Genotyping Support Service Scientist

Genotyping Support Service Scientist
The CGIAR Generation Challenge Programme (GCP;  www.generationcp.org) is an internationally funded, non-profit research and capacity-building program hosted by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®. GCP pools together public and private research efforts in developed and developing countries to develop and promote genetic and genomic resources and tools that can be used to deliver the fruits of the genomics revolution to resource-poor famers through improved crops.

CIMMYT is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to the website for more information: www.cimmyt.org.

Since July 2009, GCP has been coordinating the development of the Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP; www.integratedbreeding.net), a one-stop shop providing access to modern tools applications, and services for integrated crop breeding with a focus on breeders in developing countries. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with a broad range of partners from CGIAR Centres, Universities and country-based programmes. One of the capacity-building components of the IBP is the Genotyping Support Service

(GSS) that was established to facilitate National Agricultural Research Institutions’ (NARI) access to genotyping technologies, enabling them to access molecular breeding approaches. This service provides financial and technical support for NARI breeders to access diverse cost-efficient genotyping services worldwide.

In order to meet the increasing demand of GSS, as part of the implementation phase of the IBP, GCP is currently seeking a motivated scientist to take on responsibilities in the GSS, to help manage and support different molecular breeding projects from developing countries. This Scientist will work together with different core team members of the GCP.

The position will be based at CIMMYT’s main campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico), but the location can be negotiated.

Specific duties of this position include:• Manage genotyping support service (GSS) projects for molecular breeding/genetics in partnership with grant recipients.

• Help to promote the GSS component of the IBP and contribute to the proposal selection.

• Advise grant recipients on breeding approaches and genotyping alternatives to meet their research objectives, when needed.

• Grant recipients guidance for data analysis using IBP tools or any other tools available.

• Advice grant recipients as required and follow the project workflow to ensure that the workplan and timelines are respected.

• Help grant recipients to overcome any kind of issues that might arise during the project.

• Participate in other support activities related to IBP global services.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:• Master’s Degree in plant breeding, genetics, plant science or related fields; Having a higher degree will be an advantage.

• At least 3 years of experience in a related area. Having good exposure to GBS and Next Generation Sequencing will be an advantage.

• Solid understanding of molecular breeding technologies and marker application (e.g. SNPs and SSRs).

• Expertise in phenotyping and genotyping data analysis.

• Proficient in English. Knowledge of Spanish or French will be an advantage.

• Methodical and rigorous approach to Project management in order to handle efficiently a large set of GSS projects.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to liaise with grant recipients on a regular basis.

• Ability to work in a team environment in a multicultural setting.

• Affinity for international agricultural research and development.

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract up to December 2014, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds (IBP Phase II proposal under development). CIMMYT’s 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, 30 August, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12322 in the header of your email). In your application, please specify where you saw this position advertised. For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, at  g.flores@cgiar.org.

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