Wheat Improvement Specialist , Pakistan

We are seeking an innovative scientist with skills in wheat improvement to increase the productivity and production value of wheat and wheat-based systems in Pakistan.

The selected scientist will work as a member of the CIMMYT Global Wheat Program, and will play a key role in the Pakistan Agricultural Innovation Project (AIP), a four-year, USAID-supported Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) program, designed to promote economic growth in Pakistan by bringing more farms and more hectares under improved technologies and management practices, and by increasing the productivity and production value of livestock, horticultural, and cereal crops.

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. CIMMYT will manage and take overall responsibility for AIP, and manage its Cereals and Cereal Systems projects. The selected scientist will be based at the CIMMYT Office in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Specific responsibilities of the position will include:

1. Coordinate and participate in AIP research and capacity building that accelerates rates of gain in key Pakistan wheat breeding and testing programs through modernizations that increase the quantity, quality, and timeliness of phenotypic and genotypic data, and reduce years per breeding cycle.
2. Coordinate and participate in AIP research and capacity building to increase the supply, demand, and adoption of seed of improved wheat varieties on small-scale farms in Pakistan.
3. Coordinate AIP research and development that protects or adds value to Pakistan's wheat crops through interventions such as fungicides, improved post-harvest management to avoid losses or enhance value, or piloting/development of durum as an alternative wheat crop.
4. Promote better science and science-based innovation through improved linkages between and among Pakistan’s agricultural research, education, extension, private sector, and civil society communities, and the wider global community of scientists engaged in wheat research and development.
5. Participate as the wheat scientist in the AIP cereal and cereal systems team; and in the HRD, Competitive Grants, reporting, and work plan development activities of AIP.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

1. PhD in Plant Sciences with specialization in plant breeding or plant pathology.
2. Experience with commercial cereal breeding, protection, and seed production/popularization is preferred.
3. Demonstrated ability in design and execution of field-based research, especially for on-station and on-farm trials and demonstrations, seed production and promotion of cereal varieties and related technologies leading to farmer adoption.
4. Proficiency in spoken and written English, with excellent communication skills.
5. Strong self-motivation and innovative skills, coupled with interest and successful experience in international agricultural research for development.
6. Demonstrated ability to work collegially, collaboratively, and productively in diverse, multicultural partnerships.
7. Demonstrated ability and willingness to work and live in volatile situations preferred.
8. Demonstrated high proficiency with organizational, information technology, and computer skills.
9. Record of publication in international refereed journals commensurate with stage of career.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, 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.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Monday, 6 May, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12289 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org.

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