Opportunities

Technische Universität Braunschweig
Institute of Geoecology, Department of Soil Science and Soil Physics

Prof. Dr. Rolf Nieder, Dr. Marco Roelcke

Ph.D. position in agricultural/environmental sciences in a Sino-German research
project on nitrogen management

August 13, 2008
The Department of Soil Science and Soil Physics of the Institute of Geoecology, TU
Braunschweig, Germany, has long-term experience in performing multidisciplinary
projects with the PR China. We are inviting candidates to apply for one Ph.D. position
in the framework of a joint Sino-German technology transfer project including
universities, research institutes and fertilizer industry on "Innovative nitrogen
management technologies to improve agricultural production and environmental
protection in intensive Chinese agriculture", funded by the Bundesministerium für
Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) via the Projektträger Jülich (PTJ) (FKZ: 0330800C).
The project will have a 3-year duration with a starting date of September 1, 2008. The
remuneration of the Ph.D. position will be E 13/2 according to German TV-L West.
Project description
The project will introduce new nitrogen fertilization technologies and innovative
agricultural practices together with a guidance of policy and decision makers in order
to optimize agricultural production and protect the environment in intensive Chinese
agriculture. It will strongly contribute to extending technology in China by formulating
and implementing agro-tech extension programs, by introducing, testing, and
demonstrating new techniques and products, innovative management practices and
extension work in different cropping systems and for different farm sizes. The aim is
to reduce the excessive mineral nitrogen fertilization for a highly sustainable and
resource-saving production in intensive Chinese agriculture.

Joint farmer-research management demonstration trials on representative farmers'
field sites and in greenhouses for vegetable production will be carried out in several
pilot counties exemplary for intensive cropping systems in northern and south-eastern
China in cooperation with the Chinese partners. Specially designed field trials will
offer German and Chinese agro-industry a platform for the testing of their
technologies and products under reality conditions in China. Field-scale simulations
using two different models according to the different agro-ecosystems will be carried
out to predict the impact of different N fertilization and management strategies on
crop growth and N losses. Regionalization will be achieved by coupling the model
with a GIS. The activities of the desired candidate will focus on south-eastern China
with rice-based cropping systems.

Applications
We are looking for excellent candidates with a strong interest in nitrogen dynamics in
soil and aquatic systems. The successful candidate should hold a Diploma or M.Sc.
degree in agricultural sciences, geoecology, geosciences or a related discipline,
preferably with a specialization in soil science and/or plant nutrition. Experience with
field experiments and analytical techniques is essential and good knowledge of
computer simulation techniques is required. Excellent knowledge of English is
essential and basic knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin) an asset. Previous experience
in working in developing countries is desirable. The willingness for carrying out
several extended (2-3 month) stays in China with field and laboratory work is a
prerequisite.
Deadline for application is August 31, 2008. Review of applications will start
immediately and will continue until the vacancy is filled. Candidates are invited to
send their application together with Curriculum Vitae, the list of courses followed and
the names and addresses of two referees to: Prof. Dr. Rolf Nieder and/or Dr. Marco
Roelcke, Institut für Geoökologie, Langer Kamp 19c, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany,
or by e-mail to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CIRAD has a scientific partnership link with INRA to study the performance of the
producer organisation in controlling the quality and safety of vegetables in Vietnam. It
is recruiting a junior researcher in this field for a postdoctoral term in Hanoi, Vietnam.
A small segment of the term (approximately three months) will be spent in Montpellier
with the INRA team partner.

Please quote reference in all correspondence :1326
Date of publication : 2008-06-03
Closing date :2008-09-15

Job description:
The junior researcher will work with the French and Vietnamese partners in an INRA-
CIRAD project on the performance of producer collective action to guarantee
vegetable quality and safety. S/he will develop research in the conceptual framework
designed for this project, studying among other things the relationship between the
size of groups and internal control mechanisms that limit opportunistic behaviour on
the part of individuals in the group. The validity of the theoretical proposals will be
tested using data gathered through surveys conducted with producers (or groups of
producers) of vegetables in Vietnam that are involved in approaches to promote
quality and safety. The junior researcher will spend a few months of his/her
postdoctoral work in Montpellier in order to become familiar with the conceptual
framework, be apprised of research already done and possibly share in surveys of
French producer organisations.

