Director - Fertilizer Inovation Center (USA)

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.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Provide vision and leadership in establishing LIFe-US as the premier U.S. center for fertilizer innovation;
• Align research and innovation priorities with U.S. national food security, environmental, and economic growth agendas;
• Foster multi-disciplinary collaboration among academia, industry, policymakers, and farmers.

2. Scientific and Technical Leadership

• Manage LIFe-US multidisciplinary research staff, provide advice and relevant guidance and information, and ensure that the institutional priorities are clear and understood;
• Oversee cutting-edge R&D in enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs), bio stimulants, AI-driven nutrient management, soil health, and circular economy solutions;
• Ensure excellence in laboratory infrastructure, research methodologies, and compliance with safety and environmental standards;
• Contribute to the development of LIFe’s MELs framework and monitor research performance within the framework of the Institute’s new strategic plan to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of the R&D endeavors of IFDC;
• Lead and support institutional staff in developing and publishing quality peer-reviewed journal articles, manuscripts and other technical publications to enhance IFDC’s scientific credibility.

3. Partnerships and Resource Mobilization

• Build and manage partnerships with U.S. universities, USDA, industry leaders, farmer organizations, and philanthropic foundations;
• Mobilize financial and technical resources through federal, state, private sector, and philanthropic channels;
• Represent LIFe-US and IFDC in national and international forums on fertilizer innovation and sustainable agriculture.

4. Policy, Outreach, and Advocacy

• Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the fertilizer industry ecosystem and farmer profitability;
• Contribute to national and state-level policy dialogues on fertilizer innovation, soil health, and sustainability;
• Promote LIFe-US as a trusted platform linking science, policy, and markets.

5. Institutional Management

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and administrative staff;
• Develop and monitor annual work plans, budgets, and performance indicators;
• Compile and finalize periodic research reports for submission to donors, IFDC Research and Program Committee, and the Board of Directors;
• Ensure accountability, transparency, and effective communication across the consortium;
• Mentor the next generation of U.S. fertilizer scientists and agribusiness professionals.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Chemical/Process Engineering, or related agricultural/environmental sciences;
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in fertilizer research, innovation, or industry, including at least 7 years in senior leadership roles;
• Proven track record in developing and managing large-scale R&D programs, research facilities, or innovation centers;
• Strong understanding of U.S. and global fertilizer industry trends, nutrient management practices, and emerging innovations;
• Demonstrated capacity to mobilize resources (federal/state funding, private sector partnerships, philanthropy);
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills to engage high-level stakeholders across academia, government, and private sector;
• Experience in policy engagement with USDA, state governments, and other allied organization in U.S. on agriculture/energy/food security;
• Experience working in or with the fertilizer industry (manufacturing, R&D, or commercialization);
• Expertise in precision agriculture, AI/data analytics, and sustainability assessment;
• International exposure and collaboration with global R&D institutions, multilateral agencies, or innovation networks;
• Familiarity with U.S. research and innovation funding mechanisms;
• Experience in establishing public-private partnerships and fostering innovation ecosystems (startups, incubators, accelerators);
• Recognized publications, patents, or innovations in fertilizer science, soil health, or sustainable agriculture.

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Director Fertilizer Innovation Center reports to the Vice President Research - Chief Scientist.

Location

This is a national recruitment with a duty station at the IFDC office based in Muscle Shoals & Dothan, Alabama, USA (with travel to consortium universities, and international partners).

Benefits

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

Salary Clause

The salary grade for this position is BG 11 with an annual salary of USD 111,800.

The determination of new employee salaries considers numerous factors. These include the salary range linked to the assigned job grade, the candidate's qualifications in relation to the job's responsibilities and prerequisites, internal fairness, the competitive state of the job market, as well as potential organizational and budgetary considerations.

Diversity Clause

IFDC is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe in the value of bringing together people with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions at IFDC are made on the basis of ability, performance, and organizational need, in alignment with our values of fairness, respect, and opportunity for all.

About Program/Project

The Laboratory of Innovations for Fertilizers in the United States (LIFe-US) is a flagship initiative led by IFDC to strengthen U.S. leadership in fertilizer science, technology, and innovation. Building on Alabama’s global legacy in fertilizer innovation, LIFe-US will establish state-of-the-art research and innovation hubs in Muscle Shoals and Dothan in consortium with U.S. universities, industry, and government agencies. The Director will provide strategic, scientific, and operational leadership to LIFe-US, ensuring it delivers on its mission to accelerate innovation in fertilizers and plant nutrition, enhance U.S. agricultural competitiveness, and strengthen food and national security while advancing sensible environmental stewardship.