8:00 AM
maboko
Post - Doctoral Fellow Soil Scientist
Location:
Nairobi,
Kenya
Employer:
World
Agroforestry Centre
About this position
If you can contribute to ICRAF’s research on soil spectral methods, especially to further develop experimental and data analytical and interpretation methods that lead to new products, which provide actionable knowledge and evidenced-based policy for sustainable soil management, then you are the person we are looking for.
For over a decade ICRAF has been working on soil infrared spectral methods for rapid prediction of soil functional properties.
About this position
If you can contribute to ICRAF’s research on soil spectral methods, especially to further develop experimental and data analytical and interpretation methods that lead to new products, which provide actionable knowledge and evidenced-based policy for sustainable soil management, then you are the person we are looking for.
For over a decade ICRAF has been working on soil infrared spectral methods for rapid prediction of soil functional properties.
These
methods are now being widely applied in land health surveillance schemes that
employ a standardized protocol for landscape level measurement and mapping of
soil conditions.
The
framework is being applied throughout sub-Saharan Africa under the Africa Soil
Information Service (www.africasoils.net) as well as in an increasing
number of land management projects.
ICRAF
has recently extended these techniques to include laser and x-ray methods under
its new Soil-Plant Spectral Diagnostics Laboratory, and is supporting a network
of infrared spectroscopy labs across Africa.
You will contribute to our work in the following ways:
You will contribute to our work in the following ways:
- Maintain
and further develop ICRAF’s soil infrared spectral calibration models and
web-based prediction server.
- Coordinate
ICRAF’s growing network of soil infrared spectrometers, including sample
exchange, spectral calibration transfer models and training.
- Lead
research on new infrared-based methods and instruments, including field
applications.
- Research
combinations of infrared, laser and x-ray based spectroscopy for rapid
prediction of soil functional properties.
- Test
new data mining algorithms for spectral prediction of soil and plant
properties.
- Further
develop spectral interpretation and automated reporting systems with other
stakeholders.
- Develop
spectrally-based soil testing services for smallholder farmers in
partnership with the private sector.
- Publish
results in journal articles, assessment reports and web-based forms.
- Participate
in preparation of funding proposals to support the above areas of
research.
The
successful applicant will have:
- A
PhD in soil science, ecology, natural resource management or related
fields.
- PhD-level
experience in soil-plant spectral or related methods.
- Experience
in database management and multivariate statistical analysis methods.
- Submitted
or published journal articles.
- Teaching/training
experience.
- Sound
knowledge of tropical soil science and land management.
- Good
knowledge of modern soil analytical techniques including proximal
(spectral) soil sensing methods. Working knowledge of infrared
spectroscopy is highly desirable.
- Innovative
skills in solving technical problems.
- Strong
statistical analytical skills in multivariate analysis of soil/ecological
data.
- Leadership,
management and communication skills in multicultural settings.
- Knowledge
of R and/or Bayesian statistical modelling will be a distinct advantage.
- Experience
in tropical developing countries will be desirable.
- Excellent
verbal and written English skills, and knowledge of another language
commonly used in Africa, Asia or Latin America will be an added advantage.
Terms
of offer
We offer a collegial, diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified women.
We offer a collegial, diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified women.
This
position is remunerated on international terms.
The
appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to a nine
(9) month probation period.
The
recommended duty station for the position is at the World Agroforestry
Headquarters in Nairobi or any preferred station where ICRAF has presence.
How to apply
Prepare:
How to apply
Prepare:
- A
cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position, and your
salary expectations.
- Detailed
and up-to-date curriculum vitae.
- The
names and addresses of three referees, including telephone numbers and
email addresses, and fax details if available.
Address
these to:
The Human Resources Unit,
World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF),
PO Box 30677 – 00100,
Nairobi, Kenya
The Human Resources Unit,
World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF),
PO Box 30677 – 00100,
Nairobi, Kenya
or
send via email to: icrafhru@cgiar.org.
Indicate “Application for Post-doctoral Fellow- Soil Scientist” on the application letter. Applications will be considered until 30 October 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
Indicate “Application for Post-doctoral Fellow- Soil Scientist” on the application letter. Applications will be considered until 30 October 2012 or until a suitable candidate is identified and selected. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
To
learn more about us, visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org
The World Agroforestry Centre is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods.
The World Agroforestry Centre is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods.
As
part of the Centre’s work to bring tree-based solutions to bear on poverty and
environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with
partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations
for increased food security and ecosystem health.
The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.
The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.