Profile required:
The researcher has produced a thesis on an economics or management theme.
Experience in cooperation in a foreign country, research experience on issues of
agro-food chain quality or agricultural engineering skills would be definite assets. The
applicant is also expected to write and speak English fluently.

Location:
Montpellier, France, 3 months, Hanoi Vietnam, 15 months

Type of contract:
CDD (post-doc)

Start date:
Immédiately

Information on the post
Paule Moustier (Hanoi): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nicolas Bricas (Montpellier): + 33 467 61 57 12 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jean-Marie Codron (Montpellier): + 33 499 61 23 05 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

[ Contact ]
Cirad-Drh/Emploi
TA 174/04
34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

UNIVERSITÄT HOHENHEIM
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
AND SOCIAL SCIENCES IN THE TROPICS AND SUBTROPICS
Chair of Rural Development Theory and Policy
Prof. Dr. Manfred Zeller
Universität Hohenheim (490 A) D - 70593 Stuttgart .
. .
Stuttgart-Hohenheim, 30.07.2008
Telefon: +49-(0)711- 459-22175
Telefax: +49-(0)711- 459-23934
Post-Doc Position in Rural Development Economics
The Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in the Tropics and
Subtropics,
Chair of Rural Development Theory and Policy (Prof. Dr. Manfred Zeller), University
of
Hohenheim, has an opening for a post-doctoral position.
The post-doctoral researcher will devote 50% of his or her time on a research project
implemented
in cooperation with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in
Washington, D.C.
This research project identifies and tests - using experimental research designs -
alternative
contracts for smallholders producing high-value crops for agribusiness companies in
Tanzania. In
addition, the successful candidate is expected to teach courses at M.Sc. and Ph.D.
level in
agricultural development economics (e.g. with respect to impact assessment using
experimental
research designs, institutional economics related to agribusiness and environmental
issues in
developing countries, applied econometrics). The post-doctoral fellow will initiate,
guide and
successfully raise funds for research projects in the field of agricultural and rural
development in
Africa, Asia or Latin America. The position can be filled on September 1, 2008 or
later. Depending
on qualifications of the candidate, the position can be offered for an initial period of up
to 5 years,
with the possibility of extension.
Successful candidates should have an outstanding Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in
agricultural
economics, economics or related discipline, experience with statistical and
econometric modelling
and/or with empirical experimental research in the social sciences, preferably in a
developing
country context, and substantive field research experience in rural areas of
developing countries,
proven interest in rural development policy issues, excellent command of the English
language
(preferably also German), and very good computer skills. Proficiency in other
languages (e.g.
Spanish or French), and teaching experience, are welcome additional qualifications.
The University of Hohenheim strongly encourages qualified women to apply.
Applications (CV, publication record, scanned M.Sc. and Ph.D. transcripts) should be
sent by
e-mail to Ms Contag at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before August 13, 2008.
Applications after this
date may be considered in the case that the position is not yet filled.

AFRIKA SÜDLICH DER SAHARA
REFERENZNUMMER 60077451
LAND UND STANDORT Kenia, Nairobi
ARBEITGEBER International Potato Center
Experte für Agrarmanagement (m/w)

DAS UMFELD
Das International Potato Center (www.CIPotato.org) mit Hauptsitz in Lima / Peru ist ein internationales Agrarforschungsinstitut und Mitglied der Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Das CIP ist durch vier regionale Büros in Südamerika, Afrika und Asien vertreten und arbeitet mit fünf weiteren assoziierten Büros in Entwicklungsländern. Ziel ist die Armutsreduzierung und Ernährungssicherheit durch Praxis orientierte Forschung an Kartoffeln, Süsskartoffeln und anderen Wurzel- und Knollengewächsen. Das CIP beschäftigt Forscher aus 25 Ländern und wird durch die CGIAR-Mitglieder finanziert.
Ihr Einsatzort ist in Nairobia, Kenia, im CIP Regionalbüro für Sub-Sahara-Afrika.

Source: ATSAF.de

AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural
research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices around the globe. The
Center conducts research and development programs that contribute to alleviation of poverty
and malnutrition in the developing world. The Center is seeking an experienced
Communications Expert to support its pan-African program on Vegetable Breeding and Seed
Systems for Poverty Reduction in Africa.

