French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD)

Call for PhD proposal

Research topic: Integrating local ecological knowledge and academic knowledge on soil fertility management to design sustainable coffee and pepper farming systems

About our organization

CIRAD is the French agricultural research and cooperation organization working for the sustainable development of tropical and Mediterranean regions. CIRAD works with its partners to build knowledge and solutions and invent resilient farming systems for a more sustainable, inclusive world. It mobilizes science, innovation and training in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Its expertise supports the entire range of stakeholders, from producers to public policymakers, to foster biodiversity protection, agroecological transitions, food system sustainability, health (of plants, animals and ecosystems), sustainable development of rural territories, and their resilience to climate change. CIRAD works in some fifty countries on every continent, thanks to the expertise of its 1650 staff members, including 1140 scientists, backed by a global network of some 200 partners.

The position

CIRAD is seeking for a dynamic and motivated Vietnamese candidate to register and follow a PhD program, pertaining to the topic described HERE.

The PhD student will register under Montpellier University and will receive a French PhD degree in agronomy upon completion of the PhD program.

The PhD student will be hired by CIRAD and seconded to ICRAF-Vietnam office during his/her time in Vietnam.

The schedule

The PhD program will last 3 years, starting in September 2023. It is expected that the student spend at least his/her first year in Vietnam (study of local ecological knowledge and of Nitrogen leakage), as well as 6 months more in Vietnam in year 3 (knowledge integration). The rest of the time, the student can be either based in Vietnam (ICRAF office) or in his/her university.

When in Vietnam, the student will be based in ICRAF office in Hanoi, and will conduct fieldwork in Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Dak Nong Provinces.

Scholarship / terms of offer

The PhD student will receive a scholarship equivalent to approximately 1400 € /month after taxes, with an insurance included. Half of this scholarship will come from CIRAD, the other half will come from the French embassy in Vietnam after and only after the successful competitive exam hold by the French embassy in Vietnam in the first half of 2023 (see attachement). The PhD student will only be allowed to register to the PhD program if he/she receives the required funding from the French embassy in Vietnam[1].

During his/her time in France, the scholarship will be paid by Campus France directly to the student. During his/her time in France, the scholarship will be paid by CIRAD to the student.

Qualifications and requirements

The student shall hold a master degree in agronomy or a related field by August 2023. Previous experiences with surveys, focus group discussions and participatory methods are highly recommended. Alternatively, the student shall hold a master degree in anthropology with a required experience in the field of agronomy. Related work experience is an asset.

The student shall be proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing). His/her capacity to read and write in academic English will be emphasized. Results of of TOEFL, IELTS or an equivalent test are required. French proficiency (speaking, reading, writing) is not a requirement but will be favorably taken into account.

The student must show excellent grades in his/her previous academic courses (a requirement for the French embassy scholarship). In addition, co-authorship in previous scientific articles will be favorably taken into account.

The student must be ready to alternate periods of time in university and in Hanoi, and to conduct regular fieldwork sessions in the Central Highlands.

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

• A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• The transcripted of your grades in bachelor and master
• The names and addresses of two referees, including telephone, and email address

All correspondence should be addressed to the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) Office Hanoi, at the 13th floor, HCMCC building, 249A Thuy Khue street, Tay Ho district, Hanoi, Vietnam OR via email: [email protected] Applicants should indicate “Application – PhD on local knowledge and fertility” on their application letters and email submissions.

Applications will be considered until the 21^st of December 2022. Please note that only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

 

Organization: CIRAD
Location:
Application deadline: 2022-12-21
Send application to: [email protected]