Do you share the values of interculturality, knowledge-sharing and environmental protection? Then come and join our team!

If you would like to contribute to research into the multifunctionality of agricultural soil in tropical environments, and if you have skills in agronomy and soil ecology, then join the AÏDA (Agroecology and Sustainable Intensification of Annual Crops) Internal Research Unit (UPR).

The first principle of agroecology is based on stimulating ecological processes to increase agricultural production while preserving natural resources. In this context, soil health – seen as the soil’s ability to function as a living system and sustainably support crop production – is an essential pillar. It influences numerous ecosystem services of agricultural interest: nutrient recycling, decomposition of organic matter, soil structuring and plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The person recruited will help to improve knowledge of the relationships between farming practices, biodiversity and soil functions, which determine the performance of cropping systems. The applied aim of the research will be to identify relevant levers and indicators in tropical environments for designing innovative agroecological systems based on the mobilisation of biodiversity and soil functions.

The main research questions to be analysed are as follows:

• What are the effects of agroecological cropping systems (including, in particular, crop association and rotation, and the reduction or substitution of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides) on communities of soil micro-organisms and their key ecological functions interacting with plants? Can we identify communities of micro-organisms that are indicators of soil health?
• What is the medium- and long-term impact of changes in these communities on plant health (in particular, the ability of plants to withstand environmental stresses such as water deficit, nutrient deficiency or pest pressure), and on increasing crop yields?
• What lessons can be learned for the design of innovative technical itineraries (varieties, tillage, service plants, fertilisation, plant protection)?

Reporting to the “Ecological Processes and Services” (PROSE) team, you will be assigned to an agricultural research partner in a South-East Asian country (Cambodia). You will first be integrated into CIRAD’s AÏDA unit for a period of six to 12 months in Montpellier, and you will be assigned fieldwork enabling you to lay the foundations for your scientific project and partnership environment

After a stay of approximately six to 12 months in Montpellier, you will be posted to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

You should have a PhD in agronomy with a strong background in soil ecology or soil microbiology, or vice versa.

You will need to be able to initiate and run experiments in close collaboration with academic and technical partners. Familiarity with systems approaches, agroecological indicators and field experiments will be a major advantage.

In addition to your scientific skills, you will need to be independent and curious and have a genuine interest in interdisciplinary work.
You should also be able to act as an interface between the AÏDA unit and teams more specialised in soil ecology, both at CIRAD and in other partner institutions.

You will need to be highly adaptable and open to teamwork and have a strong interest in targeted research to promote sustainable development.

Experience in the Global South would be appreciated with a view to an assignment in South-East Asia.

Benefits: You will receive a 13th month’s salary and, if you are working abroad, specific allowances depending on your location and family circumstances. You will also have comprehensive social insurance cover, regardless of your assignment.

Our strengths


Benefits: You will receive a 13th month’s salary, plus, if you are working abroad, specific allowances depending on your location and family circumstances. You’ll also have comprehensive social insurance cover, regardless of your location.

Please include in your CV references from previous managers we can contact regarding previously held positions.