Jr. Assistant Researcher - International Potato Center (CIP)

Ref.: 12-13 RA/NRS/HQ

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Jr Assistant Researcher (NRS) to be part of a project contributing to a strategy for building durable disease resistance in plants by combining phenotypic evaluations utilizing the latest biological and molecular information on plant microbe interactions with the power of genetics and genomics.

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 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 Jr. Assistant Researcher position will be based in Lima, Peru and will report to the Leader of the project. His/her main function is to execute laboratory and green house experiments aiming at the identification and characterization of functional genes against late blight.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Coordinate the maintenance and inoculations of the plants in greenhouse
• Conduct experiments to identify molecular markers
• Participate in basic data analysis
• Collaborate in preparation of reports and publications

Selection Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field.
• At least 1 year of experience required in similar position.
• Experience and strong skills in basic molecular biology.
• Excellent interpersonal and team work skills.
• Strong communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solving and capability to work independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish and English language are required.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work in multicultural environment.

Conditions: Employment contract will be for a one-year term with three months probation period with the possibility of renewal. 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 motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of 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 begin on April 4, 2012 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.

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

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply