We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and service-orientated professional for the position of Senior Biometrician / Head of Biometrics and Statistics Unit (BSU). The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico) but will interact with all CIMMYT´s experimental stations and regional office (country and world-wide) on a regular basis.

The successful candidate will strengthen CIMMYT’s team of biometricians and will also interact with partner institution scientists to develop and apply the best statistical tools for experimental design, phenotypic trial analysis (including multi-environment trials), diversity analyses, association mapping and genomic selection with application to plant breeding and conservation agriculture.

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 primary objectives of this position are to provide biometrics research leadership for key projects, provide strategic and administrative leadership for the biometrics team and represent the Biometrics and Statistics Unit at the institutional level.

Other specific duties of this position include:

• Lead and coordinate biometrics activities for 1-2 research projects.

• Manage a team of about 12 staff and consultants.

• Assist with the development and implementation of data management policies for CIMMYT, and potentially at CGIAR level.

• Participate in pertinent institutional committees, including staff recruitment.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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

• PhD in statistics/biometrics with experience in an agricultural research context.

• Respect and appreciation for the ideas and contributions of others in a multi/cultural, inter-disciplinary environment.

• Demonstrated experience in areas related to experimental design, spatial analysis of agricultural/breeding trials, including a solid foundation in mixed model theory.

• Experience in statistical aspects of genomics, association mapping, diversity analyses, and/or knowledge of different molecular technology platforms including high throughput sequencing.

• Demonstrated understanding of agricultural research, plant breeding and bioinformatics.

• Excellent statistical computing skills, including proficiency in R, SAS, ASREML, and/or GENSTAT.

• Demonstrated skills to advise, coach and teach statistical approaches and use of software tools.

• Demonstrated ability to attract funding for key statistical research areas.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Preference will be given to candidates who are also competent in Spanish.

• Demonstrated success in research and administrative team leadership.

• Passion to apply her/his skills and abilities to contribute, and to facilitate the BSU team members to contribute to CIMMYT’s mission.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 3 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 and Mexican nationals are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 25 April, 2014 to HR, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12346 in the header of your email).

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

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