11:30 PM
maboko
The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and their partners are seeking a motivated PhD student to conduct research on water and nutrients dynamics in organic vs. conventional farming system in Kenya.
He/she will be based at icipe Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and will be attached to an EU university.
Background
icipe, FiBL and their partners are conducting long-term system comparison research in two sites in Kenya (Thika and Chuka). Organic versus conventional production systems, at two input levels, are being compared in a three-year rotation including maize and vegetables since 2007.
The project aims to provide solid agronomic and socio-economic data on major organic and conventional agriculture production systems in selected project regions.
Thereby the project wants to contribute to establishing a scientific base for organic agriculture in developing countries on the basis of existing long-term field trials.
In addition, the project locally adapts and further develops technology innovations for major organic production systems using participatory approaches. Similar experiments are also being carried out in India and Bolivia, where PhD students were also recruited to conduct the same study.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will study the water and nutrient dynamics in organic and conventional farming systems. Key research emphasis of the incumbent will include:
He/she will be based at icipe Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya and will be attached to an EU university.
Background
icipe, FiBL and their partners are conducting long-term system comparison research in two sites in Kenya (Thika and Chuka). Organic versus conventional production systems, at two input levels, are being compared in a three-year rotation including maize and vegetables since 2007.
The project aims to provide solid agronomic and socio-economic data on major organic and conventional agriculture production systems in selected project regions.
Thereby the project wants to contribute to establishing a scientific base for organic agriculture in developing countries on the basis of existing long-term field trials.
In addition, the project locally adapts and further develops technology innovations for major organic production systems using participatory approaches. Similar experiments are also being carried out in India and Bolivia, where PhD students were also recruited to conduct the same study.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will study the water and nutrient dynamics in organic and conventional farming systems. Key research emphasis of the incumbent will include:
- Investigating N availability and use efficiencies across different seasons in organic vs. conventional production systems
- Establishing the effect of soil moisture availability on previous process
- Modeling N and water dynamics in each farming system
Requirements
Applicants must have a MSc in Agronomy with experience in soil science.
The successful applicants should have ideally a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and modeling of soil and plant nutrients, and should also have a proven track-record of R&D relating to promoting good agricultural practices for enhanced sustainable production and food security.
He/she should have demonstrated ability to publish in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals and should have outstanding oral and written English communication skills.
Conditions
The successful applicant will be attached to an EU university where he/she will spend 4–6 months per year to fulfill the academic requirements. The rest of the time shall be spent in Kenya for data collection.
Financial support is available for four years, based on commitment and results. Employment benefits include an attractive remuneration package and other benefits.
Application
Kindly send applications with a motivation letter, a CV, university records and the names and contact information of three referees by e-mail before 15 February 2011 to the following e-mail addresses:
Dr Adenirin Chabi-Olaye ( achabi@icipe.org)
Dr Juan Guillermo Cobo ( juan.cobo@fibl.org)
icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Applicants must have a MSc in Agronomy with experience in soil science.
The successful applicants should have ideally a strong foundation in quantitative analysis and modeling of soil and plant nutrients, and should also have a proven track-record of R&D relating to promoting good agricultural practices for enhanced sustainable production and food security.
He/she should have demonstrated ability to publish in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals and should have outstanding oral and written English communication skills.
Conditions
The successful applicant will be attached to an EU university where he/she will spend 4–6 months per year to fulfill the academic requirements. The rest of the time shall be spent in Kenya for data collection.
Financial support is available for four years, based on commitment and results. Employment benefits include an attractive remuneration package and other benefits.
Application
Kindly send applications with a motivation letter, a CV, university records and the names and contact information of three referees by e-mail before 15 February 2011 to the following e-mail addresses:
Dr Adenirin Chabi-Olaye ( achabi@icipe.org)
Dr Juan Guillermo Cobo ( juan.cobo@fibl.org)
icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer
