Postdoctoral position – Co-evaluating bio-inputs for Smallholder Farmers in Kenya

Conduct a local farming practices knowledge study for Western Kenya through literature search, surveys with farmers, focus group discussion with smallholder farmers and other food systems actors, interviews with local food system authorities. Perform a meta-analysis on locally produced bio-inputs (i.e. fertilizer and pesticides) across sub-Saharan Africa. Rigorous (on-farm) testing of locally sourced bio-inputs (i.e. fertilizer and pesticides) in Western Kenya.

The Sustainable Agroecosystem group at ETH Zurich focuses on the feedbacks between agroecosystem management options, plant-soil interactions, nutrient cycling, and soil microbiome functioning within a transdisciplinary framework to ensure relevance and viability of the research outcomes for a farmer-led transition to sustainable agriculture. A new farmer-based agroecology innovation research initiative (Agroecology Academy - Africa) has been established at ETH Zurich with a parallel base in Western Kenya to contribute with the latest insights into agroecological science. It will investigate easily adoptable solutions to improve the farmers’ situation by enhancing soil fertility, crop productivity, income, farming system resilience and agricultural sustainability in general. It will act as a bridge between research and practice by connecting agricultural stakeholders (i.e. smallholder farmers, extension specialist, food processors, etc.) and academics. Besides delivering excellent research, a strong focus will be on achieving impact on the ground and thus contributing to the smallholder farmers’ livelihood. The initiative's work will focus on three key areas: farmer-centred research, translation of research into action, and knowledge exchange, training and education.

• PhD in agronomy, soil science, crop science or similar

• Experience in interdisciplinary projects to holistically assess the sustainability of agriculture

• Interested and experienced in Agroecology both from a theoretical and practical perspective

• Excellent academic track record. You have a strong background in agroecosystem management research, data compilation, and data analysis techniques and methodologies

• Experience with surveys, focus group discussions, and interviewing is a major plus

• Highly motivated and self-organized

• You will be expected to help us maintain a positive team dynamic and a welcoming work environment

• You should be able to combine strong individual research with teamwork within an interdisciplinary project. You should be open-minded towards research within a transdisciplinary approach

• Be ready for heavy field-work in the tropical sun

• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbally and written