B24192-B24196 Assistant Research Associate, Soil

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Assistant Research Associate, Soil at the field level to be a part of CSISA-MEA team.

The country of post is Bangladesh, we are seeking 5 candidates for the following locations: Bandarban, Barishal, Jashore, Jhulna, Sylhet.

Duties and Responsabilities:

• Execute research activities on soil management and rice-based systems in collaboration with public and private partnerships.
• Contribute to understanding soil acidity, salinity, and the determinants of yield gaps in Bangladesh's agricultural ecosystems.
• Assess spatial and temporal variability in the physical and chemical properties of soil across diverse landscapes.
• Utilize various soil rapid testing equipment, such as soil pH meters, salinity meters, and wet sensors, and conduct precise calibration procedures to ensure device reliability and accuracy.
• Clear knowledge of soil sampling protocol and conduct fieldwork proficiently, including soil sample collection in various environments.
• Utilize available digital soil maps and recommendations to craft accurate fertilizer management plans aimed at optimizing nutrient utilization, specifically targeting the acidic and saline environments prevalent in Bangladesh.
• Provide support for the production, distribution, and utilization of digital soil maps through partnerships.
• Coordinate participatory adaptive research and development activities on resilient and sustainable resource-conserving crops and cropping systems management, appropriate agricultural machinery, and livestock-integrated farming systems in project working ecologies.
• Provide technical backstopping to public and private collaborators to develop efficient and dynamic research and development activities.
• Work closely with an interdisciplinary project team of soil scientists/agronomists, data scientists, engineers, and remote sensing specialists to advance sustainable and resilient rice-based production systems.
• Maintain field equipment inventory, sampling inventory, complete paperwork, and prepare research reports and presentations, including scientific papers.
• Perform preliminary statistical analysis on soil management and crop production data and present project results under supervisor guidance.
• Monitor laboratory analysis of soil samples and research experiments when necessary.
• Coach other staff members on data acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and curation.

• Master’s degree in soil science, agronomy, systems analysis in agriculture, or another related field.
• Soil science with clear agricultural knowledge will be an additional advantage.
• Experience with soil management (acidity and salinity) skills.
• Strong grasp of environmental systems, particularly in fertilizer management, nitrogen fertilizer utilization, and greenhouse gas emissions, and their interplay within agricultural contexts.
• At least 4 years of professional work experience in research and research for development projects.
• Requires conceptual knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures within soil management and rice-based production systems including working with large spatial datasets.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing techniques provides an additional advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated ability to write, publish, and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-cultural environment.
• Complexity of thinking needed: Work is complex and technical in scope.
• Understand the linkages with other disciplines. Create multi-disciplinary projects and initiatives.
• Ability to identify and finalize solutions to field problems (soil, water management, farm machinery, nutrient management, food transport, and processing).
• Skilled in standard software, able to handle advanced tasks. Also, familiarity with R or similar software for data analysis would be beneficial.
• Willing to work in the field and able to travel using a motorbike or official vehicle when necessary.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Critical thinking, Creative thinking, Communication and teamwork.

The position is for Bangladesh Nationals for an initial fixed-term contract of 1-year with 3 months probationary period, which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds.

CIMMYT will provide a nationally competitive salary and benefits that include comprehensive health and life insurance, paid vacation, contributions to a retirement plan, and a range of other benefits as required by Bangladesh law. 

Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer.

It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Women are encouraged to apply.