Biologist

The Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) offers the following position:

Biologist

Occupation: Full-time

Period: Fixed-term contract, funding available for three years.

Apply no later than: September 30, 2022

CPSBB is a plant science research center in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, with the mission to conduct excellent fundamental and applied research in the areas of plant systems biology and biotechnology.

CPSBB is looking for a highly motivated biologist to work on the project AgroDigiRise. Building on the existing AgroHub.BG, AgroDigiRise will be the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) of the South Central region (SCR) of Bulgaria. The main objective of the project is to support the region – SMEs and the agri-food sector in particular - in its digital and green transformation by providing an integrated portfolio of services, targeting the needs identified. The project aims at developing the potential of the agri-food sector, SMEs and public sector from the SCR by providing access to technical facilities and various services that will support their digital transformation by:

• Development of a dynamic and sustainable innovative ecosystem and accelerating the interaction between key factors - mutual learning and cooperation, cross-sector collaboration, awareness raising and networking on a regional, national and EU level;
• Providing access to innovative facilities and test before invest services – establishing and expanding a network of demo points with focus on precision farming, access to technical expertise and data;
• Enhancing the competences and capabilities of SMEs and agri-food sector via trainings for digital skills acquisition - development of digital competencies of farmers, SMEs and public administration via tailor-made training programmes;
• Support of the digital and business transformation with consultancy and financial advice services – development of digital maturity in the agricultural sector via technological audits, assessments, consultation processes, digitalization and business plans, market analyses, etc.

By connecting previously fragmented ecosystems of different digital solution providers and the end-users, to academia and public sector, the project will support the competitiveness and green transition of the SCR, attracting serious interest in innovations and incorporating them into practice. This will stimulate the economic potential not only in the region, but within the country and the EU, as digital solutions will be broadly multiplied.

Researchers holding either MSc or PhD degrees are welcome to apply.

Work place:

The work place will be the CPSBB in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (www.cpsbb.eu ). Plovdiv is a modern city with very rich history. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, established in the 6th millennium BCE. Currently, Plovdiv is one of the academic and industrial centers of Bulgaria, home to six Bulgarian universities and several research institutions. Plovdiv is also rich in cultural life and entertainment for young people. The European Commission declared Plovdiv the European Capital of Culture for 2019. CPSBB is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Requirements:

• At least MSc degree in Agricultural Sciences, Plant Physiology, Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, or related fields
• Good technical skills, practical background, and communication skills.
• Excellent Bulgarian and English presentation and communication skills (written and oral).

Main responsibilities:

• Growing plants and assisting with experiments in the Greenhouse AgroDigiRise demo points.
• Conduct own plant science research
• Organizing demonstrations at the CPSBB the Greenhouse AgroDigiRise demo point
• Participation in other project events and activities

We offer:

• Gross salary of up to 3000 BGN, depending on the qualification and level of experience. The salary includes health insurance, pension benefits, and social contributions from the employer and the employee.
• Opportunity to embark on PhD study and obtain a PhD degree (if the candidate is MSc and wishes to embark on a PhD study).
• Work and career development in a young, ambitious and internationally competitive research team.
• State-of-the-art equipment and facilities for plant research
• Opportunity for collaboration with leading EU partner institutions.
• Funding is available at the end of 2022/beginning of 2023.

Deadline for application: 30 September 2022

Applicants interested in the position should send the following documents:

• Application letter including a statement about why you apply for this position.
• CV including a list of published and accepted publications (if any).
• Contact information, including email addresses, of a minimum of one reference person (your previous employer).

Send your application documents as a single pdf-file to [email protected] . For more information, please visit the CPSBB website: www.cpsbb.eu