Halophyte Agronomist

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests, and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity, and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion, or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.

Job Summary

The agronomist will develop and lead an applied research and extension program on innovative crop and natural resources management strategies for adopting halophytic crops for food, feed, and biofuel production in salt-affected arid environments across MENA, Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), Central Asia, and other relevant regions. The role will drive novel applications of reject brine and brackish water through integrated approaches involving suitable halophytic crops with economic importance. The scientist will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including breeders, seed specialists, soil and water management experts, social scientists, and others working on integrated solutions for halophytic crop-based cropping systems. He/she will develop principles and decision tools for knowledge dissemination to researchers and professional extension staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement projects related to halophyte-based food, feed, fodder, and biofuel production systems in salt-affected arid regions.
• Conduct field experiments to optimize halophytic crop growth, seed production, and overall system performance.
• Innovate and optimize the use of reject brine and brackish water through integrated approaches, such as aquaculture systems combined with halophytic crops.
• Represent ICBA’s halophytic research at international conferences, meetings, and other forums, engaging with various stakeholders and decision makers.
• Develop and secure internal and external funding for projects proposals aligned with ICBA’s mandate.
• Analyze, synthesize, and interpret experimental data to publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and reports.
• Contribute to ICBA’s publications, including the newsletter, extension materials, and other outreach products.
• Supervise and mentor associate scientists, technicians, and field workers to build research capacity within the team.
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned by supervisor to support ICBA’s mission.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in agronomy, crop science, or related field from a recognized university.
• Minimum 5 years' post-PhD experience specializing in halophytic cropping systems and salinity management.
• Proven track record of scientific publications in high-impact, refereed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research with minimal supervision.
• Fluent in written and spoken English with excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Team player with extensive experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

International Work Experience

• Working knowledge of statistics and database management.
• Working knowledge of aquaculture.
• Additional language skills; Arabic is desirable.
• Supervisory experience.

Post Date

10 September 2024

Status

Open

Vacancy Type

Full-time

Closing Date

1 October 2024

Location

Dubai, UAE

Report To

Job Number

ICBA-DP-2024-001

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