Research associate/ Postgraduate student: Sugarcane crop physiology and modelling


The South African Sugarcane Research Institute based in Mount Edgecombe near Durban seeks a research associate and postgraduate student to join an experienced team of researchers to conduct exciting crop physiology and crop modelling research in sugarcane.


Research associate: Modelling sugarcane canopy development and biomass partitioning (Dec 2009 to Dec 2012, Mount Edgecombe,  ZAR 150 000 pa)

Genetic, environmental (e.g. water status and temperature) and management (e.g row spacing and mulch layers) factors all effect crop growth and development processes such as leaf and tiller phenology, resource capture, biomass assimilation and partitioning.   The aim is to develop conceptual models from recently acquired physiological knowledge about these interactions and incorporate it into the DSSAT Canegro sugarcane model.
The research associate will work with leading scientists and programmers to:
*           develop a coherent set of integrated conceptual models, appropriate algorithms and mathematical relationships;
*           incorporate these into the existing DSSAT Canegro v4.5 code,
*           test the new model against experimental data, and
*           document model changes.

Research outcomes will include the code and scientific documentation of the new version of DSSAT Canegro as well as  publications in scientific journals.

The ideal candidate will have:
*           a Ph.D. in botany, crop science, agronomy, soil science, agrometeorology or related field,
*           experience in crop simulation modelling,
*           the ability to use software to quantitatively analyse crop experimental data and simulate crop and soil processes,
*           the capacity to conduct independent research, and
*           the ability to communicate effectively and write scientific publications.



Postgraduate student: Resource use efficiency of high biomass sugarcane types (Jan 2010 to May 2013, Mount  Edgecombe, stipend of ZAR 90 000 pa).

Resource (solar radiation, water and nitrogen) use efficiency of different sugarcane cultivar types aimed at the production of bio-energy and sugar production respectively, are investigated in order to determine the feasibility of sugarcane production for bio-energy in marginal areas, and to provide guidelines for breeding and managing such crops.

The postgraduate student  will comprehensively review current knowledge on the topic and conduct experiments to closely monitor and better understand the physiology of crop development, crop water uptake, radiation interception, structural growth, biomass partitioning and crop response to water stress.  Research outcomes will include chapters in a research report, publications in scientific journals and a Ph.D. thesis.

The ideal candidate will have:
*           a M.Sc. in crop science, plant physiology, agronomy or related field,
*           good knowledge of crop physiology,
*           the ability to (1) use instruments to measure crop, soil and atmospheric processes, (2) to quantitatively analyse crop experimental data  and (3) to formulate concepts of crop response to environmental and genetic factors.



For further information please contact Dr. Abraham Singels ([log in to unmask]). Send your applications with cover letter, detailed CV, publication list and contact details of three referees to [log in to unmask], stating the post that you are applying for. Closing date:  Mid November 2009 or until a suitable candidate has been identified.



*********************************************************************
This email and all contents are subject to the following disclaimer:
http://www.sasa.org.za/emaildisclaimer619.aspx
*********************************************************************