Post Doctoral Research Scientist

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Responsibilities

• Develop new and innovative non-conventional fertilizers and production processes that utilize organic/recycled amendments, inhibitors, stabilizers, polymers, biofertilizers, micronutrients, nano materials and bio stimulants;
• Characterize prototype formulas using analytical tools such as spectroscopy, microscopy, porosity analysis, to assess structure-property relationships;
• Develop and collaborate with other scientists in the preparation of research proposals, protocols, budgets and obtain research grants;
• Design and execute research experiments, while managing day-to-day in line with project requirements. This includes scheduling, resource allocation, administrative duties and workflow coordination etc;
• Ensure compliance with protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Develop and implement quality assurance and safety control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results;
• Maintain research equipment, troubleshoot technical issues, and coordinate repairs and maintenance as needed;
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to assess compliance with quality standards and protocols;
• Lead the development and validation of research methods to support research and development projects;
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, and patent applications to communicate results and contribute to project deliverables.

Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in Chemistry or related field, with at least two years of relevant fertilizer formulation development experience;
• Strong inorganic and organic chemistry knowledge to research, formulate and develop new fertilizers;
• Experience with hands-on research and development in polymer chemistry, coating formulations, encapsulations, and coating processes (pan, drum, fluid-bed, etc.);
• Experience with equipment for processing, analysis, and characterization, such as particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscope, HPLC, thermal analysis, dispersion system, coating systems, reactors, mills, etc;
• Good knowledge of techniques used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of fertilizers and to assess their physical quality;
• Basic mechanical capabilities to set up, operate, and maintain bench-scale equipment for fertilizer research.

Reporting and Work Relationships

This position reports to the Director of Innovations & Research.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Muscle Shoals, AL.

Benefits

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws.

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 9 with a minimum stating salary of $69,050.

The determination of new employee salaries takes into account various factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

About Program/Project

The research project approved for funding by Gates Foundation focuses on developing novel formulations for ammonia capture and its utilization as a fertilizer, addressing the challenges of rising fertilizer costs and environmental concerns, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to develop prototype formulations for capturing and converting green ammonia into slow-release fertilizers, followed by systematic screening for nutrient release patterns, transformations, and agronomic impact.

The research plan involves material characterization, formulation development, laboratory and greenhouse evaluations, pilot plant engineering studies, and field trials. The project also includes developing a guidance document for green ammonia-derived fertilizer production in Sub-Saharan Africa, considering factors like resource endowment, technical feasibility, and economic viability.

Additionally, the project aims to adapt existing fertilizer production technologies to utilize locally available raw materials in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on decentralized production models. The expected outcomes include enhanced ammonia utilization, increased fertilizer usage, improved soil health, reduced environmental impact, and economic benefits through local production and job creation. The project's success will be measured through laboratory studies, greenhouse trials, farmer adoption rates, economic evaluations, and stakeholder feedback.