Senior Scientist Contrat : CDI

The Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI) is a global organization with a holistic vision, footprint and participation to ensure responsible use of phosphorus through cutting-edge science and stakeholder dialogue.

Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI) has been established to promote global networks of research, innovation and dialogue on the vital role of phosphorus in supporting and improving life on earth in all its forms. To gain a complete picture of the current phosphorus cycle, knowledge from a broad spectrum of sciences, ranging from geology, mining, and chemical engineering; soil and plant sciences; and all facets of agricultural and environmental sciences to economics, policy, and behavioral and decision science related to P along the value chain will be brought together.

The Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI; https://www.tgpi.org/en/home) is seeking a highly qualified and enthusiastic Senior Scientist to provide high level scientific expertise in agronomic, environmental, and other sciences associated with assured, reliable and affordable access to phosphorus, and its sustainable management.

The ideal candidate will work independently and collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to identify important issues associated with the sustainable management of phosphorus in agricultural, industrial, and other non-agricultural contexts, show leadership with those issues, define critical research gaps associated with them, and be able to conceive, plan, design and oversee studies that advance the current state of knowledge about the sustainable use of phosphorus.

Terms of Reference

The Senior Scientist is based at the GPI headquarters in Benguérir, Morocco and reports to the Executive Director. The ideal candidate will:

1) Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and diplomacy in the conduct of business for the GPI;
2) Be a communications and ideas facilitator on sustainability issues associated with phosphorus among leading scientists, academia, the fertilizer industry, agribusiness, industrial users, educators, environmental groups, sustainability organizations, governments, NGOs, and start-ups;
3) Coordinate with the Institute’s management team to contribute to specific issues associated with sustainable phosphorus use and management. These include, but are not limited to, topics such as:
• Reserves and resources of rock phosphate, geology and mineralogy;
• Phosphorus technologies for agricultural, industrial and food uses;
• Material flow, value and supply chains at various spatio-temporal scales;
• Phosphorus biogeochemical transformations in soil-microbial-plant-animal-human systems linked to the hydrosphere and atmosphere;
• Protection and rehabilitation of phosphorus-impacted environments;
• Phosphorus in health and human nutrition;
• Economic, social, and policy analyses based on Sustainable Development Goals.
4) Coordinate with GPI partners and stakeholders who have an interest and involvement with key sustainable phosphorus organizations and government agencies. These may include, but are not limited to, the following: Sustainable Phosphorus Alliance, Phosphorus Futures, European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform, SERA-17 – Organization to Minimize Phosphorus Losses from Agriculture, Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment, and the United Nations Environmental Program – Global Partnership on Nutrient Management;
5) Support GPI’s communications activities, including website support, social media, preparation of informational items (technical reports, brochures, white papers, software, etc.), annual reports and other writing assignments, such as preparing or overseeing scientific reviews on specific subjects that contribute to GPI’s mission;
6) Support GPI research activities through overseeing and/or collaborating with researchers and their institutions. Participate in the training and supervision of interns, students, and staff as needed;
7) Assess new proposals for research and the extension of existing research projects, which involve commitments of GPI’s funds and resources, and advise the Executive Director on suitability of funding;
8) Represent GPI at scientific or other meetings, including speaking assignments and fulfill other duties as assigned by GPI’s Executive Director, and support GPI’s Executive Director as required;
9) Actively engage in appropriate national and international professional and scientific societies to represent the Institute.

Qualification and Experience:

• A Ph.D. degree in a relevant science field such as agricultural sciences, environmental science, geosciences or similar from an accredited university. Demonstrated experience with sustainable phosphorus issues;
• At least 5 years’ experience as a scientist or equivalent position with proven ability to set priorities and work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders and collaborators;
• Strong analytical capacities, quantitative skills and an aptitude for complex problem-solving with proven record of scientific publications;
• Prior work experience in international research teams that synthesize knowledge that transcends disciplinary boundaries;
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including to developing countries (up to 15%);
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills, at ease in discussing scientific issues related to phosphorus with international audiences.

The announcement is for a full-time and permanent position, subject to completing a satisfactory probation period and performance. A competitive salary and employee benefits package will be provided. Qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

Qualified candidates should send all application materials in English, including a detailed CV, an application letter, and the email addresses of three professional references to [email protected] with copy to Houria KHODJI ([email protected]), with Senior Scientist position mentioned in the subject line.

The deadline for applications is May 20, 2024.

Only pre-selected candidates for the interview will be contacted.