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Technische Universität München - The Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan at the Technische Universität München (TUM) invites applications for the position of Chair of Horticultural Economics (W3) to be filled by winter semester 2009/10.

Applications are invited from candidates with an excellent international academic record in all fields of horticultural economics including economics and management of quality standards or environmental standards, the value-added chain, marketing or management.

Candidates should be willing to engage in interdisciplinary projects of the Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, in particular within the Hans-Eisenmann Center for Agricultural Sciences. Initiatives to cooperate with the TUM Business School are expected.

The successful candidate has to teach Horticultural Economics in the undergraduate program Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, in the international graduate programme in Horticultural cience and in related programs.

Preconditions for employment are a degree from a university or an accredited college of applied science, pedagogical aptitude, Ph.D./doctorate and a postdoctoral lecturing and research qualification (Habilitation) or an equivalent academic achievement, which may have been obtained as a junior professor or outside a university environment. At the time of appointment applicants should not be older than 52 years. Under certain circumstances the age limit may be lifted.

In cases of substantially equal eligibility, preferential consideration will be given to disabled candidates. As part of the Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments, the Technische Universität München pursues the strategic goal of substantially increasing the proportion of women in research and education and thus expressly invites qualified female scientists to apply for this position.

Applications with the usual supporting information (CV, certificates, credentials, etc., list of publications including reprints of the most important papers) should be submitted by January 2nd, 2009 to: Dekan der Fakultät Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt der TU München, Alte Akademie 8, D-85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany.

More info:

Prof. Dr. Jutta Roosen
Lehrstuhl für BWL - Marketing und Konsumforschung
Technische Universität München
Alte Akademie 16
85350 Freising
Germany.

Phone: (49) 08161 - 71 3318, Fax:  (49)08161 71 4501
web: www.mcr.wi.tum.de

Position Description: A post-doctoral position is available working at the interface of plant ecophysiology and ecohydrology focusing on understanding the effects of land use change and restoration on plant water cycling processes – from the individual plant to the ecosystem scale.  The post-doctoral associate is expected to develop and execute research projects within his/her areas of interest that fall within the overall scope of several existing projects, to assist with the coordination of on-going field, lab, and project management activities, and to analyze data and write manuscripts for publication.  The postdoctoral associate would have the opportunity to participate as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists studying larger questions related to ecohydrological responses to land use change at watershed scales in Iowa and Mexico.  Although the specific duties relate to plant-ecosystem interactions and plant water use dynamics, there is room within the scope of the project for the post-doc to incorporate their own research interests.  Primary responsibilities include: installation and maintenance of sapflow and microclimate monitoring equipment (including a variety of sensors and accompanying data loggers, power supply, etc.), periodic collection of plant physiological (e.g., photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, etc.) and structural (e.g., leaf area, biomass) data and ecosystem process data related to productivity and nutrient cycling, as well as helping to coordinate activities of a field crew of 4-8 people comprised of undergraduate and graduate students and seasonal field assistants.

Qualifications: A completed (or imminent) Ph.D. in plant physiological ecology, ecosystem ecology, ecohydrology, or related field.  Strong technical and quantitative skills required; excellent written and verbal communication skills required.   Demonstrated ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed literature, produce programmatic reports, and present research results to a large audience.  Ability to work effectively in a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary research environment, both independently and as a team member, is essential.  Fluency in Spanish is desirable.  Experience working with different techniques for measuring plant ecophysiological processes (e.g., transpiration, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance) and environmental conditions (e.g., soil moisture, temperature, humidity, radiation, etc.) is desirable.

Salary: Base salary for a two-year appointment is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. A full range of fringe benefits is available.  The initial appointment will be for two years and may be renewed for an additional year depending on funding availability and the incumbent’s performance.

Application Date: Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled.  Start date can be as early as April 1, 2009, but is flexible, depending on the incumbent’s availability.

How to Apply: Interested individuals should provide the following materials: (1) cover letter indicating general and specific research interests/experiences, (2) statement of professional goals (e.g., plans after finishing the training), (3) resume, (4) transcripts, (5) list of three references (names, email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses).  Photocopies of transcripts are acceptable initially.  Please email all application materials as a single PDF file to Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen (hasbjorn@iastate.edu).

