Position: Research Assistant Location: Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) Project Start Date: February 2025 Application Deadline: 20th December 2024
The Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences at CZU is seeking a dedicated Research Assistant to contribute to the project's objectives and deliverables under the guidance of Prof. Bohdan Lojka (silvoarable agroforestry) and Dr. Radim Kotrba (silvopastoral agroforestry).
Scope of Work
The Research Assistant will support various aspects of the AfroGrow project, including:
- Conducting a comprehensive review of academic and non-academic literature on agroforestry.
- Participate on creation of database of suitable plant and animal species and breeds for various agroforestry systems within African regions.
- Analyzing survey data from Living Labs and assessing agroforestry systems in selected African countries.
- Preparing detailed reports summarizing agroforestry assessments and maintaining a repository of reviewed documents.
- Assistance on impact assessment of multifunctional agroforestry systems and practices within project consortium.
- Collaborating on scientific manuscripts and supporting broader project deliverables.
About the Project
- The AfroGrow Project aims to address land degradation and deforestation in African Union (AU) countries by advancing agroforestry as a sustainable solution. The project envisions a future where Africa leverages the multidimensional benefits of agroforestry to overcome the challenges posed by climate change and secure a sustainable and prosperous future for its local communities.
- This collaborative effort seeks to establish innovation ecosystems through Living Labs (LLs) in six AU countries (Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, and Zambia) to promote innovative agroforestry practices and support policy creation. The project will involve digital tools, stakeholder engagement, data-driven recommendations, and real-life demonstrations to enhance agroforestry’s role in climate resilience, ecosystem services, and social well-being.
- Deliverables: Reports summarizing agroforestry’s impact assessments on food security, animal health and potentials for ethnopharmacology, comprehensive list of reviewed literature, draft scientific manuscripts for publication.
Qualifications
- Education: MSc or PhD in agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related field with a focus on agroforestry and rural development.
- Experience: 1–3 years of research or fieldwork experience (preferred).
- Skills:
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently, but also within FTZ team involving communication with project consortium partners from Europe and Africa.
- Experience in structuring strategic analyses and preparing quality technical reports.
- Proven research capabilities, including literature reviews and data analysis.
- Language: Proficiency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of French or languages of target countries is an advantage.
- Other: Motivation to work in a multicultural environment and contribute to impactful research.
Employment Details
- The role will be primarily based at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.
- Occasional travel to selected African countries may be required.
Duration and salary
- The start of the assignment is expected in February 2025, as a full/part-time (0.8) position for a period of four years (the contract will be concluded for one year with the possibility of extension).
- The salary is ruled by the CZU carrier code for the position of non-academic research with gross salary starting at approx. 30,000 CZK per month (for a full-time contract).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents to projectcentre@ftz.czu.cz
- A cover letter outlining your motivation, relevant experience and achievements.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Join us in advancing agroforestry as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Africa!