CIMMYT seeks a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated and service-orientated scientist for the position of Biometrician to work in our diverse agricultural research projects. As a member of our Biometrics and Statistics Unit (BSU), she/he will collaborate with CIMMYT and partner researchers and provide strong biometrical support to research, service and training activities. The successful candidate will help strengthen CIMMYT’s BSU team in one or more of the following areas: incomplete block design, spatial analysis, or multi-environment trial analysis oriented to breeding programs, and Bayesian analysis in genetics. The position will report to the Head of the BSU.
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 CIMMYT’s main campus, located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico.
Specific duties of this position include:
-
Develop research in applied statistical methodology to enhance the efficiency of CIMMYT's agricultural research in collaboration with other BSU members, and CIMMYT and partner breeders and scientists.
-
Maintain expertise in the science and application of statistical methodologies.
-
Develop statistical models for the analyses of multi-environment trials and for modeling genotype by environment interaction using external environmental covariates, pedigree and molecular markers.
-
Provide statistical consulting to CIMMYT's scientist and partners. Areas of consulting include experimental design, analysis of multi-environment trials, multivariate analysis, genome wide association analysis and genome prediction and genomic selection.
-
Develop statistical models for categorical traits collected in multi-environment trials using phenotypic and marker data.
-
Develop scripts and tools for statistical analysis that can be used by scientist to analyze their data.
-
Participate in the development and conducting of training courses.
-
Publish (author or co-author) significant results in high impact, peer-reviewed journals.
We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:
-
Desire and ability to work respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment.
-
PhD in statistics or in quantitative genetics with strong background in statistical analysis and computing.
-
Two-five years' experience in one or more of the following areas: statistical analysis, experimental design, mixed linear models, analysis of molecular data, QTL-analysis.
-
Familiarity with the following statistical software: SAS, R, Genstat, ASReml.
-
Programming experience in R, SAS or other programming language such as C++.
-
Experience with biometrics and statistical analysis in relation to plant breeding or plant research activities.
We will offer an initial contract for three years, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our 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, 21 November 2014 to HR, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12365 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Esther Mendoza, Acting Staffing Specialist, at e.m.ramos@cgiar.org
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.