International Potato Center Intermediate Researcher

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a proactive, responsible and experienced Intermediate Researcher with excellent organizational skills to assist genotyping and phenotyping of potato, sweetpotato and Andean Roots and Tuber Crop (ARTC) genetic resources, continuous updating and improvement of databases, and realization of high-quality advanced statistical analysis.

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 CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The Global Programs Genetic Resources (GPGR): The organization has over 40 years of interdisciplinary research experience, where the use of genetic resources is at the very heart of the operation providing the basis for evaluation, crop improvement, and value addition. The GPGR team plays a key role in understanding, evaluating and using the wild and cultivated genetic diversity of CIP’s genebank as well as mapping and documenting in-situ or on-farm agrobiodiversity. This involves the design and execution of laboratory, greenhouse, on-station and participatory research as well as work in partnership with diverse actors ranging from national agricultural programs, universities, indigenous organization to farmer communities.

The Position: This position will be based in Lima, Perú and reports directly to the coordinator of the biosystematics thematic area within the Global Program Genetic Resources.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Execute laboratory (80%) and field research (20%) related to diversity assessment, genotyping and phenotypoing, trait evolution and phylogeny of cultivated and wild genetic resources.
• Coordinate the outsourcing of genotyping to external service providers of next generation marker systems.
• Manage, update and reference genetic resources databases with core / composite genotype / working collection data.
• Actively participate in data management and statistical analysis for (dis)similarity, molecular variance, population and phylogenetic structure.

Selection Criteria:

• Master degree in biology, genetics or taxonomy.
• Experienced in laboratory work using molecular markers for genetic diversity assessment.
• Specialization in genetic resources analysis and experienced in the use of disciplinary statistical for (dis)similarity, molecular variance, population and phylogeny analysis.
• Proficient in use of Ms Office, R for statistical computing, DARwin, NTsys, Arlequin.
• Experienced in genetic resources database management.
• Knowledge of concepts such as core, working and composite genotype collections.
• Advanced to Intermediate Level in English
• Communication and organizational skills.
• Problem solving skills taking a consistent action and demonstrated time management skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work in multicultural environment.
• Willingness to learn CIP’s policies, administrative processes and procedures.

Conditions: This position is local and thus limited to Peruvian nationals and permanent residents. The employment contract will be for an initial one-year term with the possibility of renewal based on performance and available funds. 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 interest, C.V. and the names and contact information of three references knowledgeable about 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 start on September 21, 2012 and continue until the post is filled. All applicants will be acknowledged, however, only short listed candidates will be contacted.

All applications will be acknowledged, only short listed candidates will be contacted.

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