We are seeking an innovative, academically outstanding, and self-motivated candidate for the position of Post-Doctoral Fellow in the HarvestPlus/CIMMYT Provitamin A biofortification maize breeding program. This position offers an outstanding career opportunity for an individual interested in maize breeding and biofortification of staple crops. The successful candidate will be a member of the Global Maize Program and will contribute to collaborative research within CIMMYT, HarvestPlus, and with other institutions, on maize breeding research emphasizing the genetic enhancement of maize for Provitamin A carotenoid content, as well as agronomic traits and prevalent abiotic and biotic stresses.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The selected candidate will be based at the CIMMYT Southern Africa Regional Office in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Specific duties of this position include:

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of a CIMMYT GMP scientist to:

• Oversee regional collaborative testing of provitamin A biofortified experimental varieties in sub-Saharan Africa.

• Analyze and review data from regional trials to identify promising hybrids to recommend for release in the target countries as well as identify elite germplasm for conversion to yellow with increased levels of provitamin A carotenoids.

• Distribute trials and following up with partners to ensure good agronomic management and return of good quality data for all trials.

• Develop early breeding populations for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding projects by making crosses between provitamin A donor germplasm with elite adapted germplasm.

• Work with the CIMMYT molecular breeder to coordinate population delivery for MAS and return of selected lines.

• Manage disease screening and breeding nurseries.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• A recent Ph.D. in plant breeding, genetics, agronomy, or related field. Familiarity with maize breeding will be an added advantage.

• Knowledge of crop production, agronomic practices, and field plot techniques, including statistical analysis of data.

• Good communication skills in written and spoken English.

• Ability to work in a multicultural and interdisciplinary team setting.

• Interest in international agricultural research and development.

• Ability to travel regionally and internationally.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 2 years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

 CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 18 April, 2014 to HR, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12345 in the header of your email).

For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.