The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a dynamic and dedicated Postdoctoral Researcher with a specialization in Ruminant Nutrition, particularly with experience in enteric methane emissions.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
The position:
This position will be based at the Mazingira Centre, a leading research facility renowned for its work in environmental research in livestock systems in Sub-Saharan Africa (visit https://mazingira.ilri.org/ or https://twitter.com/Mazingira_ILRI for more information). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team and contribute significantly to sustainable livestock research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This position requires a proactive, collaborative, and research-driven individual who can contribute significantly to our understanding of GHG emissions in ruminant systems and engage effectively with a diverse team of experts.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for measuring enteric methane emissions using advanced techniques such as respiration chambers and the SF6 tracer method.
The focus of the research will be on helping to establish enteric emission baselines and developing mitigation strategies, with the overarching goal of reducing methane emissions while increasing animal productivity. These efforts are crucial for limiting the impact of livestock production on climate change and ensuring the food and economic security of local communities in the Global South.
Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in ruminant nutrition and enteric emissions, including proficiency in enteric methane measurement techniques. We encourage applications from researchers who are eager to make a difference in the field of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Key Responsibilities
A key responsibility will include identifying and evaluating potential mitigation and adaptation strategies. These strategies should aim to reduce enteric methane emissions and enhance animal productivity in diverse African livestock systems.
The Postdoctoral Researcher in Ruminant Nutrition and Enteric Methane Emissions will be responsible for the following key duties:
Study of Enteric Methane Emissions and Nutrient Flows:
- Conduct comprehensive studies on enteric methane emissions in ruminant systems through controlled animal experiments.
Design and Analysis of Animal Experiments:
- Design, implement, and analyze animal experiments aimed at understanding enteric emissions in ruminant systems in Africa.
Research Dissemination:
- Write and publish scientific papers in reputable journals.
- Prepare presentations for conferences and workshops.
- Develop various communication products including research briefs, policy briefs, etc., to describe research findings and their implications for livestock GHG emissions and nutrient management.
Contribution to Future Research Initiatives:
- Actively contribute to and initiate future research projects.
- Engage in grant and proposal writing, interact with potential donors and investors, and mobilize resources for research activities.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Work closely and share results with an interdisciplinary team, including researchers specializing in biogeochemistry, modelling, social sciences, gender studies, rangeland ecology, and other related fields.
Supervision and Mentorship:
- Co-supervise PhD and MSc students, providing guidance and support in their research endeavors.
- Offer mentorship and direction to research technicians involved in the project.
Requirements
- A PhD in Ruminant Nutrition, Animal Physiology, or a closely related discipline, with a specialized focus on enteric methane emissions.
- Demonstrated experience in studying enteric methane emissions in ruminant systems through controlled animal experiments.
- Proven ability to design, conduct, and analyze animal experiments to deepen understanding of enteric methane emission and mitigation strategies.
- Strong track record of writing and publishing scientific papers, as well as developing and delivering presentations for conferences and workshops. Experience in creating additional communication products such as research and policy briefs, emphasizing the implications of research findings for GHG emissions and nutrient management.
- Experience in contributing to and initiating new research projects, including grant and proposal writing.
- Demonstrable experience in collaborating and sharing results with an interdisciplinary research team.
- Experience in co-supervising PhD and MSc students, and providing guidance to research technicians.
- This position requires a candidate with a strong background in research, particularly in ruminant nutrition and enteric methane emissions, and the ability to effectively collaborate with a diverse team of specialists.
- An understanding of smallholder livestock production systems in developing countries, with a focus on mixed crop-livestock and/or grassland-based systems, is beneficial.
- Prior experience in living or working in a low- and middle-income country, particularly in East Africa, is valued.
- Language skills in Swahili or French are considered advantageous.
Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment
This is position is at job level HG 16 and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a two (2) year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes; medical and other insurances.
Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our portal https://ilri.simplicant.com . Revisions of application will start April 1 and position will be closed when filled. The position title and reference number: SLS/1297/2024 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts
To find out more about ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer
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