VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
POST DOCTORAL FELLOW - SOIL MICROBIOLOGIST
The Organization
Established in 1977 as an autonomous, non-profit, international research center,
ICARDA is one of the 15 international research centers supported by the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which is co-
sponsored by the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the United
Nations Development Programme. ICARDA´s mission is to contribute to the
improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food
security and alleviating poverty through research and partnerships to achieve
sustainable increases in agricultural productivity and income, while ensuring the
efficient and more equitable use and conservation of natural resources. With its
main research station and headquarters in Aleppo, Syria, and a staff of over 500
scientists and support personnel, ICARDA works through a network of partnerships
with national agricultural research systems (NARS), regional and international
institutions, universities, advanced research institutes, and non-governmental
organizations. In addition to its headquarters programs, ICARDA operates
throughout the non-tropical dry areas through regional programs and country
offices.
The Position
ICARDA has a vacancy for a Post-Doctoral Fellow in soil microbiology, to work as
part of an interdisciplinary team in the area of plant-microbe-soil interaction. The
incumbent will be based at ICARDA´s headquarters in Aleppo, Syria and is
encouraged to collaborate with other research and academic institutions in the
region and internationally.
The successful candidate will work with the Biodiversity and Integrated Gene
Management Program. Specific responsibilities are to:
oTo characterize the rhizobial collection at ICARDA with the most
appropriate marker technology.
oScreen strains for their ability to fix nitrogen (by GC analyses) and their
resistance to extreme soil conditions.
oIdentify a best-bet subset of chickpea, lentil and faba bean genotypes from
the ICARDA genebank using Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategies
(FIGS) that will be screened for N fixing efficiency.
oAssist in the development of genetic markers to improve biological nitrogen
fixation in legumes.
oAssist in upgrading ICARDA infrastructure for Rhizobium research.
oStudy the effect of tillage, including "conservation agriculture" approaches,
on rhizobial populations and associated beneficial effects on crop yield, nutritional
quality and soil health.
oQuantify rhizobial communities in key soils in the Middle East and North
Africa where legumes are a major N source for farmers.
oAssist in the preparation of project proposals for funding.
oAdvise graduate students.
oPerform any other related duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience
oA PhD in soil science with a focus in soil microbiology.
oExperience in working with rhizobia and knowledge of basic molecular
techniques.
oA proven research record through peer-reviewed publications.
oFluency in English and knowledge of a second language such as French
and/or Arabic would be an advantage.
oGood inter-personal skills and an ability to work with multi-disciplinary and
multi-cultural teams.
Terms of Appointment
The appointment will initially be for a period of three years, renewable on an annual
basis. The salary is paid in US dollars. Benefits include housing allowance, paid
home leave travel, life and health insurance package, vehicle for business and
personal use, and free enrolment for dependent children in the ICARDA-
administered International School (KG-Grade 12).
Living in Syria
Aleppo is Syria´s second largest city. Syria has many historical and archaeological
sites, some a short drive from Aleppo. There are four distinct seasons and the
terrain varies from desert to mountains to fertile fruit orchards. Major international
airlines fly into and out of Damascus and Aleppo. In addition to the internationally-
accredited School, ICARDA runs a Sports and Social Club for the staff.
Application
Qualified applicants are invited to send:
1) Cover letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) highlighting the candidate´s
experience against the criteria listed under Qualifications and Experience, including
salary expectations, and noting where the candidate saw the advertisement.
2) Curriculum vitae
3) Names, addresses, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of three
professional referees (they will not be contacted without the candidate´s
permission),
to: Personnel Services
ICARDA, P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria
Telephone: (963-21) 2213477, 2225112, or 2225012
Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105, or 5744622
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: http://www.icarda.cgiar.org
(If sending by e-mail, please do not include graphics or other large file attachments.)
Quote reference INT-PDF/0920/09 on application (or in subject line if applying by e-
mail).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 20 December 2009
ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from
women.
Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.