Post Doctoral Research Scientist - Soil Chemistry

Job Description

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Soil Chemistry position is a research-intensive role responsible for conducting and advancing high-quality soil chemistry research within the framework of multiple collaborative projects. This position will focus on enhanced efficiency nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer development and evaluation while contributing to broader research initiatives related to fertilizers and nutrient use efficiency.

Responsibilities

Research Activities

• Lead and execute research experiments on enhanced efficiency nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, including laboratory synthesis, characterization, and optimization studies in collaboration with soil scientists, chemists, formulation scientists, and agronomists;
• Conduct soil chemistry investigations to evaluate nutrient dynamics, soil-fertilizer interactions, and nutrient use efficiency outcomes;
• Contribute to the design and execution of greenhouse and field trials to assess the efficacy and environmental impact of novel enhanced efficiency fertilizers;
• Execute research on related fertilizer projects and nutrient use efficiency improvements as assigned by the Research Manager and Senior Scientists;
• Develop research methodologies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for soil chemistry analyses and fertilizer evaluation protocols;
• Perform laboratory analysis of soil and plant samples using established analytical techniques, ensuring data accuracy and integrity;
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical methods, with attention to quality assurance and reproducibility;
• Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and technical reports;
• Participate in the preparation of research proposals and grant applications in collaboration with senior research staff.

Project Collaboration and Management

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams including agronomists, formulation scientists, chemists, crop modelers and economists to support integrated research objectives;
• Ensure compliance with all research protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements;
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and documentation to ensure research can be repeated and meets regulatory compliance;
• Contribute to training and mentoring of junior research staff as assigned;
• Participate in project meetings, progress reviews, and donor reporting as required.

Quality Assurance and Control

• Develop and implement quality assurance and control procedures for soil chemistry analyses to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results;
• Maintain research equipment and coordinate troubleshooting of technical issues and repairs;
• Participate in method validation activities and continuous improvement of analytical procedures.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry, Agricultural Chemistry, or closely related discipline with a demonstrated focus on soil nutrient dynamics and/or fertilizer chemistry;
• Post-doctoral or equivalent research experience (minimum 1-2 years) in soil chemistry, fertilizer development, or related fields is preferred. Alternatively, recent Ph.D. graduates with strong research records in soil chemistry or fertilizer research are encouraged to apply;
• Expertise in soil chemistry analysis including extraction methods, spectroscopy, chromatography, and other analytical techniques relevant to nutrient characterization;
• Strong background in fertilizer chemistry and formulation, including experience with conventional and enhanced efficiency fertilizer products (e.g., controlled-release fertilizers, stabilized fertilizers, organo-mineral fertilizers);
• Demonstrated laboratory and experimental design skills with the ability to develop and execute rigorous protocols.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with greenhouse and field trial management, particularly pot studies and plot trials;
• Familiarity with ISO standards and quality management systems in analytical laboratories;
• Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or data management platforms.

Position Terms and Duration

This position is offered as an initial one-year contract with the possibility of extension for an additional period, contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluation and demonstrated research productivity and the availability of continued project funding and organizational capacity. Successful performance in this postdoctoral role, combined with available research funding, may lead to transition into a Research Scientist position.

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports to the Director of Innovations & Research.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Muscles Shoals, Alabama, US.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security, and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG7 with a minimum starting salary of USD52,197.

The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.