Key Responsibilities
Under the Supervision of the Program Manager and in close collaboration with senior
research and support staff, the Communications Expert will develop and put into operation a
communications and reporting strategy, to ensure improved communication between the
liaison officer and program management, on one hand, and Regional Breeding Units and
spoke countries, on the other hand and, to ensure increased visibility within Africa and
beyond. Specific duties of the Communications Expert include:

1. Establish an effective communications system between the Liaison Officers and the
management at the Center´s Regional Center for Africa and between the National Breeding
Units and their partners in the spoke countries;
2. Assist in maintaining an effective reporting system at the management unit in
Tanzania and in the hub countries to ensure regular result-based reporting to headquarters,
the Board of Directors, the Program Advisory Committee and the Donor;
3. Contribute to the establishment, continuance, and upkeep of the program´s web
page; prepare articles and publishable materials to be uploaded on the web page;
4. Develop in close collaboration with Communications at headquarters and senior
scientists, scientific and popular publications covering issues pertaining to vegetable
breeding and seed systems in the continent;
5. Formulate, in collaboration with headquarters, an extension strategy for information
dissemination to the program´s stakeholders (Public Sector, private sector, Community
Based Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations);
6. Ensure regular updates from the library at headquarters on key literature for vBSS
scientists;
7. Contribute in the preparation of annual review, publications, fact sheets and other
documents based on the outcome from vBSS monitoring;
8. Organize workshops with the Liaison Officers to further disseminate progress reports
and lessons to a broader development practitioner community in the region;
9. Provide communication materials and equipment to ensure the smooth running of
the program´s workshops and training activities; and
10. Provide technical input on aspects of communication, awareness raising and
extension into the program´s workshops and training activities.

Qualifications and Experience
· Master´s degree in Communication, Journalism or Rural Extension with Agriculture
background
· At least 5 years experience in developing communications strategies for multi-
country programs in Sub Sahara Africa
· Excellent computer literacy, and good knowledge and experience in electronic/desk
top publishing
· Strong affiliation with the rural sector and with means of developing awareness
campaigns to effectively communicate with the rural sector
· Effective communication skills in spoken and written English, working knowledge of
French is an advantage
· Wide networking experience with advanced research organizations in and outside
Africa; public sector organizations and private sectors
· Ability to perform effectively and efficiently in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural
environment

Terms of Appointment: The incumbent will be based at the Center´s Regional Center for
Africa in Arusha, Tanzania. The initial appointment is for two years with possibility of re-
appointments. Salary and perquisites are commensurate with qualifications and experience,
and are comparable with regional agricultural research centers.

Application: Submit a letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, with names and contact
addresses (phone number and e-mail) of three referees. Send to: Ms. Lilia Tan Habacon,
HR Manager , AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center P.O. Box 42, Shanhua, Tainan 74199,
Taiwan; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. fax: +886-6-583-0009.

Review of Applications: The review of application will begin 30 August 2008 and continue
until the position is filled. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center is the principal international research center
dedicated to vegetable research and development. Our mission is to alleviate poverty and
malnutrition in the developing world through the increased production and consumption of
safe vegetables. For more information on AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center, see
<http://www.avrdc.org>.

General information
The "Groupe Ecole Supérieure d´Agriculture (ESA)" is recruiting a post doctoral ecologist to
join its « LEVA - Laboratoire d´écophysiologie végétale & agroécologie » research laboratory.
In collaboration with the Institut National d´Horticulture and its « Unité Propre Paysage », the
post-doc will participate in a research project entitled : « Biodiversity and its interactions with
viticulture in a wine-growing area in the west of France : case study of a local initiative in a
controlled origin appellation (AOC Saumur-Champigny) ». The French Ministry for the
Environment (MEDAD) is financing this project as part of a national programme, « DIVA 2 »,
on political action, agriculture and biodiversity.
The general objective is to study the contribution of viticulture to the maintenance of
biodiversity in the Saumur-Champigny wine-growing area and in particular to determine the
effects of farming practices and landscape management by viticulturists on vineyard
biodiversity.
A multi-scale approach is being used to collect data relating to:
- areas used for production or semi-natural areas managed by viticulturists
- the value of these areas for plants and birds
- the perception and management of these areas by viticulturists
- landscape structure and the evolution of land cover over time
- viticulture practices and general farm organisation
These observations will enable us to assess how viticulturists can contribute to maintaining
biodiversity in an area consisting of vineyards interspersed by crops, woodland and urban
outskirts and to identify strategies for biodiversity management at the wine appellation or
small regional scale.

