Internship
25 Aug 2026
Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station (ZSAES)
PhD Studentship — Climate Change & Sugarcane Production
Posted 2 hours ago
About the Role
PhD opportunity: Assessing the impacts of climate variability and climate change on sugarcane production systems in Zimbabwe.
This project aims to evaluate the impacts of climate variability and climate change on sugarcane production systems in Zimbabwe and to assess adaptation options using crop-simulation modelling. The work involves analysis of historical climate and yield trends, an agronomic trial, calibration and validation of the CANEGRO crop model under Zimbabwean conditions, simulation of future production under multiple climate models and scenarios, and evaluation of adaptation strategies such as cultivar selection, irrigation management and adjusted planting dates.
Details: 3 years full-time. Stipend: to be discussed with the potential candidate. Based at the Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station, Chiredzi, and registered with the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Start date: available immediately, commencing as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.
This project aims to evaluate the impacts of climate variability and climate change on sugarcane production systems in Zimbabwe and to assess adaptation options using crop-simulation modelling. The work involves analysis of historical climate and yield trends, an agronomic trial, calibration and validation of the CANEGRO crop model under Zimbabwean conditions, simulation of future production under multiple climate models and scenarios, and evaluation of adaptation strategies such as cultivar selection, irrigation management and adjusted planting dates.
Details: 3 years full-time. Stipend: to be discussed with the potential candidate. Based at the Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station, Chiredzi, and registered with the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Start date: available immediately, commencing as soon as a suitable candidate is appointed.
Requirements
- Must have completed an MSc degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agrometeorology, Agricultural Engineering or closely related fields).
- Excellent English language skills (written and spoken).
- Experience with computer programming and/or crop-simulation modelling is an advantage (e.g. R, Python, Fortran, DSSAT/CANEGRO).
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- High attention to detail and self-motivated.
How to apply: complete applications (letter of motivation, full CV including any publications, copies of academic transcripts and certificates, and the names and contact details of at least two academic referees) must reach Dr Robert Mangani at [email protected] no later than 25 August 2026. Further information: Dr Tendai Polite Chibarabada, [email protected].
- Excellent English language skills (written and spoken).
- Experience with computer programming and/or crop-simulation modelling is an advantage (e.g. R, Python, Fortran, DSSAT/CANEGRO).
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- High attention to detail and self-motivated.
How to apply: complete applications (letter of motivation, full CV including any publications, copies of academic transcripts and certificates, and the names and contact details of at least two academic referees) must reach Dr Robert Mangani at [email protected] no later than 25 August 2026. Further information: Dr Tendai Polite Chibarabada, [email protected].