The Earth Systems and Global Change Group at Wageningen University and Research is seeking applications for a postdoctoral position (2 years) in an exciting project titled: “Space2Place: Development of a scientific modeling framework to underpin reliable Fertilizer Decision Support Tools for Africa,” commencing in Spring 2024.
Funded by the USAID-BRFS program ‘Feed the Future Soil Fertility Technology Adoption, Policy Reform, and Knowledge Management,” this project aims to develop, test, and apply a Pan-African scalable Decision Support Tool to enhance the efficiency of soil fertility management in Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Niger, and Madagascar. The project targets increased yields and incomes in Africa by improving fertilizer use efficiency, thereby reducing costs and adverse environmental impacts. The primary outcome will be site-specific soil fertility and agronomic fertilizer recommendations.
About Wageningen University & Research
Wageningen University & Research is a leading institution in life sciences, dedicated to exploring nature’s potential to enhance quality of life. With a collaborative approach across disciplines, the university and research institutes contribute to finding solutions to global challenges in food and the living environment. The integrated approach and diverse collaborations make Wageningen University & Research a dynamic and inspiring place to work.
As a postdoctoral researcher, your responsibilities include:
- Expanding, testing, and validating a prototype modeling framework to assess carbon and nutrient flows on both field and regional levels for various crops and soil types. This involves integrating empirical, statistical, and process-based modules into an integrated soil, plant, and crop model. Specific focuses include macro and micronutrient interactions, water availability’s impact on phosphorus uptake, and quantifying fertilizer nutrient recoveries while considering site-specific conditions.
- Calculating required inputs of carbon and nutrients considering nutrient recovery, crop utilization efficiency, water availability, and soil buffering capacities.
- Applying the modeling framework to selected case study regions.
- Comparing and evaluating various fertilizer strategies to enhance crop yield and nutritional quality.
Work Environment
This research is conducted within the Sub-team ‘Nutrients, Food, and Environment’ of the Earth Systems and Global Change Group at Wageningen University and Research. You will primarily be supervised by Dr. Gerard Ros and Prof. Dr. Wim de Vries, collaborating closely with soil scientists and agronomists from the Plant Science Group, ISRIC, and partners of the S2P project. This project is part of the Space2Place initiative led by the partners of the SOILS Consortium of the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC).
Candidate Requirements
Ideal candidates possess:
- A completed PhD degree in environmental sciences, soil science, or equivalent.
- Advanced experience in modeling, statistics, and data handling.
- Proven experience in scientific writing.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Fluency in English language (level C1).
We Offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent employment terms, including sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave, flexible working hours, accrual of additional compensation/holiday hours, sports facilities, a fixed December bonus, and an excellent pension scheme. Competitive gross salary ranges from €3,226 to €5,929 per month for a full-time 38-hour workweek, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). There are also opportunities for personal development and internal advancement.
International Applicants
Wageningen University & Research welcomes international applicants and provides support for visa applications and integration into the community. Further assistance is available regarding housing, schooling, and employment for partners. Certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on part of their salary during their first five years in the Netherlands.
Further Information and Application
For more information about this position, contact Dr. Gerard Ros (gerard.ros@wur.nl) or Prof. Dr. Wim de Vries (wim.devries@wur.nl). For procedural inquiries, reach out to Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter (noorien.abbas@wur.nl). To apply, use the application button on the vacancy page of our website. The application deadline is April 22, 2024.
Equal Opportunitie
Wageningen University & Research promotes equal opportunities and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds. Inclusivity is a priority, and the organization strives to provide equal career opportunities for all.
Location: Wageningen
Closing Date: April 22, 2024
To Apply: Click here
