Special Project Scientist (Breeding) ICRISAT

ICRISAT invites applications for a Special Project Scientist (Breeding), to be based at its Regional Hub for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), Nairobi, Kenya.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi-arid tropics is home to over 2 billion people, with 650 million of these the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower those living in the semi-arid tropics, especially smallholder farmers, to overcome poverty, hunger, malnutrition and a degraded environment through more efficient and profitable agriculture. ICRISAT is headquartered in Greater Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India and belongs to the Consortium of Centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

The Job:

• Plan Dryland Cereals (DC) on station and on farm trials and lead the development of research protocols
• Assist in genetic resources management activities for dryland cereals, and guide field technicians/ scientific officers on data collection and data management.
• Visit and advise collaborators in various target countries
• Write project reports, publication of information in refereed and high impact journals
• Guide post graduate students in their thesis preparation
• Provide training on statistics, field experimentation, seed production to national partners
• Support and participate in field days in the different countries
• Participate and/or lead in developing project proposals for donor funding

The Person: Phd in Plant breeding and/or genetics as major and minor in statistics, with 2-3 years of experience in experimental design, management of field trials and experience in handling large breeding datasets. Excellent computer skills and experience with GENSTAT, Agrobase, SAS or other statistical packages is essential. A good track record of publication in high impact journals with aptitude for field based crop research and good knowledge of sorghum and or millet will be an advantage. luency in spoken and written English is essential. Scientist should have aptitude to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, including multicultural and multinational scientists, and should have the ability to interact with partner organizations. Knowledge and experience working in ESA region will be an advantage.

Period and Remuneration: The position is initially for three years and may be extended depending on requirement, funding availability, and performance of the incumbent. ICRISAT pays an attractive compensation package payable in US dollars.

How to Apply: Please send your application by email to icrisatjobs@cgiar.org, stating the job title (Special Project Scientist-Breeding-ESA) clearly in the subject column, addressed to the Director, Human Resources and Operations, ICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India, latest by 31 May 2012. The application should include up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, a statement of the competencies and experience for the position, date of availability, and the names and addresses (including phone/e-mail) of three referees. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer, and is especially interested in increasing the participation of women on its staff.