Geneticist – Adaptation and Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Ref.: 11-08 /AAST/IRS/HQ

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and innovative research professional with expertise in conducting research on abiotic stress tolerance in potato to develop and support the design and implementation of a breeding strategy for abiotic stress tolerance assisted by molecular tools. The Scientist will be a member of the Global Genetic Enhancement Program and support the use of genetic resources, populations and varieties to enhance productivity in diverse tropical, subtropical and temperate agroecologies and cropping systems.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes and sweetpotatoes, and the sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals, in particular those goals that relate to poverty, hunger and child and maternal mortality. CIP and its partners contribute high-quality science and capacity building to the global effort to reduce poverty, hunger and malnutrition and make sustainable development possible for poor potato and sweetpotato farmers, their families and communities. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru and staff and activities in other locations in Africa, Asia 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 Geneticist Specialist will be based in Lima, Peru. He/she will primarily work with the Accelerating Genetic Enhancement Global Program.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Conduct research on abiotic stress tolerance in potato to develop and support the design and implementation of a breeding strategy for abiotic stress tolerance assisted by molecular tools
• Maintain working knowledge of recently available genomics protocols and molecular tools
• Serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) and when appropriate to develop and implement collaborative research initiatives that incorporate promising new approaches such as genome-wide selection. The identification of trait components in a variety of germplasm sources will be combined with molecular genetics strategies to discover mechanisms, QTL and genes contributing to tolerance to drought and heat
• Identify and exploit valuable genetic sources to enhance drought tolerance of potato and sweetpotato taking into consideration mining genomic resources and contributing to their development
• Mining genomic resources and contributing to their development will be an important part of the strategy to identify and exploit valuable genetic sources to enhance drought tolerance of potato and sweetpotato
• Conduct genetic and physiological research and apply molecular technologies and bioinformatics to identify accessions with promising genetic composition, phenotypic features, and environmental stress tolerances for incorporation into breeding programs
• Implement and manage research projects, including collection of phenotypic and molecular data, statistical analysis and interpretation of data, and preparation of grants and progress reports
• Develop assessment of physiological traits, gene discovery and innovative use of statistical tools and models for predicting performance in target environments
• Contribute with protocols for phenotyping and genotyping of breeding material for drought tolerance will be developed and validated in the context of a global improvement program
• Contribute to building capacity of developing country potato breeders and to the base of knowledge on stress tolerance through publication and training
• Act as a member of the Global Genetic Enhancement Program and support the use of genetic resources, populations and varieties to enhance productivity in diverse tropical, subtropical and temperate agroecologies and cropping systems.

Selection Criteria:

• PhD in plant genetics, plant breeding or plant physiology.
• Professional or post-doctoral experience in assessment of physiological traits, plant response to environment and G x E interaction.
• Understanding of classical and molecular breeding techniques.
• Experience in high throughput genotyping system.
• Experience working in close collaboration with breeders; knowledge of clonal crops and polyploids preferred.
• Excellent statistical computing skills, including proficiency in R, SAS, ASREML, and GENSTAT.
• Strong communication, organizational skills and experience managing staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of Spanish is highly desirable.
• Experience and willingness in grant-writing to obtain research funds.
• Ability to build and manage research teams and collaborate across institutions and continents.
• Commitment to work in a multi-partner, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
• Track record of relevant international publications.
• Strong team player, self-motivated, goal-oriented and committed to shared goals.

Conditions: The employment contract will be for an initial three-year term with the possibility of renewal. 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. Allowances toward relocation, housing, home leave travel, dependents’ education and annual leave are also provided. 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, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three referees 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 on the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will start on 19 March and continue until the post is filled. All applicants will be acknowledged, however, only short listed candidates will be contacted.