CESFRA - Postdoctoral researcher in Controlled-Release Fertilizers, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences

Job Qualifications:

• PhD in applied Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, Plant Biotechnology, Plant and Soil Science, Crop Science, Environmental Science or a relevant field, with expertise in material synthesis, process engineering, or fertilizers.
• Demonstrated experience in either agronomic testing or material development, with willingness and ability to work across disciplines
• Experience in the development and characterization of glass materials and/or controlled-release fertilizers is an asset.
• Strong background in plant-soil interactions and soil health indicators for sustainable crop production systems.
• Solid understanding of plant nutrition and the impact of (a) biotic stresses on plant physiology and biochemistry.
• Experience in setting up and conducting greenhouse, field and lab experiments to evaluate crop nutrient dynamics, physiology and biochemistry in response to ameliorants.
• Knowledge of environmental impact assessment and sustainable agronomic practices
• Prior knowledge of phosphate-based glasses and their applications in fertilizers is preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience in experimental data analysis and modeling of nutrient release processes.
• Hands-on experience in field preparation and establishment of multisite field trials under different soil and climate conditions to optimize yield and quality of various crops.
• A good knowledge of biostimulants and organic/inorganic additives and their mode of action to improve crop yields under abiotic stress (water and salt stress).
• Data scheduling, collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.

Relevant experience consisting of:

• Experience in the development and characterization of glass materials and/or controlled-release fertilizers.
• Conducting agronomic trials under greenhouse and field conditions.
• Experience in experimental data analysis and modeling of nutrient release processes.
• Experience in process scale-up and/or pilot implementation.
• Multisite crop trials establishment with soil and plant analysis, and fertilizer evaluation.
• Use of tools for plant stress physiology and biochemical assessments.
• Assessment of plant physiological and biochemical responses under (a) biotic stress.
• Analytical techniques and modeling of plant nutrient use efficiency, yield, and soil health parameters in response to salinity and other abiotic stresses.
• Experience analyzing the combined effects of glass fertilizers and organic amendments (e.g., compost).
• Study of interactions between glass fertilizers and soil microbial communities.
• Ability to perform statistical data analysis using R and other relevant software and draft technical or scientific reports.
• Ability to write manuscripts for scientific publication.

Key competences:

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent communication skills, including written and oral presentation skills in French and English.
• Excellent Strong motivation for applied research in sustainable and resilient agriculture.
• Autonomous, well-organized, and able to coordinate experimental work independently
• Capable of mentoring and working with PhD students and technicians
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong decision-making skills.
• Very Effective time management.
• Strong Problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated and work under minimal to no supervision