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Scientist - Insect Resistant Maize Breeding
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is seeking applications from an innovative, self-motivated, scientifically outstanding entomologist / plant breeder to support the development of high-yielding, insect resistant maize germplasm. The position contributes to and draws on the experiences of a large multi-disciplinary research team with focus on insect resistance. It will be based at CIMMYT’s Nairobi Office in Kenya but will involve travel to other CIMMYT field sites in eastern and southern Africa as well as other CIMMYT locations in Asia and Latin America and involve collaboration with public and private, local and international partners. CIMMYT-Kenya is hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) in Nairobi, Kenya. The position is initially available for three years and could lead to a career position within CIMMYT.
The primary responsibilities will include:
- Determine the extent of stem borer pests and post harvest losses in several countries of eastern and southern Africa.
- Technically backstop public/private sector partners in developing insect screening facilities.
- In collaboration with maize breeders, develop maize inbred lines, hybrids, and open-pollinated varieties resistant to stem borers and post harvest pests (maize weevil and larger grain borer).
- In collaboration with molecular breeders, develop, design and implement molecular and field-based research to investigate and enhance insect resistance in maize.
- Technically backstop CIMMYT Maize Program breeders in insect resistant maize research in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:
- PhD in entomology, plant breeding or associated disciplines.
- Applied knowledge of experimental design, management of field trials, and field breeding operations.
- Experience in insect rearing and use in screening for resistance in lab and field-based crop research.
- Excellent computer skills and experience with SAS, GENSTAT, or other statistical software.
- Familiarity with molecular breeding and genomics approaches and their ink to applied field breeding programs
- Capacity to publish in refereed science journals.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Interest in international research and development; preferably with experience in African agriculture.
- Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural partnerships.
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$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 2008/18)
Email: jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org
October,
2008