Horticulture Scientist

International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA); United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative agricultural research center seeks a skilled expert in horticulture science to lead research in controlled environment agriculture. This role focuses on developing high-value crops suited for saline and arid regions, enhancing food security and livelihoods. The successful candidate will design and implement research projects, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to scientific publications. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to improving agricultural practices and sustainability in challenging environments, making a significant impact on global food security.

Benefits

Competitive Benefits Package

Family Support Programs

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in horticulture and related sciences required.
• 5+ years of research experience in horticulture cropping systems.
• Strong publications record in refereed journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research projects in horticultural crops.
• Design greenhouse protocols for saline and arid environments.
• Collaborate with scientists on environmental control systems.

Skills

Horticulture Research

Field Experimentation

Experimental Design

Greenhouse Operations Management

Data Collection and Analysis

Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams

Publications in Refereed Journals

Fluency in English

Knowledge of Arabic

Education

Ph.D. in Horticulture or Related Sciences

Job description

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 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