Horticulture Scientist

Job Summary

We are looking forward to hire a skilled and motivated expert scientist in horticulture science with special expertise on controlled environment agriculture to join our research team. The successful candidate will lead the ICBA’s horticultural research suitable for diverse targeted regions with special reference to Saline and Arid environments. The selected candidate will develop, lead, and implement research projects related to horticultural crops, with emphasis on high-value crops, vegetables, fruits, and landscaping. It includes both indoor controlled environments and outdoor systems during conducive cropping seasons.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop research projects related to the area of expertise and in line with the ICBA’s mandate, and obtain internal and external funding
• Design and implement suitable protocols (soil-less and with soil) related to horticultural crops for saline and arid environments based on yield potential, resource endowments, target country requirements and agro-ecological adaptability
• Conduct research to improve the tolerance and adaptation of major horticultural crops to abiotic stresses – especially salinity and drought
• Design and construct new greenhouses with appropriate components to tailor to the level of automation, climate control (cooling and humidity), scalability, prevailing weather, and cost considerations.
• Maintenance and routine-upkeep of the existing and new controlled environment facilities at ICBA
• Develop/introduce new horticultural crops suitable for field and under protected environmental conditions in saline and arid environments
• Work in close collaboration with other scientists at ICBA to manage aspects of environmental control and nutrient systems
• Work in close association with social scientists to assess the economic viability of various greenhouse production systems and develop business plans for selected crops.
• Contribute to building the capacity of NARS and other stakeholders in horticultural crops related to environmental stresses and controlled environment conditions.
• Communicate research findings through presentations, reports, and scientific publications.
• Supervise the implementation of experiments in controlled environments, management and data collection for production of relevant scientific publications.
• Assist in the preparation of ICBA publications, including the newsletter
• Supervise technicians and field workers as appropriate
• Any other assignment given by the supervisor in the interest of ICBA

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Ph.D. in horticulture and related sciences
• At least 5 years’ research experience and good understanding of horticulture cropping systems with skills in field experimentation, experimental design and statistics
• Demonstrated experience in vegetables and fruit production under greenhouse conditions
• Proven technical experience in designing, automation, and greenhouse operations management in target areas
• Ability to independently design and conduct field research
• Experience of working as a member of a multidisciplinary team, namely in international organizations
• Strong publications record in refereed journals
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable:

Knowledge of Arabic is desirable