Soil Microbiologist (Consultant) at Save The Slum Initiative

Position Overview

• The Soil Microbiologist Consultant will provide scientific leadership for groundbreaking research into soil microbiome restoration and its synergistic effects with pollinator conservation in tropical agroecosystems.
• This prestigious consultancy offers unique opportunity to contribute to world-class research funded by National Geographic Society while directly impacting biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods through innovative agricultural practices.

Key Responsibilities
Scientific Research Leadership:

• Design and implement sophisticated research protocols investigating soil microbiome-pollinator interactions in tropical agricultural systems.
• Lead research documenting how enhanced soil microbial diversity increases floral nectar sugar content by 23%, subsequently attracting 40% more pollinators, contributing to peer-reviewed publications with global scientific impact.

Microbial Inoculant Development:

• Establish and manage comprehensive production facility capable of producing high-quality biological amendments for soil health enhancement.
• Demonstrate expertise in isolating, culturing, and mass-producing beneficial microorganisms including indigenous Bacillus, Azotobacter, and mycorrhizal fungi specifically adapted to Nigerian soil conditions.

Analytical Excellence:

• Coordinate comprehensive soil health assessment using advanced molecular techniques including 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing for microbial community analysis.
• Manage laboratory costs budget ($12,210) ensuring cost-effective analysis while maintaining scientific rigor through baseline assessment and quarterly monitoring across 40 demonstration plots.

Technology Transfer:

• Develop farmer-friendly protocols for soil microbiome enhancement, training community mobilizers in inoculant preparation techniques, and establishing sustainability mechanisms ensuring continued production capacity beyond project duration.
• Create simplified production methods appropriate for resource-limited settings while maintaining quality standards.

Integrated Research:

• Coordinate closely with Senior Apiary Technician to document interactions between soil microbiome enhancement and pollinator attraction.
• Develop protocols for measuring floral nectar quality, coordinate sampling schedules with bee activity monitoring, and analyze correlations between soil microbial diversity and flower attractiveness.

Farmer Education:

• Translate complex microbiological concepts into practical, culturally appropriate management recommendations through engaging curriculum covering soil biology principles, compost production techniques, and sustainable soil management practices.
• Develop visual aids and hands-on learning experiences for diverse educational backgrounds.

Laboratory Management:

• Establish and maintain comprehensive analytical capabilities supporting project research objectives.
• Ensure proper equipment calibration, maintain sterile working conditions, and implement quality control procedures while coordinating with external laboratories for specialized analyses and maintaining data integrity.

Publication and Communication:

• Contribute to targeted peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals including Journal of Applied Ecology, Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, and World Development.
• Develop policy briefs communicating research findings to government agencies and technical reports for development organizations.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Soil Science, Microbiology, Ecology, or related field with minimum 8 years' experience in soil microbiome research, preferably in tropical agricultural systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular techniques, statistical analysis, and scientific publication with strong track record of farmer training and participatory research methods.

Technical Expertise:

• Proficiency in 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing analysis, bioinformatics, statistical software (R, SPSS), and microbiological techniques.
• Experience with fermentation technologies, quality control procedures, and microbial inoculant production with understanding of international laboratory standards and best practices.

Professional Skills:

• Exceptional communication abilities for translating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences including farmers, policymakers, and international researchers.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in multicultural environments with commitment to participatory research principles and community engagement.