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Maize Molecular Breeder

9:53:00 AM
Job Category:Global Maize Program
Position Title:Maize Molecular Breeder
Type of Contract:Internationally Recruited Staff
Location:Mexico
Desired Skills:
Description:
We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and service-orientated scientist with excellent skills in plant molecular genetics to support the development of high-yielding, stress-tolerant germplasm with improved nutritional characteristics. The selected candidate will play a key role as a member of the CIMMYT Global Maize Program (GMP) team focusing on genetic improvement and molecular mapping of agronomically important traits, with special focus on Latin America.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information:www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based at CIMMYT Headquarters in El Batan (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico) but will involve travel to other field phenotyping sites in Mexico, Latin America and other GMP locations as needed. The selected candidate will also work closely with partners in advanced laboratories, seed companies, and national research programs worldwide, especially in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Discover and validate genomic regions associated with prioritized traits using an array of genetic resources available in CIMMYT’s gene bank and maize breeding programs.
  • Assist in optimizing and implementing high throughput, low-cost marker-assisted selection and genomic selection-based pipelines for maize improvement.
  • Contribute to and support innovative maize molecular breeding research for accelerating genetic improvement for stress tolerance, nutritional quality and yield improvement.
  • Actively participate in collaborative maize breeding, research and capacity building activities in the framework of CIMMYT’s overall project agenda.
  • Technical backstopping and capacity strengthening of the national partners in maize molecular breeding.
  • Contribute to the visibility of CIMMYT’s research, partnerships and impacts.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Plant breeding or Genetics or Molecular Biology or closely related fields.
  • At least 1-2 years of post-doctoral experience is desirable, but not essential.
  • Experience in molecular breeding, especially Association genetics/QTL analysis/Fine mapping/MAS.
  • Computational and statistical skills in languages such as R, GenStat, or SAS and excellent skills in molecular mapping software
  • Familiarity with different SNP and sequence databases of cereals and relevant bioinformatic skills to utilize the same.
  • Demonstrated ability to publish in refereed, high-impact scientific journals.
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English; ability to speak Spanish or willingness to learn.
  • Strong self-motivation and innovative skills, coupled with interest in international agricultural research and development.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural partnerships.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 year, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 10 May, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email:irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12226 in the header of your email).
For further information, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, atg.flores@cgiar.org.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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