Research Officer III - Eddy Covariance

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve food security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for better and more sustainable use of livestock. ILRI is a CGIAR research centre – part of a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

JOB SUMMARY

RequirementsMasters in the discipline of micrometeorology, (atmospheric) physics, environmental sciences, eddy covariance fluxes, or related fieldsExperience with eddy covariance flux measurements (setup, maintenance, data evaluation and processing) proven by at least two years of field experience with eddy covariance towersMinimum of 7 years of progressive experience in eddy covariance towersField experience in related areas (e.g. remote sensing of rangeland vegetation) beneficialDemonstrated ability to integrate eddy covariance flux data with ancillary environmental for synthesis studies on flux budgets, control parameters and processesAbility to handle large datasets, data processing, and strong familiarity with statistical software such as R, SPSS, Matlab and/or pythonWillingness to coordinate and participate in regular field work campaigns across a range of experimental sites in East AfricaKnowledge on agricultural production systems in developing and/or developed countries is preferredThe ability to supervise and train research assistants and students, and provide necessary data quality control and assuranceA background in remote sensing or modeling of nutrient and water cycles is an assetWorking experience in developing countries desirableEnjoying working as part of an international and intercultural teamExcellent written and spoken English

RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise the performance of two existing experimental sites with eddy covariance (EC) flux towers and other environmental sensors in two semi-arid areas in Machakos County, KenyaLead the establishment and maintenance of new EC flux towers in dryland systems in the region subject to funding availabilityUndertake sampling of soils, aboveground biomass and other environmental variables as requiredEnsure data quality assurance and control (QA/QC) in accordance with standard operating proceduresConduct processing, visualization, and analysis of the newly derived EC tower data, also in relation to other environmental variables and remote sensing dataLead and contribute to the writing and publication of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals using the derived EC dataDevelop conference/workshop presentations describing results and their implications for agricultural and rangeland productivity, GHG emissions, and nutrient managementContribute to communication of findings to stakeholders, including researchers, press, ministries, livestock extension officers, farmers, donors, etcParticipate in capacity building of partners, and supervision of graduate students and research assistantsContribute to resource mobilization through significant input to proposal developmentPerform any other related duties as may be assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS

Communication, Reporting, Research planning, Data analysis

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Post-graduate education