International
Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics
POST: Scientist/Senior Scientist-Cereals Breeding (Eastern and
Southern Africa)
ICRISAT is seeking
applications from dynamic and highly innovative Cereals Breeder to work on
sorghum and pearl millet in collaboration with other crop improvement
scientists. The position will be based at Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, but will have to
work in collaboration with ICRISAT scientists based in ESA, and with the NARS
in the region.
ICRISAT is a
non‐profit, apolitical, international organization for science‐based
agricultural development. Established in 1972, it is one of the 15 Centers of
the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and is
supported by more than 48 governments, foundations, and development banks.
ICRISAT with its Headquarters located in India has regional centers and
research teams in Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa. ICRISAT’s Regional hub for
Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) is located in Nairobi, Kenya, with scientists
also located in research centers in Lilongwe, Malawi and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
ICRISAT’s work covers all countries in ESA. For more details, see
www.icrisat.org.
THE JOB:
•Lead ICRISAT’s
cereals breeding research and development targeting SADC countries, in
improving sorghum and millets productivity and income generation in the ESA
region
•Work with
interdisciplinary team of scientists including molecular geneticists,
pathologists, entomologists, agronomists, socio-economists, seed systems
specialists and technology transfer experts from ICRISAT, National Agricultural
Research Institutes and development partners
•Assist in genetic
resources management of ICRISAT mandate crops,
•Contribute to
project development and resource mobilization for ICRISAT and partners involved
in sorghum and millets improvement and
associated crop management.
•Contribute to CRP
3.6 and dryland cereals R4D activities
•Enhance capacity
strengthening of partners in the region through degree and non-degree training.
THE PERSON:
•PhD degree in
genetics and/or plant breeding with 5-10 years post-doctoral experience in crop
breeding research, with an interest in both basic breeding research and
development-oriented and on-farm research
•Sound knowledge of
recurrent population improvement and hybrid breeding procedures
•Knowledge of
quantitative genetics for optimizing selection programs, for refining heterotic
grouping and performing combining ability analyses
•Knowledge of
molecular marker applications for improving selection efficiency and enhancing
targeted use of genetic diversity in the breeding program
•Strong statistical
skills, knowledge of computer applications and software for data collection,
management and analysis
•Working experience
with sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet or other cereals
•Excellent in English
(both spoken and written) essential, and
knowledge of Portuguese desirable
•Good publication
record, as evidenced by research papers in refereed journals
•Proven good track
record in attracting project funding
•Experience in
working with a wide range of stakeholders and interest to work in
interdisciplinary team
•Experience with
variety development and release as well as effective seed dissemination
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:
This is an internationally
recruited staff position with an attractive and competitive salary and benefits
package payable in US dollars. The position is initially for three years, and
extendable depending on performance of the incumbent and funding availability.
An attractive compensation will be offered for the right candidate.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should
apply on or before
30 April 2012 by
email to:
ICRISATjobs@cgiar.org ,
with a letter of motivation, a full Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact
information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s
professional qualifications and work experience. The reference name of the
position (Scientist/Senior Scientist-Cereals Breeding-ESA), should be clearly
indicated in the subject line of the email. Screening of applications will
begin in May 2012 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications
will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.
ICRISAT is an equal
opportunity employer and is especially interested in increasing the
participation of women on its staff. ICRISAT has a flexible approach to
international appointments and welcomes dual-career couples.
