Mexico: IBWS Scientific Manager
Country: Mexico
Closing date: 30 Aug 2013
The CGIAR Generation Challenge Programme (GCP; www.generationcp.org ) is an internationally funded, non-profit research and capacity-building program hosted by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®. GCP pools together public and private research efforts in developed and developing countries to develop and promote genetic and genomic resources and tools that can be used to deliver the fruits of the genomics revolution to resource-poor farmers through improved crops.
Since July 2009, GCP has been coordinating, the development of the Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP; www.integratedbreeding.net ), a one-stop portal providing access to modern tools applications, and services for integrated crop breeding with a focus on breeders in developing countries. A key component of the IBP is the Integrated Breeding Workflow System (IBWS), an informatics platform supporting logistics, data management, analysis and decisions for integrated breeding projects. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with a broad range of partners from CGIAR Centres, Universities and country-based programmes.
Moving now to a phase of implementation, we are seeking a dynamic, self-motived individual with a wide range of skills and experience in modern plant breeding, including the use of analytical tools and molecular markers for the position of IBWS Scientific Manager. The incumbent will be responsible primarily for testing the tools of the IBWS and pro-actively working with users to implement the system in their breeding programs and ensure the tools fit their needs. The IBWS Scientific Manager will also contribute to the population of a marker trait association DB with relevant breeding information and be involved in capacity building and support for users of the IBWS.
CIMMYT is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to the website for more information: www.cimmyt.org.
The position will be based at CIMMYT’s main campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico), but the location can be negotiated.
Specific duties of this position include:
- Evaluate existing and new tools of the IBWS with a focus on field management, statistical analysis and breeding decisions.
- Provide an efficient communication channel between IBWS users and the development team.
- Contribute to the development of new breeding tools and enhancements to existing tools, including implementation of new breeding methodologies/approaches.
- Work with the IBWS development team to implement the overall user interface of the IBWS.
- Contribute to the development of the marker trait association component of the genotyping Data Base and associated tools
- Liaise with IBP support staff in IBP regional hubs to help with technical support and capacity building, and collect feedback for IBWS implementation.
- Contribute to the development of the overall objectives of the IBP and implementation of its strategy
We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:
- MSc. in plant breeding, genetics, plant science or related fields. Having a Ph.D. degree in these areas will be an advantage.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a related field.
- Expertise in molecular breeding technologies, marker applications (e.g. SNPs, SSRs, NGS) and genomics approaches.
- Advanced level of English is required. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French will be an advantage.
- Expertise in routine statistical and bioinformatics tools applied to biological data analysis. ?
- Demonstrated experience in plant phenotyping.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to effectively interact on a regular basis with IBWS users.
- Ability to work in a team environment in a multicultural setting.
- Affinity for international agricultural research and development.
The position is for an initial fixed-term contract up to December 2014, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds (IBP Phase II proposal under development). CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.
How to apply:
To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 30 August, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12323 in the header of your email). For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
