PRR Project

Summary

We are looking for a Senior scientist to engage within the group of Environmental Biotechnology at CBQF. The group is dedicated to advancing microbial based processes for environmental protection and restoration. This position will lead efforts to explore biotechnology tools as part of novel strategies for sustainable soil management.Our research group has a strong background in microbial assisted crop production in stress scenarios, having used such tools for soil requalification and for enhancing crop growth and resilience. Joining the group, the Assistant Researcher will tackle the challenges of preserving and promoting soil health under sub-optimal conditions, such as longer drought periods and water scarcity, and high salinity (from intrusion and from high rate of fertilization), through combining biotechnological tools with sustainable soil management practices. The candidate will play a crucial role in developing innovative research projects targeting gaps in our current knowledge to advancing the translation of such tools into field application responding to the needs and challenges of soil health envisaged in EU mission: A Soil Deal for Europe and Portaria n.º 185/2022. The Assistant Researcher will be involved in developing tools for the efficient delivery of microbial inoculants within wider practices of sustainable soil management, incorporating highly efficient microbial consortia and suitable carriers, with a new generation of carrier materials sourced from agricultural wastes and by-products, paving the way for a new generation of biofertilizers characterized by improved consistency and efficacy. Of relevance for advancing the field and translating innovations into real-scale applications is the securement of a network of sites for demonstrating the potential of novel fertilizers. Having led the way towards application, the candidate will have access to pre-existing field trials, such as vineyards and maize, to validate biofertilizers’ efficiency in improving plant growth and soil health and biodiversity in.The Assistant Researcher will engage in the supervision of master/doctoral students and will have a leading role in the application for national and international projects, with a strong ambition to contribute towards securing international funding in the above-mentioned areas. The candidate will also have a role in the bridge between research and academic programs and the communication of science to different audiences.Profile:Doctoral degree in Biotechnology, Biology, Microbiology or related areas.Minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in the fields of biotechnology, microbiology or related areas.Expertise in the use of biotechnology tools with soil management for agriculture or soil remediation in laboratory and field experiments.Experience in integrating research projects, including supervision of young researchers.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.