Research Associate - BNI

Tropical Forages
The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food
systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate
change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform
food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people.
The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

About the position

We are looking for a Research Asssociate, to investigate the role of Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI)
in reducing N2O emissions in tropical and temperate livestock systems. conceptualize a G x E x M
framework to identify key genetic, environmental and management factors and their interactions. The
professional will work developing data in a comprehensive database and conducting targeted
experiments to address knowledge gaps. Collaborate closely with researchers from the Bioversity
Alliance and CIAT (Colombia) and AgResearch (New Zealand) to advance the objectives of the Livestock
Research Group of the Global Research Alliance (GRA).

The position will be based in the operations center of the Americas, located in the Campus of
Palmira, Colombia.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a conceptual G x E x M framework on the key controlling points of BNI in tropical and
temperate systems, to identify key genetic, environmental, and management controls (and their
interactions) of N2O emissions.
• Present hypotheses on likely similarities or differences between the key controls in tropical and
temperate systems.
• Conduct a quantitative review of BNI literature (including from cropping systems) and develop a
database of G, E, and M factors affecting N2O emissions.
• Complete statistical analysis of the database to identify the key controls and key gaps in
knowledge of “BNI’’controls on N2O emissions.
• Complete targeted experimental work to fill some of the key gaps identified in the meta-analysis.
• Participate actively in national and international conferences.
• Submit a peer-reviewed paper on the key controls of BNI in tropical and temperate systems.
 • Identify and communicate key results relevant to GHG inventories of Colombia and NZ for
emission factor/activity data improvement.
• Submit a peer-reviewed paper focusing on the key controls of BNI in tropical and temperate
systems.

Qualifications and requirements

• Professionals in biology, environmental engineering, agriculture, livestock, agriculture, or

agroecology.
• Master’s degree in agricultural sciences or related fields (Desired).
• Experience in BNI capacity monitoring work in tropical pastures.
• Knowledge and experience in greenhouse gas measurements, especially N2O Advanced.
• Scientific writing skills for the presentation of reports, abstracts, and articles.
• Experience managing statistical analysis and meta-analysis databases.
• Experience in design and execution of experiments. (green houses and Laboratories).

Terms of employment

This is a national recruited position placed at a BG06, on a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the
highest.

This is a Colombian national search and will be managed through a fixed term contract of a one (1) year
period, subject to a probation period according to the local legislation and is renewable depending on
performance and availability of resources. The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial
research environment with competitive salaries and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity
employer, and strive for gender, diversity, and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color,
religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital
status, or any other characteristic.

Applications

Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against
the qualifications, competencies, and skills together with a detailed curriculum vitae. All
correspondence should be addressed to the following link: Research Associate - BNI (zohorecruit.eu)
“Application: Research Associate – BNI – Tropical Forages”.

Closing date for applications: April 15th, 2024.

We invite you to learn more about us at:
Careers | Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT (alliancebioversityciat.org)