Human Resources Office Dalia Bldg. 2nd Floor, Bashir El Kassar Street, Verdun Area, next to Arab Bank P.O. Box 114/5055 Postal Code 1108-2010 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961-1-813308/9 www.icarda.org
Genetic Resource Scientist International Recruited Staff Reports to: Director Biodiversity and Integrated Gene Management Program (BIGM) and Morocco Platform Director
Location: Rabat, Morocco
Closing date: 16 October 2015
Main purpose of the position ICARDA maintains a large and diverse collection of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA), which are made available to the global scientific community for research and breeding work. Because there are over 7.5 million germplasm accessions residing in over 1750 genebanks worldwide, efficient methods to identify potentially useful germplasm from these collections is desirable. Thus, one of the scientific endeavors of the genetic resource section (GRS) at ICARDA is to develop and fine tune a methodology, coined the Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy (FIGS) that will rationalize how ex-situ collections of PGRFA are mined for adaptive traits. Briefly, FIGS utilizes a range of collection site agro-climatic and edaphic information to predict where adaptive traits are likely to be found thus guiding the process of selecting best-bet sets of accessions for evaluation. FIGS has the potential to revolutionize how genebanks are utilized by the scientific community. The position is based at the Genetic Resource Section based in Rabat, Morocco under its Biodiversity and Integrated Gene Management Program (BIGMP).
About ICARDA The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research center temporarily based in Beirut, Lebanon and supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). We are committed to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through agricultural research, and the equitable use and conservation of natural resources. For more details: www.icarda.org
Main responsibilities
Coordinate existing FIGS project to ensure delivery of project outputs. Improve upon already existing FIGS approaches by the application of mathematical modeling approaches. Develop appropriate software tools to automate components of the FIGS process Develop trait specific best bet sub-sets for a range of crops for a range of adaptive traits as required by the user community Where appropriate assist in the design and implementation of FIGS set screening in the field or lab Assist in the development and submission of manuscripts for publication in refereed journals. Assist in the preparation of funding proposals. Contribute a proportion of their time to general GRS activities as required. Publish research findings in ISI peer-reviewed scientific journals Carry out field and laboratory research activities related to seed health/plant pathology Field inspection for seed borne diseases
IEA # 464
Human Resources Office Dalia Bldg. 2nd Floor, Bashir El Kassar Street, Verdun Area, next to Arab Bank P.O. Box 114/5055 Postal Code 1108-2010 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961-1-813308/9 www.icarda.org
Maintenance of laboratory standard and assigned equipment Supervising research support staff Performing any other job assigned by the Program director
Desired education, qualifications and experience
A PhD in agriculture, ecology or a related biological field. 5 to 9 years of Postdoc experience with a demonstrated competence in research. Computer data analysis skills (MS Office, Windows, etc.). Competence in mathematic modelling, and using GIS software A firm grasp of the ecological drivers behind eco-geographic variation in plant adaptive traits. A working knowledge of advanced statistics The ability to manipulate large data sets in a database environment A proven ability to develop and write simple software procedures to automate data manipulations Proven evidence of publication in refereed journals Record in submitted proposals for funding Fluency in spoken and written English Understanding of Arabic Worked in a developing country before Presented material at international conferences
Terms of appointment, salary and benefits Depending on the availability of funds, the initial period of employment will be a fixed terms of contract for two years, with possibility of contract renewal depending on the performance and continued need for the position. Starting salary will depend on relevant qualifications and experience.
How to apply Please apply online at www.icarda.org/iea/ by 16 October 2014 We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from women. Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
IEA # 464