Root & Tuber Crops Phylogeneticist - Lima, Perú

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an innovative phylogeneticist, with experience to lead the biosystematics thematic area within the Global Program Genetic Resources (GPGR) and build the portfolio of research of this area in line with the CGIAR Research Programs (CRP’s).

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, Peru. The researcher will contribute to elucidating the genetic diversity of potato, sweetpotato, and selected Andean root and tuber crops, identifying leads that are essential for understanding the diversity maintained within the CIP genebank, as well as in-situ where evolution is an ongoing process. The successful candidate will also contribute to understanding of the distribution patterns, domestication and evolution of genetic resources (GR) across landscapes to facilitate classification in support of conservation strategies and target exploration of genetic diversity for use in agriculture.

The position will contribute to and draw on the experience of a multi-disciplinary research team focusing on genetic resources (GR) research within four thematic areas: (i) GR evaluation, (ii) in-situ conservation, (iii) GR technologies and methods, (iv) biosystematics.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Elucidate the biosystematics and evolutionary origin of potato, sweetpotato and ARTC genetic diversity.
• Conduct targeted research on crop and trait co-evolution as well as adaptation (population dynamics).
• Support the evaluation of genetic diversity with molecular tools and conduct targeted research on crop and trait evolution.
• Supervise research on discovery and characterization of cultivated as well as wild genetic resources.
• Work in team with the curators, GR scientists and breeders to advance the knowledge of genetic diversity, population structure and traits towards efficient use.
• Help test and develop molecular markers for diversity assessment and taxonomic as well as evolutionary experiments.
• Define and develop molecular assays to complement phenotypic assessments.
• Attract research funds through grant writing and publish in scientific journals.
• Coordinate research across programs and units, including with CIP breeders and curators, as well as with a wide array of partners and stakeholders (national programs, universities).

Selection Criteria:

• PhD degree in phylogenetics, biosystematics or similar field with extensive post-doc experience (minimum 5 years).
• Excellent working knowledge of molecular genetics, next generation marker systems, and genomic approaches.
• Experience with statistical methods and tools for diversity and phylogenetic research.
• Strong understanding of the current state of knowledge of evolutionary genetics.
• Capable of developing and applying innovative concepts in crop genetic diversity assessment and evolutionary studies.
• Ability to manage teams and coordinate interdisciplinary approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in refereed scientific journals.
• Bring-in a network of scientific contacts for collaborative research.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; Ability in Spanish preferred.
• Proven ability to organize and coordinate complex tasks.
• Interest in international research applied to the problems of developing countries and centers of crop origin.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Conditions: This is a Regional Research Staff (RRS) position. The employment contract will be for an initial three-year term with the possibility of renewal based on performance and available funds. The salary will be internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience. CIP provides additional benefits including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits. 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 and C.V. in english 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 October 01, 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