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Research Assistant in Plant Pathology and Virology The Africa Rice Center

4:35:00 PM
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Ref: GSS/029/RD/2011/10
Research Assistant in Plant Pathology and Virology
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice, ex-WARDA) is seeking for a highly qualified Research Assistant in Plant Pathology and Virology at GSS level (General Support Staff) to be based in Cotonou, Benin.
About AfricaRice:
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is an association of 24 African member states and one of the 15 international Centers supported by the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR). The Center’s mission is to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa, through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment.
Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of the Plant Pathologist, the research assistant will be in charge of all the activities related to Plant Pathology and mainly of virus and bacterial diseases at AfricaRice.
  • He/she will be responsible for the following activities:
  • Develop and maintain experimental field and screen house trials to screen for disease resistance and characterize the rice pathogen diversity;
  • Perform laboratory work particularly in virology and molecular biology of plant pathogens;
  • Perform DNA and/or RNA extractions and isolations from rice pathogens to enable diagnosis and characterization of pathogens;
  • Collect and preserve in pathogens banks rice bacterial and virus isolates;
  • Collect and compile data obtained from different experimental trial and draft the reports;
  • Help design and conduct workshops, seminars, and training courses to promote the dissemination of IPM recommendations to national programs throughout Africa.
Requirements:
  • Applicant should have the following qualification:
  • MSc. Degree or equivalent in Plant Pathology and Plant Virology
  • At least 5 years’ experience in Plant Pathology and Plant Virology
  • Knowledge on molecular biology and relevant experience in extracting/purifying nucleic acids and other relevant methods, monitoring and on data analysis
  • Ability to work under pressure in a multicultural environment
  • Fluency in either French or English with a working knowledge in the other language
  • Computer literate with an experience in using software commonly used in agronomic research (MSTAT, SAS, GENSTAT, Excel or any other spreadsheets package would be an asset
Terms and Conditions:
This is a regionally-recruited position and the appointment is for two years with possibility for renewal.
AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.
Application procedure:
Candidates should send an application including a cover letter and a detailed CV with the following information: Name, surname, gender, date of birth, family status, nationality, diplomas obtained, professional experience, language skills (French/English), the names and addresses (including telephone / fax / email) of three referees.
To apply online for this position, please click on the following web link:
Applications will be considered up to November 30, 2011 or until the position is filled.
AfricaRice believes that staff diversity promotes excellence in its operations, and encourages applications from women and developing country professionals.
AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only the short listed candidates will be contacted.
To learn more about AfricaRice, please visit our website at

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