POSITION: Assistant Professor: Ornamental Plants and Floriculture
LOCATION: Department of Horticultural Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
CLOSING DATE: Until filled
APPOINTMENT: 12-Month tenure track
RESPONSIBILITIES: This position is 50% Research and 50% Teaching. The position will provide leadership and coordination of research efforts related to ornamental plants (especially indoor plants or greenhouse-grown flowers). Candidates should be able to integrate new and novel technologies into research programs. Primary emphasis will be on basic and applied research. The incumbent will be expected to develop a strong externally funded nationally recognized research program, publish in refereed journals, and train graduate students. The incumbent is expected to teach an undergraduate course in ‘indoor plants’ and a graduate course in ‘physiology of ornamental plants’ or contributing in some other courses.
QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in Horticultural Science is required. Experience in conducting basic and applied research, and teaching is desirable. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, a history of successful grant applications, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with other researchers and colleagues.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit the following electronically.

1. Letter of application including a summary of relevant experiences and accomplishments.
2. A vision statement regarding goals in research and teaching for this position.
3. A detailed vitae including a list of publications, grant proposals and a summary of teaching activities.
4. Official academic transcripts.
5. Applicants should forward a list and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent.

Applications will be accepted until January 30, 2009 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Submit applications and inquires about the position electronically to Dr. Hassan Salehi, Assistant Professor and Search Committee Chair at hsalehi@shirazu.ac.ir, Department of Horticultural Science, Shiraz University, Iran.

Massey University Palmerston North, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health

Professor/Associate Professor in Postharvest Science and Technology (A502-08B)

New Zealand’s premier food science/technology university is seeking to appoint a Professor / Associate Professor to develop tomorrow’s food/plant scientists/technologists specialising in Postharvest Science.
The Professor/ Associate Professor will lead research activities of the Postharvest Group and teach at the tertiary level.  The appointee will also generate external funding to support research activities of the group.
This senior permanent position includes responsibility for research, teaching and student supervision chiefly at the University’s Palmerston North campus but also interacts with the Albany campus and our new campus in Singapore.  The primary area of expertise is in postharvest physiology and technology of horticultural products, and the engineering of modern systems to maintain food quality through the supply chain. Experience in food packaging and refrigeration would be beneficial.  The suitable applicant will have a natural ability to interact with students and with the wider horticultural industry as well as having a proven track record in developing research projects.  You will have a postgraduate qualification at the PhD level in food/plant science with experience in plant-based systems and a demonstrated ability to integrate science and technology to advance and apply knowledge within the New Zealand context. . The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate leadership of teams and the strategic focus of research sections and departments. An outgoing and motivating personality is essential together with excellent communication skills.

Qualifications: A PhD in Food or Plant Science or Engineering / Post Harvest Physiology/Technology with experience and knowledge of supply chains in plant based systems.

Experience

1. An international research reputation  in Food/Plant Science and Technology, and Postharvest Physiology/Technology
2. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate leadership and strategic qualities, and have a successful track record of securing international/national funding for industry relevant research programmes
3. A demonstrated capability to integrate scientific knowledge with technological advancements is an important personal attribute sought in the successful applicant, who also should be able to demonstrate ability to lead research programmes having both a basic and applied focus.
4. Experience in several of the following is required: fruit and vegetable physiology, storage and packaging technology, ripening of fresh produce, food quality assessment, shelf-life prediction and stability, bioactive determination and isolation.
5. Industry/commercial experience will be an advantage together with knowledge of industry practices.
6. Experience at teaching at a tertiary level.

Location: Palmerston North
Salary range: for salary details see the following link http://jobs.massey.ac.nz/sginfo_A.asp
Closing date for applications: 15 November 2008.

