Horticulture Scientist

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.

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 regions with special reference to marginal environments. The selected candidate will develop, lead and implement research for projects related to horticultural crops, with emphasis on high value crops, vegetables, fruits and landscaping. It includes both indoor in controlled environment system and outdoor during conducive season.
Job Responsibilities

  • Develop projects related to area of expertise and in line with ICBA mandate, and procure internal and external funding

  • Design and implement suitable protocols (soil-less and with soil) related to horticultural crops for marginal environments based on yield potential and agro-ecological adaptability

  • Conduct research to improve the tolerance and adaptation of major horticultural crops to abiotic stresses – especially salinity and drought

  • Maintenance and routine-upkeep of the existing controlled environment facilities at ICBA

  • Develop/introduce new horticultural crops suitable for field and under protected environmental conditions in marginal 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 scientist to assess the economic viability of various greenhouse production schemes and develop business plans for selected crops.  

  • Contribute to building the capacity of NARS and other stakeholders in horticultural crops related to environmental stresses.

  • Communicate research findings through presentations, reports, and scientific publications.

  • Supervise 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 supervisor in the interest of ICBA

Qualifications and Experience

 

Essential

  • Ph.D. in horticulture and or related science
  • 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
  • Ability to independently design and conduct field research;
  • Experience 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
Post Date
13 November 2023
Status
Closed
Vacancy Type
Full-time
Closing Date
Open until filled
Location
Dubai,UAE
Report To
Program Leader - CDG
Job Number
ICBA-DP-2023-010
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