Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) 5070 Frick offers from 1 January 2011 or by agreement two PhD Positions in Sustainable Agriculture Production System Research, one in India and another one in Bolivia.
FiBL and its partners are conducting long-term system comparison research in Kenya, India and Bolivia. In agronomic trials we are comparing organic versus conventional production systems. 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 basis 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. In Kenya and India the long-term system comparison trials started in 2007, while the trial in Bolivia was set up in 2008.
We are seeking to strengthen our team in the area of sustainable agriculture production system research. In more particular, we require two qualified persons to embark on PhD studies in the area of water and nutrient dynamics. We are interested in analysing, comparing and modelling of water and nutrient dynamics in organic and conventional treatments. Much emphasis will be placed on the soil-plant-water relationship and the above ground micro-climate.
Ideally you will have the following profile:
A degree in agronomy/soil sciences and first experience in modelling
Professional experience in developing countries, preferably including India or Bolivia
First practical experience in setting up, conducting and evaluating field trials
Oral and written fluency in English for both positions and in addition Spanish for the trial in Bolivia
Skill in and enjoyment of intercultural cooperation
Initiative and creativity together with good communication and team skills
Ability to work independently with a significant level of personal responsibility
Willingness to stay in India or Bolivia for the majority of time
We offer:
An attractive and inspiring working environment
Contemporary terms of employment and remuneration
Interested? We shall be happy to answer any queries you may have
Beate Huber, Tel. +41 62 865 04 25, beate.huber@fibl.org.
Please submit your electronic application as one entire PDF by 31 October 2010 to
FiBL, Stefan Williner, Postfach, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland, stefan.williner@fibl.org
PhD Positions in Sustainable Agriculture Production System Research 2011
