon@csic.es, with the subject line “PIF PATHOSMART Offer” by November 20th.