Research Officer I

Overall Purpose of the Job

• To assist in carrying out laboratory bioassays with insect pests and parasitoids, entrainment of volatiles from companion plants, integration of vegetable push-pull with insect frass fertilizer, and data recording of laboratory and field experiments.

Specific Duties

• To carry out bioassays with crucifer vegetable pests and pests’ parasitoids.
• To carry out vegetable push-pull cropping system integration with insect frass fertilizer
• To assist in companion plants volatile collection and chemical analysis.
• To carry out pesticide residue analysis in vegetables grown under agroecological production systems.
• Assist in insect rearing, data collection and analysis from both laboratory and field experiments.
• Assist in field establishment and training of farmers on vegetable agroecological production systems.
• To publish scientific papers, reports and brochures on vegetable agroecological production systems

Requirements/Qualifications

• BSc. in Agriculture/Agronomy/Biology.
• At least 2-year experience in a relevant area.
• Experience working on cropping systems like vegetable push-pull cropping systems.
• Experience working in an international organization in a similar position.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Proficient skills in chemical analysis using GC-MS/GC-EAG.
• Proficient in using MS Word and Excel for data entry.
• Good skills in laboratory bioassays and field collection of plants and insect samples.
• Previous work experience on vegetable push-pull cropping systems’ interactions with pests and their natural enemies.

Reporting

• This position reports to the Research Scientist.