[Hiring] Contractual associated professor in Systems Agronomy

The institution

Bordeaux Sciences Agro (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques de Nouvelle-Aquitaine) is a public institution of higher education and research under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty. Its fields of competence cover the management of agroecosystems, human nutrition, environmental protection, the sustainable management of natural resources and territorial development. Bordeaux Sciences Agro’s vocation is to contribute to agro-ecological transitions at the service of territories and of agricultural, food and forestry production sectors through training, research and innovation.

Teaching missions

The lecturer will contribute to the teaching of the Agroecology Department. This department focuses on agronomy, soil science, plant health and ecology teachings within the Bordeaux Sciences Agro and co- accredited Masters programmes. The department is responsible for the final year specialisations (Master level) in Agroecology and Resource Management (AGROGER) and in Resource and Environmental Management (GREEN). It is associated with the “Organic Agriculture” partnership chair. The recruited MC will work in a privileged way with with two associated professors in agronomy (crop nutrition, global agronomy) and with the other associated and full professors in the department and beyond (plant health, ecology, soil science, zootechnics and economics).

The MCF will develop teaching on systemic agronomy at different scales, such as at the cropping system, the farm and the territory scales, in the context of the major contemporary issues. In particular, his/her teaching will focus on the functioning and management of agro-ecological systems in relation with the maintenance of soil fertility, the mitigation of the effects of climate change, and the diversification of production. He (she) will be involved in the different teaching semesters from the 1st to the 3rd year of the engineering course, particularly in the teaching units relating to the functioning and management of agroecosystems, evaluation, design and transition of agricultural systems. The MC will also be able to participate to cross-disciplinary teaching and will be involved in student tutoring. He/she will contribute to the work of the “Organic Agriculture Chair”.

Research and transfer missions

The associated professor will be attached to the UMR 1391 ISPA (Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Interactions, INRAE/Bordeaux Sciences Agro) which work aims at understanding and modelling the flows and cycles of materials (C, N, P, K, water, particles, contaminants) and energy in agricultural and forest ecosystems at different scales up to a global scale. The associated professor will contribute to research on the biogeochemical functioning of agroecosystems by integrating the impacts of agricultural practices in the context of global changes.

The associated professor will develop his/her research around the effects of the deployment of agro- ecological production systems on the cycles of elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon), in particular through the exploration of agronomic scenarios. The associated professor should have knowledge about
biogeochemical cycles, biomass recycling and the use of natural resources as at the heart of the functioning of agro-ecological systems. He/she will be able to undertake a modelling approach that simulates the effects of agricultural practices and to develop an investigative approach at relevant scales. He/she will be able to develop an investigative approach at relevant scales thought observations, surveys, meta-analysis or field experiments. He (she) be involved in national and international research networks specialising in systems agronomy, geochemistry and geochemistry and production systems analysis.

In the framework of his/her transfer activities, the associated professor will develop relationships and cooperation with agricultural development organizations, cooperatives, technical institutes, agricultural colleges, etc. His/her work could be support for exchanges and accompaniment of transformations in agricultural practices on the scale of farms and territorial levels.

Competences

The skills required are (i) a high level scientific background in systems agronomy, with post-doctoral experience recommended, (ii) knowledge of biogeochemical cycles and modelling; (iii) pedagogical skills and a taste for interdisciplinary approaches; (iv) the ability to produce and communicate high quality research results both as scientific publication in international recognised journals and to feed teaching activities; and (v) the ability to participate to the collective dynamic in both research and training, around the themes of and training, around the themes addressed above.

Contacts

Agroecology Department: Dr Lucia Guérin-Dubrana (lucia.guerin@agro-bordeaux.fr )
UMR ISPA: Dr. Alain Mollier (alain.mollier@inrae.fr )
Administrative information: Mrs. Arlette Vicien-Chabrier (arlette.chabrier@agro-bordeaux.fr )
The application file should be sent by e-mail to drh@agro-bordeaux.fr before 7 April 2023 (expected start date: June 2023).