icipe Graduate Student (PhD) Career Opportunity - Understanding the variability of carbon stocks in avocado agroecosystems of Taita Hills

Graduate Student (PhD) Position

Topic: Understanding the variability of carbon stocks in avocado agroecosystems of Taita Hills in comparison to adjacent natural forests and other land-use system/agroecosystem

icipe is an intergovernmental organisation funded by government aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improved health and agricultural productivity in the tropics.

icipe has approximately 350 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes, located at various sites in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Project Title: Understanding the variability of carbon stocks in avocado agroecosystems of Taita Hills in comparison to adjacent natural forests and other land-use system/agroecosystem

Project objectives

Generate C stock inventory data for home gardens and commercial avocado plantation in comparison with other land-use systems across altitudes in Taita hillsImpact of age of plantation and seasons on C sequestration ratesDetermine if and to what extent avocado contribute to soil C storage in comparison with adjacent natural forest and other land-use system/agroecosystem.Evaluate the stability of the stored soil C in the selected avocado agroforestry systems and in comparison with other land-use systemsModel the changes in C stocks of avocado based agroecosystems in a climate change scenario in Taita HillsQualifications

This doctoral fellowship is expected to run from 2012 to 2014 and is tenable at icipe.

The successful candidate selected out of a competitive process will begin her/his training immediately.

Specific Qualifications

The applicant must have BSc and MSc degrees with a minimum award of upper 2nd class degree or equivalent in Soil Science, Agro ecology with background in Soil Science, Agricultural Chemistry, and Plant Physiologist.

Should be a Kenyan

Maximum age of 36 years for men and 40 for women at the time of application [Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply].

Eligible for registration in one of the ARPPIS member universities (visit the icipe website: icipe website or ARPPIS website: ARPPIS website for a comprehensive list of ARPPIS member universities)

Application requisites

Interested applicants are required to submit the following documents:

Current Curriculum VitaeTwo letters of referenceCertified copies of academic certificates and transcripts of degree courses taken;A Letter of nomination for training by the employer a mustA one-page write-up on Why you think you are the right candidate for this positionSend application documents by email to pmachera@icipe.org with a Subject line: Avocado Carbon Stocks PhD Application

Candidates who fail to comply with ALL the qualification requirements will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted up to 18 November 2011.

Only applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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