Soil Microbiologist (Consultant) at Save The Slum Initiative

Save the Slum Initiative is a non-governmental organization with registration CAC/IT/NO 139240, STSI was founded in 2016 and is committed to responding to current needs to improve the life of people living in slums and local communities across Nigeria. STSI envisions improving the living standards of vulnerable persons and communities and our overall aim is to work with urban poor to bring about long-term and sustainable transformation to their quality of life and to also provide better community-based healthcare and empowerment education and environmental improvement to all communities that will serve.

We intervene in various sectors like WASH, Education, Protection, Nutrition, Health, and Livelihood of humanitarian sectors and community development projects. Since its inception in 2016, STSI have implemented in over 16 States in Nigeria and other African States.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Soil Microbiologist (Consultant)

Location: Ibogun, Ogun
Employment Type: Contract

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.

Application Closing Date
31st July, 2025.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• By submitting your Application for this position you agree to STSI ZERO Tolerance to:
• Fraud
• Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, Abuse and Child Abuse
• Our employees enjoy a work culture that promotes diversity and inclusion.
• Save The Slum Initiative (STSI) provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
• Candidates available to start immediately are highly preferred.
• Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview