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Maize Breeding Lead (Senior or Principal Scientist)
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is seeking applications from experienced, self-motivated, scientifically outstanding plant breeders to support the development of high-yielding, stress tolerant maize germplasm within its Global Maize Program (GMP). In collaboration with a dynamic multi-disciplinary research team, the position will ensure the implementation of state-of-the art maize breeding and deployment approaches across the program and in collaboration with public, private, local and international partners. The successful candidate will also be part of the management team of the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa Initiative, (DTMA). The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Nairobi Office in Kenya but will involve travel to other CIMMYT sites in Asia, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The position is initially available for three years and could lead to a career position within CIMMYT.
The primary responsibilities will include:
- As a Technical Lead for the Project, ensure the implementation of state-of-the-art maize breeding and deployment approaches within the Drought Tolerant Maize for Africa (DTMA) Project.
- In collaboration with various CIMMYT Project Leaders and partner institutions, take the lead to align and further upgrade CIMMYT maize breeding approaches, germplasm interchange and deployment for more effective use of maize genetic resources, increased breeding progress and greater impact
- Provide mentorship to maize breeders within the Program.
- Interact with partners on maize research and germplasm needs, germplasm deployment and use of CIMMYT maize germplasm.
We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:
- PhD in plant breeding or associated discipline.
- A minimum of ten years post PhD experience in maize breeding including the use of state-of-the art molecular and bioinformatics tools, stress breeding approaches, and practical field breeding operations.
- Private sector experience desirable
- Significant track record of scientific publications relevant to maize breeding
- Experience in working in an international environment including developing countries
- Demonstrated ability to appropriately engage in innovation and work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural partnerships
- Willingness to travel extensively in Sub-Saharan Afirca, Latin America and Asia
- Proficiency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of Spanish and French will be an added advantage.
CIMMYTis an internationally
funded, non-profit research and training organization affiliated with
the Consultative
Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and has an annual
budget of approximately US$40 million. CIMMYT’s mission is to help
the poor in the developing world by increasing the productivity, profitability,
and sustainability of maize and wheat-based cropping systems while protecting
natural resources. The Center is a global leader in scientific research
and training related to maize and wheat, and in biotechnology,
economics, and natural resource management research. These activities
are conducted in partnership with national agricultural research systems,
non-governmental organizations, and advanced research institutions, both
public and private, in globally focused projects and programs. CIMMYT
employs about 600 permanent staff and operates through decentralized partnership,
with staff in 11 countries and projects and networks in many more.
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package paid in US dollars, with a range of benefits including housing allowance, life and health insurance, education allowance (to Grade 12), home leave, retirement fund, and relocation shipping allowance.
CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
Please send via e-mail your letter of application no later than December 31, 2008, CV/Resume (including full contact information), and names and contact information of three references to:
Human Resources Manager, CIMMYT
(Reference 2008/17)
Email: jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org
October,
2008