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.
