Research Scientist - Chemistry/ Material Science

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.     

Position Summary 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Scientist to join our team and conduct innovative research on novel materials for ammonia capture and utilization. This position is responsible for developing new fertilizer formulations with major emphasis on green nitrogen fertilizers. The Research Scientist will play a crucial role in advancing research related to the development and evaluation of new fertilizer formulas. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive material characterization and reactivity studies on various ingredients such as biochar, zeolites, agricultural residues, and synthetic materials to evaluate their ammonia capture and release properties;
• Design and execute experiments to assess ammonia uptake and release kinetics under varied conditions, including PH, temperature, and the presence of competing ions;
• Lead feasibility studies on new chemical processes aimed at enhancing fertilizer technology, focusing on nutrient release properties for improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact;
• Collaborate with other Scientists and Engineers to develop and optimize innovative formulations for ammonia-based fertilizers, including prototypes combining organic and inorganic materials;
• Employ advanced analytical techniques including microscopy, spectroscopy, BET surface area analysis, porosity analysis, and thermal stability characterization to analyze structure-property relationships of materials and formulations;
• Provide technical support for ammonia capture and conversion studies in pilot plant, including granulation and process optimization to maximize nutrient release and minimize nitrogen loss;
• Innovate non-conventional fertilizers and production processes utilizing organic/recycled amendments, inhibitors, stabilizers, polymers, biofertilizers, micronutrients, nanomaterials, and biostimulants;
• Work with public and private sector partners to scale up and commercialize new fertilizer products;
• Contribute to the development of proposals for new research projects related to green ammonia and other strategic IFDC priorities and engage in business and donor development in the fertilizer decarbonization and sustainable transition sectors;
• Prepare and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations at conferences;
• Stay updated on advancements in material science, ammonia capture technologies, and sustainable agriculture practices to ensure that project approaches are aligned with the latest scientific standards;
• Support in the design and implementation of research experiments, managing day-to-day operations, including scheduling, resource allocation, and administrative duties, to ensure projects progress effectively;
• Ensure adherence to research protocols, safety standards, and regulatory compliance throughout all experimental phases;
• Establish material science labs,  develop and implement quality assurance and control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results;  
• Carryout data analysis and interpretation, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data;
• Prepare research reports, and scientific publications to communicate results and contribute to project deliverables;
• Perform a variety of other related minor duties as required. 

Requirements

• A minimum of a Ph.D. in Material Science / Chemistry, or a closely related field;
• A minimum of 3 years of research experience in material characterization, particularly focusing on fertilizers or agricultural applications;
• Demonstrated experience in material characterization techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and surface area analysis to evaluate the physicochemical properties of fertilizers and to assess their physical quality;
• Ability to analyze the chemical composition of raw materials and finished products;
• Strong knowledge of fertilizer chemistry, especially nitrogen-based fertilizers, and experience with ammonia or nitrogen capture processes is desirable. 

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with fertilizer formulation and production processes;
• Experience with hands-on research and development in polymer chemistry, coating formulations, encapsulations, and coating processes (pan, drum, fluid-bed, etc.);
• Basic mechanical capabilities to set up, operate, and maintain bench-scale equipment for fertilizer research. 

Reporting and Work Relationships 

This position reports to the Director of Research and Innovations. 

Location 

The duty station for this position is in the IFDC office in Muscles Shoals, Alabama. 

Benefits 

IFDC's benefits include annual and sick leave, health, dental, vision and group life insurance coverage, a 13th-month salary, social security and pension contribution in compliance with local laws. 

Salary Clause 

The salary grade for this position is BG 9 with an annual salary range of USD 69,032 - 84,564.