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Post Doc Soil Scientist/Ecologist The World Agroforestry Centre

VACANCY: Post Doc Soil Scientist/Ecologist
About this position
ICRAF has developed methods for landscape level measurement and mapping of vegetation and soil health using a combination of remote sensing, systematic field survey and new photon-based soil analytical techniques. The results are used to help target sustainable land management and agroforestry interventions, provide a baseline on ecological conditions, and monitor intervention impacts on the natural resource base. ICRAF is already applying these methods under the Africa Soil Information Service ( www.africasoils.net ), and in a number of development projects.
In collaboration with Mars Inc. we are designing a land health surveillance system to help steer interventions in the smallholder cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire in partnership with the national programmes. The surveillance system will develop baselines and monitor soil and plant nutritional and pest/disease aspects, soil hydraulic properties, plant productivity, and biodiversity.
In collaboration with ICRAF scientists and national partners, the successful candidate, who will be based in Abidjan with frequent visits to the field sites, will contribute to the following:
· Design and implementation of a land health surveillance system for a sustainable cocoa production project in Côte d’Ivoire.
· Analysis and interpretation of spatial surveillance data on vegetation, soils, cocoa production, pests and diseases.
· Spatial prediction and mapping of results through statistical modelling in relation to satellite and GIS data.
· Reports giving recommendations on soil and plant management options.
· Scientific articles on the approaches and results.
· Capacity strengthening of national partners in the above.
The successful applicant will have:
· A PhD in natural sciences
· Field experience in tropical developing countries
· Experience with large ecological data sets and database management
· Sound publication record
· Sound knowledge of soil science, agronomy and terrestrial ecology
· Strong quantitative and statistical skills in multivariate and multilevel modelling
· Experience with GIS and remote sensing
· High proficiency in both English and French.
Knowledge of R and Knime, and experience in cocoa agronomy 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. This position is remunerated on international terms. The appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to a nine-month probation period.
How to apply
Prepare:
· A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position, and your salary expectations.
· A detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae.
· The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.

Address these to: 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 Doc Soil Scientist/Ecologist” on the application letter. Applications will be considered until 4 November 2011or 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. 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.