Junior Assistant Researcher

Ref: 12-48 JAR/NRS/HQ

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Junior Assistant Researcher (NRS) with high level of commitment to manage field experiments and data collection on irrigation and soil, water and plant interactions of the potato crop.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.

The position: The Junior Assistant Researcher position will be based in Lima, Peru (La Molina) and will report to the Genetics and crop improvement Global Program. This position will be responsible for field experiments management and data collection on irrigation and soil, water and plant interactions of the potato crop.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support the planning and installation of field experiments
• Support the greenhouse and field work on physiological methods in potato crops conducted in HQ (CIP-Lima).
• Understating of the design and planning of greenhouse and field trials on drought tolerance experiments.
• Knowledge of management, use and maintenance of the physiological equipment for the measurement of the plant responses to water drought stress, water and plant relations.

• Conduct physiological research to identify potato clones with promising genetic composition, phenotypic features, and drought stress tolerances for incorporation into breeding programs
• Manage field trial research data generated, conducted by the Genetics and crop improvement Global Program in HQ including collection of phenotypic data for the gathering and keeping into data banks.

Selection criteria:

• Agronomist, Biologist or Agricultural Engineering with some experience in assessment of physiological traits, plant response to environment and abiotic stress.
• Strong customer service orientation
• Problem solving skills taking a consistent action.
• Communication, organizational skills, and experience managing staff.
• Written and verbal communication skills in Spanish; knowledge of English is highly desirable.

• Experience working in close collaboration with breeders; knowledge of clonal crops preferred.
• Experience in scientific research

• Experience in statistical and database management, using Ms Office, including access program and statistical software: SAS, R.

Conditions: Employment contract will be for an initial three-months with the possibility of renewal. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked in the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on June 20, 2012 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply