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Maize Breeder - China
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is seeking applications from highly motivated, innovative breeders to support maize germplasm development efforts oriented towards resource-poor farmers needs in southern China and similar regions world-wide. The successful candidate will need to have a minimum of three years of experience as a breeder and be ready to take up a career position at CIMMYT. The position is part of an interdisciplinary, intercontinental team and based in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
Primary responsibilities will include:
- Plan and execute a regional maize breeding program oriented towards the subtropical maize production zones in southern China and similar regions world-wide with focus on abiotic stress tolerance, in particular drought, and priority diseases
- Choose, apply and further develop effective partnership models which accelerate breeding progress, information exchange and germplasm use and deployment for priority traits.
- Conduct and publish innovative research with focus on abiotic stress tolerance or disease resistance .
- Backstop breeding, research and seed production efforts of partners and students
- Contribute to fundraising, project management and Yunnan liaison activities.
- Work in effective collaboration with CIMMYT and Chinese researchers and global partners.
Required qualifications:
- PhD in plant breeding, genetics applied crop physiology, pathology genetics or closely related field
- Experience in using advanced statistical and molecular tools in applied plant breeding projects, and excellent computer skills
- Expertise in a research area relevant to maize improvement, including abiotic or biotic stress tolerance, or innovative use of molecular tools.
- Demonstrated ability and interest to publish in refereed science journals.
- Excellent people skills and proven ability to work in a intercultural, transcontinental team
- Experience in fund-raising and project management
- Proficiency in spoken and written English, knowledge of or willingness to learn Chinese
CIMMYT is 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$50 million. CIMMYT’s mission is to reduce poverty and enhance food security in the developing world by increasing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize and wheat-based agricultural systems while protecting the natural resource base. The Center is a global leader in scientific research and training related to maize and wheat, and in biotechnology, socio-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 from over 40 nationalities and operates through decentralized partnership, with staff in 15 countries and projects and networks in many more.
The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of three years with opportunity for extension. 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 assistance.
CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
Please send your letter of application outlining motivation no later than March 15, 2010, CV/Resume and the names and addresses (including phone/e-mail) of three referees to:
Human Resources Manager, CIMMYT
(Reference 2010/03)
Email: jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org
For further information contact Dr. Gary Atlin, Associate Director, g.atlin@cgiar.org
January,
2010