Job description
Within this pluridisciplinary project, the post-doc will carry out ecological work (and in
particular ornithological fieldwork) in collaboration with the ecologist lecturer-researchers (an
ornithologist and a botanist). Following on from fieldwork carried out in spring/summer 2008
(bird transects, vegetation surveys), he/she will be responsible for designing future sampling
to study the relationships between farming practices, landscape structure and biodiversity at
a variety of spatial scales within the study area. Over two seasons (2009/2010) he/she will
carry out fieldwork (including bird territory maps) and will assist with supervising student
assistants involved in the ecological aspects of the project. The post-doc will take an active
part in the analysis, presentation and publication of the results.

Location
The job is based in Angers, in the Loire Valley, at the « Groupe Ecole Supérieure
d´Agriculture (ESA) » higher college of agriculture. Regular travel to and from the study area
near Saumur will be necessary.

The selected candidate will possess:
A doctorate in ecology;
Good ornithological knowledge and plant identification skills and a taste for fieldwork;
Some previous experience of landscape and community ecology;
A clean driver´s licence.
A training in the use of GIS tools (ESRI) would be appreciated.
For non-native speakers of French, a reasonable command of the French language is
required.

Terms of employment
The job is for a fixed period of two years (October 2008 - September 2010). The annual
gross salary is EUR 25000.

Applications
Applicants should send a CV (including a list of publications), an accompanying letter and the
names of two referees to Josephine Pithon (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before 15 June 2008.
Interviews will take place in June or early July 2008.

To find out more...
You can consult the Groupe ESA and INH websites (www.groupe-esa.com / www.inh.fr) or
the Saumur-Champigny producers´ site (section on "biodiversité") www.producteurs-de-
saumur-champigny.fr/
For more details please feel free to contact the scientific manager of the project Guillaume
Pain This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Joséphine Pithon (ornithologist) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or
Hervé Daniel (botanist) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Advances in basic research often provide the principles for improving plant function and
performance. We recognize the importance of applying our biotechnology skills to provide
solutions in major staple crops. Cassava and rice, which together feed more than half of the
human population, are lacking both high protein content and minimal amount of high quality
protein.
Using transcriptomics and proteomics tools, the project aims at analyzing the dynamics of
protein accumulation in those two important staple crops and at identifying endogenous high
quality proteins. In parallel, expression of endogenous and heterologous high quality storage
proteins will be pursued in cassava in order to produce transgenic lines with enhanced
protein content. Further analysis of the transgenic lines will allow determining the best
strategy to develop improved staple crop lines for enhanced human diet.
We are seeking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to participate in the above-described
project. The PhD candidate will join an interdisciplinary team working on several aspects of
crop improvement (http://www.pb.ethz.ch/research/cassava).

Applicants should send a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and the names of two referees by
Email to Professor W. Gruissem, Plant Biotechnology Lab, ETH Zürich, Switzerland.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Email subject : application root protein project

Source: SciDev.net and EADI


Location: India, Pakistan

Organisation: UNESCO/TWAS

Closing Date: 30 June 2008

EN

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is responsible for the administration of TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world – www.twas.org – hereinafter referred to as UNESCO/TWAS.

Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1983, UNESCO/TWAS represents the best of science in the developing world. Its principal aim is to promote scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the South. Since 1986, UNESCO/TWAS has supported scientific research and capacity building projects in more than 100 countries in the South.

Postgraduate fellowships with deadlines in June 2008.