Further information: see the following Massey University web site
http://jobs.massey.ac.nz/positiondetail.asp?p=5545

For further information regarding this position contact Professor Richard Archer, Head of Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, telephone +64 6 350 5104,
E-mail r.h.archer@massey.ac.nz

The University of Central Asia is seeking a Landscape Horticulturist for it’s exciting project to landscape it campus.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) was founded in 2000 by the governments of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan to foster the economic and social development of Central Asia, and especially its vast mountain regions.  It is the world’s first internationally chartered institution of higher education.  The International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University was signed by the Presidents of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, ratified by the respective parliaments, and registered with the United Nations.  The Central Administration is in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

The University of Central Asia (UCA) will be located at three full-scale campuses in rural mountainous zones in three countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, and currently has an administrative office in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

The Landscape Horticulturist shall oversee the functioning and management of the working plant nursery programs and plant nursery personnel at the campus sites at Khorog, Tajikistan, Naryn Kyrgyz Republic and at Tekeli, Kazakhstan. The nursery program will prepare plants for use on core campus lands of 150 hectares and specifically to landscape the campus prior to opening in 2011. In addition the Horticulturist shall inventory and maintain existing landscapes to remain on UCA lands of 550 hectares. The Landscape Horticulturist shall identify and procure the necessary agricultural materials and equipment. S/he will also play a capacity building and educational role in this area.

Responsibilities:

• Working with the University UCA botanists and other UCA project personnel to identify appropriate plant materials for use in and on the UCA campuses generally,  :
• Working with the UCA Parks Development Manager, manage and direct activities of the UCA working nurseries and UCA land holdings in order to provide healthy and diverse plant materials for the UCA campuses prior to the opening in 2011 and to maintain existing plant materials in healthy condition. Duties will include acquiring, transplanting, propagating and sustaining plants from on and off site sources and the collecting indigenous plants and seeds:
• Working with the UCA Parks Development Manager, oversee the fertilization and irrigation of the campus land in preparation for planting;
• Maintaining a premier working knowledge and best practices in relation to the propagation, fertilization, pest control and pruning of plant materials acquired, including knowledge of American Nursery Association Standards and Practices or other similarly recognized organization;
• Utilize current best practices to proactively identify, control and mitigate primary and secondary indigenous and invasive plant pathogens.
• Maintaining a functional nursery and staff, solely responsible for maintaining adequate supplies of plant materials to fulfill the landscape objectives for the UCA campuses;
• To build local capacity in nursery management in order to maintain the campus as a living natural resource;
• Working with other plant and nursery experts, to carry out research and draw on previous research relating to indigenous trees and plants, the history of the introduction of plants from elsewhere, etc;
• To disseminate knowledge of indigenous trees and plants to residents of the territory served by UCA and to serve as a public resource on such matters;
• To provide labels and relevant instructional materials in order to maximize the pedagogic value of the UCA nurseries generally to local residents (including school children), visitors, tourists, as well as students, faculty and staff of UCA itself. Conduct visitor tours through the nurseries and plant holdings;
• Create programs such as computer based plant records, plant sequencing, propagation, distribution and maintaining research collections;
• To maintain liaisons on the above matters with counterparts and other UCA campuses;
• To maintain fruitful links with relevant national ministries (Forestry, etc)
• To attend regional symposiums, forums and seminars on plant research and propagation for use within the specific biomes of the campus sites.

Profile:

• The desired candidate should have the following profile:
• Possess certification from a recognized institution offering training in the field of horticulture, including plant identification, propagation, fertilization, pest control and pruning,
• Possess at least seven years practical experience in the field or possess ten years experience at a recognized commercial nursery.
• Have prior experience of managing, motivating and training a small team of plant or agricultural specialists;
• Have a hands on approach to landscape horticulture with the ability to source the required species and knowledge;
• Experience as a licensed arborist and/or practical forestry will be considered advantageous.
• Be able to identify and procure the necessary horticultural materials and equipment and have sufficient familiarity with this equipment in order to train the nursery staff in its usage;
• Physical fitness and willingness to work alongside nursery staff is essential;
• Have a working knowledge of English a knowledge of one of the regional languages would be a distinct advantage;
• Have demonstrable experience of capacity building and dissemination of horticultural information to the public
• Be in a position to locate to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic and be willing to travel frequently to the three campus nurseries.
• Be willing to commit to the project in order to ensure that the UCA campus lands remain a living natural resource for the region.

