Farming Systems Ecology is looking for a 0.8 fte modeller / software engineer for a large, multidisciplinary, multi stakeholder and strategically valuable set of projects in a foreign aid/development context. These projects are focused on the joint development of a targeting system for technologies and practices that can enhance the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems in Africa. The projects will be executed as a close, iteratively co-designed collaboration of FSE, IITA (International Institute for Tropical Agriculture), and IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute) as leading partners. The successful candidate will ensure outputs are co-designed and strategically integrated with the needs of various projects from lead partners as well as aligning with the needs of various stakeholders and other partners including relevant technology scaling partners in Tanzania and Ghana, and other CGIAR institutes and research programs (CRPs), amongst other stakeholders.

The successful candidate/s will:

• Develop, adapt and test statistical algorithms and data storage infrastructure for the targeting of technologies to farmers who could benefit based on their farm and household features and ambitions, and the suitability of the biophysical and socio-economic conditions of their farm.
• Use spatially explicit large datasets and knowledge gathered by junior and senior researchers for the development of software tools to guide farmer innovation.
• Play a central role in translating knowledge into software: contribute to the specification of requirements, draw up functional and technical designs, build and test databases and models, and finally execute simulations and explorations.
• Work closely with your own research group, project partners abroad and the international students of Wageningen University.

Your talents are in the field of design and realization of complex statistical algorithms, software and databases. In your work you take initiative, you work closely with others and you are thorough by your approach and aspire to contribute to sustainable development in agriculture.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A degree at academic level (MSc or PhD in statistics or computer science).
2. Proven training with the development of algorithms (using Bayesian statistics) and their incorporation into user-oriented software tools.

KNOWLEDGE

1. At least 2 years of experience with programming of complex algorithms in MS Visual Studio .NET (C#/C++), Java or similar software development environments.
2. Proven experience with development of applications across multiple platforms (Windows, Android, Mac OS, iOS) and integration of complex algorithms.
3. Experience with creating, using and maintaining spatial databases in GIS tools (like ArcGIS or QGIS) and connecting these to applications.
4. Knowledge of software architecture and integration of web-based services.

SKILLS

1. Proven affinity for integrative analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative). Experience with programming and/or development of model user interfaces.
2. Excellent communication skills in for both establishing and maintaining client relationships and for communicating complex technical information to colleagues and public audiences

ATTRIBUTES

1. Ability to perform under stress, meet tight timelines and quickly adapt to evolving project
2. Sensitive to the requirements of working across multiple cultural working environments
3. Affinity for the combination of principles that characterise the FSE group:
   • diversity of approaches and outcomes, tailored to local conditions;
   • redesign of foodscapes based on ecological processes;
   • equitability and social responsibility;
   • fostering multi-functionality and synergies;
   • engagement, collaboration and reflection.

Applicants are invited to provide examples where she/he has applied these principles in their academic career.

OTHER

1. Essential: Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential. This position requires an excellent English language proficiency (a mininum of CEFR C1 level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page.

We offer you a temporary contract of 12 months. This may be extended, subject to availability of funding and a satisfactory performance. Gross starting salary from €2.709,= to max €4.274,= per month (scale 10 CAO NU), based on full time employment and dependent on expertise and experience; additional benefits may apply. The selected candidates will be interviewed by a recruitment committee.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 5,000 employees, and 10,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

The Farming Systems Ecology (FSE) Group of Wageningen University & Research focuses on the analysis and redesign of farming systems and foodscapes, so that they deliver multiple benefits to humankind, using natural processes as our starting point. As part of our portfolio, we work on knowledge development for sustainable land use. We analyze and design agricultural systems where we combine food production with strengthening nature, landscape and quality of life. We are looking for an enthusiastic new colleague who, together with us, develops models and databases for research and education.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at thespecial career site.