Halophyte Agronomist

Job Summary

The agronomist will develop and lead an applied research and extension program on innovative crop and natural resources management strategies for adopting halophytic crops for food, feed and biofuel production in salt-affected arid environments across MENA, Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA), and Central Asia, and other relevant regions. The role will drive novel applications of reject brine and brackish water through integrated approaches involving suitable halophytic crops with economic importance. The scientist will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including breeders, seed specialists, soil and water management experts, social scientists and others working on integrated solutions for halophytic crop-based cropping systems. He/she will develop principles and decision tools for knowledge dissemination to researchers and professional extension staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and implement projects related to halophyte-based food, feed, fodder and biofuel production systems in salt-affected arid regions
• Conduct field experiments to optimize halophytic crop growth, seed production, and overall system performance.
• Innovate and optimize the use of reject brine and brackish water through integrated approaches, such as aquaculture systems combined with halophytic crops.
• Represent ICBA’s halophytic research at international conferences, meetings, and other forums, engaging with various stakeholders and decision makers
• Develop and secure internal and external funding for projects proposals aligned with ICBA’s mandate.
• Analyze, synthesize and interpret experimental data to publish findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and reports
• Contribute to ICBA’s publications, including the newsletter, extension materials and other outreach products
• Supervise and mentor associate scientists, technicians and field workers to build research capacity within the team.
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned by supervisor to support ICBA’s mission.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• PhD in agronomy, crop Science or related field from a recognized University

• Minimum 5 years’ post-PhD experience specializing in halophytic cropping system and salinity management

• Proven track records of scientific publications in high-impact, refereed journals

• Demonstrated ability to lead the research with minimal supervision

• Fluent in written and spoken English with excellent communication and presentation skills

• Team player with extensive experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team

• International work experience

  Desirable:

• Working knowledge of statistics and database management

• Working knowledge of aquaculture

• Additional language skills, Arabic is desirable

• Supervisory experience