To apply please visit the AKDN Career Centre c/o www.akdn.org/careers

Driscoll Strawberry Associates (Driscoll’s) has an immediate opening for a Molecular Biologist to design and conduct molecular biology research and apply molecular biology tools to accelerate breeding through finding markers associated with traits of interest.

The successful candidate will be responsible for discovery and application work; developing Driscoll’s marker-assisted selection program; performing DNA profile analysis for cultivar identification; assisting to develop and apply molecular technology in pathogen detection; managing information from independent labs; establishing collaborative relationships with other researchers and labs.

Responsibilities include: Research - Coordinate with plant breeding and plant health personnel to plan, develop and apply marker-assisted selection and molecular identification techniques of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries. Conduct DNA fingerprinting for Driscoll’s proprietary plant cultivars and maintain DNA fingerprint records for future reference. Assist in the development and application of molecular technology in pathogen detection. Participate in various research projects. Establish collaborative relationships with other researchers and labs. Supervision - Supervise technical staff to assist in the research efforts. Support and promote safety. Develop, train and evaluate performance of employees on a continuous basis. Collaboration/communication - Establish collaborative relationships with other researchers in the field by attending conferences and symposia. General responsibilities - Follow Driscoll’s policies and practices and represent the company in an ethical and businesslike manner in all interactions with growers, employees, government agencies, customers, etc. Maintain the confidentiality of all Driscoll’s proprietary and confidential information.

Qualifications: MS in Molecular Biology or related field and at least two years of work experience in the area of plant health and/or molecular biology. Experience designing and conducting laboratory experiments required. Experience managing a research program and course work in the areas of plant pathology and/or horticulture preferred. Experience with non-model plant systems preferred. Proven ability to develop strong trust in all working relationships.

About Driscoll’s: Driscoll’s is a third-generation, family-owned company founded in 1944. Our Mission is to “continually delight berry consumers” by providing the highest quality berries in the   world. To do this, Driscoll’s uses traditional plant breeding methods to create plants that produce premium quality berries. We then partner with independent farmers all around the world to grow Driscoll’s patented berry varieties.Driscoll’s is developing a worldwide presence as a global brand leader and holds fruit patents and trademarks in 41 countries. To apply for this position, visit www.driscolls.com/careers.php

Agriculture and Horticultural Development Board, East Malling, United Kingdom
Horticultural Research

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a statutory organisation, was established in April 2008 following a fundamental review of the agricultural levy bodies by Defra. AHDB covers six agricultural and horticultural sectors and has delegated the management of the horticultural sector to the Horticultural Development Company (HDC).

The HDC’s principle function is to commission, manage and disseminate results from a wide range of applied research projects for the benefit of the horticultural industry. The work is funded by a statutory levy on eligible growers.
We are seeking to make appointments for the following positions:

Technical Manager
Applications are invited from high calibre plant scientists, ideally with both research and commercial experience. The successful applicant will join the team which collectively manages the research programme of over 200 projects with an annual budget of £3.5m. The position will involve extensive contact with growers and scientists with the appointee taking direct responsibility for specific topics and sector areas, consequently good project management and interpersonal skills are essential.

Communications Manager
Applications are invited from adaptable and enthusiastic communicators who have experience of both technical editing and event management. The successful applicant, who will have a background or qualification in horticulture or plant science, will join the team to manage a communications programme to the horticultural industry. The dissemination of research results to the wider industry will require extensive contact with growers and scientists with the appointee taking direct responsibility for specific areas. Consequently good project management, written and interpersonal skills are essential.

The positions will be based at the Board’s offices in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, and will involve some travel within the UK. The HDC’s offices are currently located in East Malling, Kent but will be relocating to Stoneleigh sometime after April 2009. Consequently the successful applicants will be required to initially spend some time at the East Malling office for training and familiarisation.

A competitive and flexible package will be available offering good career development. These are ideal positions for individuals wishing to expand their profile in the horticultural business area.