*CSIR-TWAS Fellowships for Postgraduate Studies in India*

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and TWAS offer fellowships in for students from developing countries (other than India) who wish to obtain a PhD.
Duration: 4 years Deadline for applications: 1 June each year Age limit: 35

*IACS-TWAS Fellowships for Postgraduate Research in India*

The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) and TWAS offer fellowships for students from developing countries (other than
India) who hold a Master's degree and wish to earn a PhD in a field of natural sciences.
Duration: up to 4 years Deadline for applications: 30 June each year Age
limit: 30

*ICCBS-TWAS Fellowships for Postgraduate Research in Pakistan*

The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) and TWAS offer fellowships for students from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who hold a Master's degree in a field of natural sciences and wish to continue their research towards a PhD in chemical or biological sciences.
Duration: up to 4 years Deadline for applications: 30 June each year Age
limit: 30

*CEMB-TWAS Fellowships for Postgraduate Research in Pakistan*

The Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) and TWAS offer fellowships for students from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who hold a Master's degree and wish to earn a PhD in molecular biology and molecular genetics.
Duration: up to 4 years Deadline for applications: 30 June each year Age
limit: 30

Postdoctoral fellowships with deadlines in June 2008.

*CSIR-TWAS Fellowships for Postdoctoral Research in India*

CSIR and TWAS offer fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than India) who hold a PhD and wish to carry out postdoctoral research.
Duration: 12 months Deadline: 1 June each year Age limit: 45

*IACS-TWAS Fellowships for Postdoctoral Research in India*

IACS and TWAS offer fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than India) who hold a PhD degree and wish to conduct postdoctoral research in the natural sciences.
Duration: 6 to 12 months Deadline for applications: 30 June each year Age limit: 40

*ICCBS-TWAS Fellowships for Postdoctoral Research in Pakistan*

ICCBS and TWAS offer fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who hold a PhD and wish to carry out postdoctoral research in chemical or biological sciences.
Duration: 6 to 12 months Deadline: 30 June each year Age limit: 40

*CEMB-TWAS Fellowships for Postdoctoral Research in Pakistan*

CEMB and TWAS offer fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who hold a PhD and wish to pursue postdoctoral research in molecular biology and molecular genetics.
Duration: 6 to 12 months Deadline: 30 June each year Age limit: 40
Application Procedure

For additional information, including eligibility criteria and application forms, please visit: http://www.twas.org/Exchange.

Source: SciDev.net and EADI


Location: North America, country of residence

Organisation: ETC Group

Closing Date: 6 June 2008

EN

ETC Group, a non-profit international advocacy CSO, will hire a full-time English-language editor and a full-time programme manager to begin work in or around October 2008.

ETC Group is a staff-led organization governed by an international Board of Trustees that assures our fiscal responsibility and programme quality. Our financial situation is reasonably stable with long-standing and multi-year core support from governments and foundations on both sides of the Atlantic.

The position of Editor:
Applicants for the Editor position should carefully review ETC's communiqués, news releases, and other publications. ETC has a provocative writing style that will be a challenge for any editor. Although ETC publishes in English and Spanish (and wishes to publish more in French), we are seeking an English-language editor. Facility in Spanish or French is an obvious advantage but not a requirement. Our preference is to have an editor based in North America (in our North Carolina office [Durham/Chapel Hill/Raleigh area], Montréal or Ottawa) and we will consider moving a successful candidate to one of these locations. As with the programme manager, the editor's salary will be competitive with national standards in the applicant's country of residence.

The position of Programme Manager:
There are no academic prerequisites for the position of Programme Manager. However, a strong capacity for careful research, creative writing, and an enthusiasm for international advocacy is essential. ETC staff members do not specialize. Each programme manager is expected to work on - and speak to - our full issue range from agricultural biodiversity to nanotechnology. While ETC is sensitive to family and personal needs, the position can involve significant international travel. The new programme manager can, in theory, work from any location offering broadband Internet access and good travel connections. ETC will not normally move a successful applicant unless it is clearly to the organization's benefit to have a presence in a specific location. Salaries are competitive with national CSOs in the applicant's country of residence. ETC's benefits package is generous.
Application Procedure

Details on the positions and the application process are available on the web site:
Programme Manager: http://www.etcgroup.org/upload/publication/686/01/etc_pm_job.pdf [120kB]
Editor: http://www.etcgroup.org/upload/publication/686/02/etc_ed_job.pdf [111kB]
Contact Details

Please send your application to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In the subject line please state "programme manager" or "editor" and your surname.

The Source of the attached announcements is www.ATSAF.de (Nicole Flick, Volker Hoffmann). 

Brief summary: