Scientist –Water Quality and Environmental Modeling

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.

Job Summary

The primary objective of this position is to lead Research for Development (R4D) projects focused on environmental and water quality modeling. The research will investigate the interactions between hydrology, climate, land use, and water quality to enhance water management at the basin and sub-basin levels. The role aims to improve agricultural water productivity, enhance the resilience of ecosystems, and support the livelihoods of farmers by developing advanced models, tools, and strategies to ensure for effective water resource management and mitigate environmental contamination.

Job Responsibilities
  • Lead and oversee research on environmental and water quality modeling, focusing on salinity and contaminant transport using advanced models like RIBASIM model. This includes simulating contaminants movement, concentration levels, and dilution dynamic along rivers, streamlines and other water bodies.
  • Conduct comprehensive environmental health assessment of the watersheds at basin and sub-basin levels, identifying contamination sources and developing mitigation strategies to reduce pollution loads and safeguard water quality.
  • Develop models to simulate the potential environmental impacts of seasonal (winter and summer) irrigation plans, assessing contamination risks associated with agricultural water use, especially brackish and treated wastewater.
  • Evaluate environmental damage caused by agricultural practices, particularly those involving brackish water, and collaborate with economists to conduct cost-benefit analyses and economic impact assessments.
  • Secure internal and external funding through proposal development, fostering collaborations with international research institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners to support ongoing and future research initiatives.
  • Organize and participate in international and regional workshops, conferences, and capacity-building programs, providing training and dissemination research findings to scientists, policymakers and regional specialists. 
  • Publish high-impact scientific papers and technical reports in leading journals, contributing to the global body of knowledge in environmental modeling, water quality management, and sustainable agricultural practices
Qualifications and Experience

Essential

  • PhD in environmental assessment, water quality modeling, hydrology, environmental science, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in environmental assessment, water quality modelling, and management, with a focus on hydrology and environmental health.
  • Proficiency with advanced simulation models, including RIBASIM DELWAQ, SWAT, HEC, and other hydrological and hydrodynamic modeling tools for water quality and environmental impact analysis.
  • Strong expertise in AI, machine learning techniques, and programing skills in R, Python, or other relevant languages for data analysis, modeling, and scenario simulation.
  • Proven experience in designing, managing, and conducting field research independently, with a focus on water quality and environmental health.
  • Demonstrated international work experience, including leading multidisciplinary research teams in diverse and challenging environments.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with a strong record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience in stakeholder engagement, with the ability to build and manage partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations

 

Desirable:

  • Experience in the safe use of treated wastewater in agriculture, with a focus on minimizing environmental risks and enhancing sustainable water use.
  • Proficiency in remote sensing, GIS technologies, and satellite image processing for environmental monitoring and downscaling data to local scales for practical application.
  • Familiarity with water quality regulations, standards, and best practices for pollution control and environmental protection in agricultural settings.
  • Knowledge of integrated water resource management (IWRM) principles and their application in arid and semi-arid regions.
Post Date
23 September 2024
Status
Open
Vacancy Type
Full-time
Closing Date
Open until filled
Location
UAE and Iraq
Report To
Program Leader – Sustainable Natural Resource Management (SNRM)
Job Number
ICBA-DP-2024-004
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