Consultant - Researcher Soil Nutrient Use and Crop Quality
Organizational Context
The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, through its Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, supports Member States in enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture using nuclear and isotopic techniques. The Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory, located in Seibersdorf, Austria, focuses on improving soil and water management practices for intensified agricultural production, resource conservation, and efficient input use through research, development, and capacity building.
Job Purpose
This consultancy, based at the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory, will conduct research and development to advance knowledge on nutrient use efficiency, crop nutritional quality, and climate resilience. Utilizing nuclear and related techniques, the role involves identifying research priorities, developing and implementing protocols, coordinating activities within a Coordinated Research Project (CRP), fostering collaboration among international institutes and students, and disseminating findings through scientific publications. The position contributes to improving agricultural practices and food security.
Responsibilities
Conduct field and laboratory research to enhance nutrient use efficiency, crop productivity, and nutritional quality in cereals, while improving resilience to climate change. Focus on key nutrients (N, P, Zn, Fe, S) using nuclear and related techniques. Provide technical expertise for identifying research topics and developing/implementing research protocols within the CRP framework. Advise and support the coordination of CRP research activities, including those of PhD and MSc students. Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences. Offer technical support for developing protocols, guidelines, and SOPs. Contribute technical input to meetings, workshops, and discussions with CRP participants and partners.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant post-doctoral experience is required in plant nutrition, nutrient use efficiency, crop nutritional quality, or soil fertility. Experience in nutrient dynamics, plant-soil interactions, crop nutrient management, statistical analysis, laboratory and field trial design, and the application of isotopic/nuclear techniques is essential.
Skills
Demonstrated ability to coordinate research and collaborate internationally. Proven record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Good presentation and communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Excellent English communication skills.