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POSITION:
Wheat
Geneticist and Genetic Resources Enhancer
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT),
a non-profit research, breeding and training organization, is
seeking innovative, self-motivated, scientifically outstanding
candidates for the position of ‘wheat geneticist and genetic
resources enhancer’. The position will be based at CIMMYT’s main
campus located 45 km northeast of Mexico City (Mexico) and will
be initially for three years, with definitive opportunities for
continuation depending on performance. The position will be
appointed at a level appropriate to the experience of the
selected candidate and will report to the Head of Wheat Genetic
Resources Conservation and Enhancement within the Genetics
Resources and Enhancement Unit (GREU).
This position will work in close collaboration with scientists
in three of CIMMYT’s key operational units: the Applied
Biotechnology Center (ABC), the Crop Research Informatics Lab
(CRIL) and the Global Wheat Program (GWP). The ‘wheat geneticist
and genetic resources enhancer’ will use a range of primary and
secondary wheat genepool germplasm, coordinating the creation of
new genetic resources through resynthesis and the creation of
chromosome translocation lines, to develop and implement
germplasm with novel and beneficial diversity influencing target
traits for direct use in current and future wheat breeding
efforts. Activities in this area are heavily demand-driven with
a particular focus on immediate breeding priorities. Germplasm
from these genetic resources enhancement activities are released
by CIMMYT as global public goods, available for wheat breeding
communities across the world including CIMMYT’s regional wheat
breeding programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
We are seeking
candidates with the following qualifications/ skills:
- PhD degree in
plant breeding and agronomy, with strong focus on
quantitative and molecular genetics
- Experience in the
application of cereal breeding methodologies
- Familiarity with
molecular breeding techniques
- Experience in
experimental design and biometrical analyses
- Evaluation and
utilization of genetic resources for development of
improved germplasm
- Proficiency of
spoken and written English
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Experience in any of
the following areas would be considered an asset:
- Drought
physiology, disease resistance and grain quality
screening
- Database design
and development, modeling and simulation
- Knowledge of plant
evolution and domestication
- Experience in
breeding with transgenic material
- Leadership of
collaborative research projects
- Demonstrated
ability to work collegially and collaboratively in
diverse, multicultural partnerships
- Ability to speak
Spanish or willingness to learn
- Good publication
record in international journals or good
intermediate product outputs in the private sector
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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 617
permanent staff and operates in a decentralized partnership
mode, having staff in 13 countries with projects and partnership
networks in many more.
The Genetic Resources and Enhancement Unit (GREU) at CIMMYT is
comprised of around 20 scientists from a range of disciplines
including germplasm conservation, genomics, transgenics,
bioinformatics, interspecific hybridization, biometrics and
germplasm enhancement who work in holistic trait-targeted teams
including specialists in physiology, pathology, entomology,
biotechnology and plant breeding. Primary trait priorities in
the regional maize breeding programs include drought tolerance,
pest and disease resistance, grain quality and agronomic traits.
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.
The CIMMYT campus has recreational and sports facilities and
offers transportation to international schools in Mexico City.
Good housing is available on and off campus, in and outside
Mexico City.
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 May 9, 2008, CV/Resume (including
full contact information), names and contact information of
three references, cover letter indicating your reasons for
applying and strengths for the position, plus a one page
description and justification of key research and genetic
resources enhancement activities that you would like to carry
out through this position, to:
Human Resources Manager, CIMMYT
(Reference 2008/05)
Email:
jobs-cimmyt@cgiar.org
For further information contact Dr. Thomas Payne, Head, Wheat
Germplasm Bank, (t.payne@cgiar.org),
or Dr. Jonathan Crouch, Director, Germplasm Resources &
Enhancement Unit (j.crouch@cgiar.org).
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