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POSITION:
Maize
Molecular Breeder
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT),
is seeking an innovative, self-motivated, scientifically
outstanding candidate to drive CIMMYT’s maize molecular breeding
applications in Africa. The position will be appointed at a
level appropriate to the experience of the selected candidate.
We especially
welcome applications from candidates who have received their PhD
within the last five years. The position is initially available
for three years, with an opportunity for continuation depending
on performance and funding.
The position will be based at
CIMMYT, Nairobi, Kenya and located at the Biosciences
eastern and central Africa
research platform at the International Livestock Research
Institute (ILRI).
The Maize Molecular Breeder will
focus on the development and/or validation and application of
marker-assisted germplasm enhancement with a particular focus on
drought tolerance breeding but also involving biotic stress
resistances and quality traits important for end-product
development. This includes genetic mapping, marker
validation, MAS implementation using high-throughput genotyping
systems plus training and technical backstopping of NARS
partners in the region. The position will be part of the Drought
Tolerant Maize for Africa project (http://www.cimmyt.org/dtmp/)
and will work in close coordination with the senior maize
molecular breeder
based at CIMMYT, Mexico, CIMMYT maize breeders in Kenya and
Zimbabwe, IITA maize breeders in Nigeria plus a
multidisciplinary maize improvement team including genetic
resource specialists, physiologists, molecular biologists and
computational scientists based in Mexico and across Africa.
We are seeking candidates with
the following qualifications
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Ph.D.
degree in plant genetics, molecular biology and/or plant
breeding
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Familiarity with large-scale germplasm collections and field
breeding programs and a strong background in quantitative
genetics
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Experience in high throughput genotyping system
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Knowledge
of SSR, SNP and gene-based marker development and validation
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Application of MAS in plant breeding
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Interest
in international agricultural research and development
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Ability
to work well as part of multidisciplinary decentralized
teams
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Proficiency in spoken and written English language
Experience in any of the
following areas would be considered an asset
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Maize
and/or other cereal breeding
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Knowledge
of drought tolerance physiology and component trait analysis
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Molecular
breeding simulation and decision support tools
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Decentralization and out-sourcing strategies
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Double
haploid and other rapid crop improvement technologies
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Applying
biotechnologies in developing countries
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Quantitative phenotyping of a range of agronomic traits
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Biometric
and bioinformatics analyses
CIMMYT is an
internationally funded, non-profit research and training
organization affiliated with the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR) and has an annual budget of around US$40 million.
CIMMYT’s mission is to help the poor in the developing world by
increasing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability
of maize- and wheat-based cropping systems while protecting
natural resources. The Center is a global leader in scientific
research and training related to maize and wheat, and in
biotechnology, economics, and natural resource management
research. These activities are conducted in partnership with
national agricultural research systems, non-governmental
organizations, and advanced research institutions, both public
and private,
in globally focused projects and programs. CIMMYT employs a
staff of around 700 and operates in a decentralized, partnership
mode, having staff in 14 countries, and projects and partnership
networks in many more.
Biosciences east and central
Africa (BecA) is an initiative endorsed by The New Partnership
for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)’s Comprehensive African
Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) and developed in the
framework of Centres of Excellence for Science and Technology.
The core of BecA is a joint venture of regional research
partners linked to the global research community, with the aim
to employ modern biotechnology to improve agriculture in eastern
and central Africa. BecA seeks to strengthen the capacity of
scientists in eastern and central Africa to conduct bioscience
research and to significantly contribute to improved products
that can enhance livelihoods of farmers in the region. The BecA
Hub with a state of the art shared Biosciences platform is
located at the International Livestock Research Institute
(ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya.
CIMMYT salaries for
internationally recruited staff are highly competitive, with a
range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health
insurance package, education allowance (from KG to Grade 12),
annual medical examination, personal effects shipping allowance
and annual home-leave allowance.
More detailed descriptions of the
positions are posted on CIMMYT website:
http://www.cimmyt.org/english/wps/jobs/index.htm
CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity
employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and
nationality.
Please send via e-mail your letter
of application, CV/Resume (including full contact information),
and names and contact information of three references to:
CIMMYT
Human Resources Manager
Reference 2007/12
Email:
jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org
Short-listing will commence on 15th Dec 2007 until a suitable
candidate is identified.
For technical information contact
Dr. Yunbi Xu,
Senior Maize Molecular Breeder, or
Dr. Jonathan Crouch,
Director, Germplasm Resources & Enhancement Unit.
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