Dear list members,

we are looking for a PhD student for conducting agronomic studies in the 
Kilombero district of Tanzania. Interested students from Tanzania or 
East-Africa are particularly encouraged to send their applications. 
Further details are given below.

Regards,

Matthias


A PDF version of this advertisement can be downloaded at: 
www.langensiepen.net/PhDPositionAgronomyEastAfrica.pdf


PhD position in Agronomy

The German collaborative research centre TR228 “Future Rural Africa: 
Future-making and social-ecological transformation” 
(www.futureruralafrica.de) combines expertise from the University of 
Bonn, the University of Cologne and several partner institutions in East 
and South-Africa to study emerging characteristics of social-ecological 
transformation and future-making from different disciplinary perspectives.

Project A03, “Agro-Futures: Scales of variability, human-environmental 
interactions, and patterns in agro-landscapes” is hosted by the 
University of Bonn and currently offers a PhD scholarship for a period 
of 40 months from September 2018 until December 2021.
Scholarship for a Doctoral Researcher (f/m) (Agronomy)

Expected experience:
* University degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) with an above-average grade in 
agronomy or related field
* Experience in agronomic field and laboratory work. Experience with 
rice production systems is an asset
* Ability and willingness to travel for extended periods to rural areas 
of Tanzania
* Good English communication skills. Knowledge of Swahili will be an asset.
* Interest in cooperating in an interdisciplinary African/German team.
* Knowledge in statistical analysis of agronomic data
* Experience in crop modelling would be an asset

Task description:
* Categorize farmland (lowland rice) productivity and resource-use dynamics
* Analyse crop phenology, growth, and yields (mainly rice) in different 
farm types
* Determine plant and soil nutrient dynamics
* Assess water and nutrient use efficiencies
* Statistically analyse field data with Excel and R
* Interpret results in the context of linked hydrological and 
socio-economic studies
* Regular exchanges with researcher of the collaborative research centre
* Present results on conferences and publish scientific articles

Benefits:
* Monthly payment of 1250 Euros for up to 40 months
* Coverage of international travel and health insurance costs
* Registration as a PhD student in the Bonn Graduate School
* Access to library services and advanced laboratories in Bonn

Application:
Submit an English-language application in one single PDF file to Prof. 
Mathias Becker (mathias.becker@uni- bonn.de) until 1. July 2018. The 
application must include (1) a motivation letter, (2) curriculum vitae, 
(3) academic certificates and transcripts, (4) list of publications, and 
(5) names and contact details of two referees.

The University of Bonn is an equal opportunity employer.