For an application pack including more information contact: Jan Beckenham, AHDB-Horticulture, Bradbourne House, East Malling Kent ME19 6DZ, UK. Phone: +44 1732 848383 e-mail info@hdc.org.uk

Main research field: Biological sciences
Sub research field: Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Job summary:

The Veterinary and Animal Science Research Centre (CECAV) announces a vacancy for a post-doctoral in the area of Biochemistry. Candidates should have at least 3 years of post-doctoral research experience and background knowledge in the area of Biochemistry and have experience in biochemistry methods.

Job description:
The candidate will join the Biomarkers Group of Centre of Animal Science and Veterinary, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, which develops high quality scientific activity in both fundamental and applied research. The Centre holds a young and highly motivated research staff, currently comprising 37 researchers (tenured staff), 31 PhD and 42 Master students and its research activity has been centred in developing multidisciplinary scientific projects in cooperation with other national and international centres, publishing in international peer reviewed journals and participating in scientific meetings (http://home.utad.pt/~cecav/index_en.html). The Centre aims to increase its human critical mass, in order to reinforce the participation in international funding programmes and networks, through the integration of graduated researchers with research experience in the area.

Read more »

Understanding macadamia growth and development through field studies and functional-structural modelling

The complexity of the phenology, physiology and canopy development of macadamia make it a challenging area of study. This project will provide the opportunity to apply the latest in functional structural plant modelling techniques to integrate existing hypotheses, use the resulting models to discover where our understanding is incomplete, then to investigate the system in field studies. This research will form the basis for future systems that can be applied to the broader tropical fruit and nut industry. Areas of particular interest in these studies of macadamia include:

• Physiology, phenology and consistency of flowering
• Carbon allocation, including aspects of carbon storage
• Responses to planting density and pruning, including impact on the light environment

These studies will involve the student in work with the macadamia industry from northern New South Wales to Bundaberg, and will be supported by expertise in horticulture and plant physiology from the Queensland Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. The research will be undertaken within a group involved in similar projects on kiwifruit vine, pea, and soybean at The University of Queensland. The project is funded by the Australian Macadamia Society and Horticulture Australia Limited. See http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/ for further information on research study at The University of Queensland.

Stipends available:
PhD scholarship of $20,000 p.a. for a full-time candidate
Top-up PhD Scholarship of $7,000 p.a. for a full-time candidate with an APA or similar scholarship.

Duration:

• Three years with a possible six month extension.

Applications: Expressions of interest should be 1,000 words or less and address the following criteria:

• Academic record, including performance in first degree;
• Relevant plant science, horticulture or computational science experience (if any);
• Research experience and publications (if any);
• The names of two academic and/or research referees (with full contact details including email addresses and telephone numbers).

Successful applicants must be accepted for PhD candidature at the University of Queensland (see http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/admission) and apply for associated UQ and APA scholarships.

Contact: Dr Jim Hanan Phone: +61 (0)7 3365-8234 Centre for Biological Information Technology University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia Email: j.hanan@uq.edu.au URL http://www.maths.uq.edu.au/~jim

Function:

• You will be responsible for the Biobest Research and Development Department and be part of the Company’s senior management team
• You will be responsible to ensure a regular flow of innovations including new products (e.g. new natural enemies) and new market applications
• You will manage the R&D team located either in Belgium or in other subsidiaries
• You will collaborate with the production and commercial teams
• You will maintain a strong international network, set up and manage collaborations with academic and private partners
• You will be based at our head office in Westerlo, Belgium

Profile:

• You have a scientific background, preferably a Ph.D in entomology or acarology
• You have a proven track record in R&D, preferably related to biological control
• You are able to manage a research team and open to collaborate with third parties
• You are product and market driven
• You are a team player and are fluent in spoken and written English and French or Dutch. Other languages are an advantage

We offer:

• A challenging management position in a rapidly growing company, that is a global leader in biological control & pollination
• A unique opportunity to develop an expand R&D division
• A competitive salary and benefits in line with your experience

Please send your curriculum vitae and application letter to Dr. Herman Van Mellaert, BIOBEST NV, Ilse Velden 18, B 2260 Westerlo, Belgium herman@biobest.be (+ 32 495 25 67 41)

www.biobest.be