Country: Peru
Closing date: 24 Sep 2018
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a motivated and experienced scientist to support in the management of ex situ clonal and seed collections and deliver the commitments of our Biodiversity for the Future research program to assure the safety and duplication of the germplasm collection.
About the Biodiversity for the Future Research Program: CIP’s Biodiversity Research Program hosts the genebank and its associated activities. The goal of the program is that CIP, community conservationists, and other stakeholders collaborate on dynamic in situ and ex situ conservation of potato, sweetpotato, and underutilized Andean root and tuber genetic resources to enhance their use by present and future generations to respond to climate change and food security.
About the role: The selected candidate will be responsible for managing the reception and safe distribution of germplasm in compliance with the treaty, accessing new germplasm, and management of genebank information (database, etc) and associated research projects. The activities covered by the candidate will be process intensive and require careful personnel and budget management. Depending on the strengths and interests of the position holder, contributions to other objectives of the program can be considered such as assuming the role of acting wild potato curator. The candidate can plan and conduct related research to improve the efficiency, characterization, utilization, and conservation of the ex situ collection. The position reports to the Head of the Genebank and is based at CIP’s headquarters in Lima, Peru. Some national and international travel will be required.
Key responsibilities:
• Support the Head of the Genebank with management of the genebank activities and the delivery of the commitments established in CIP’s strategy and corporate plan.
• Ensure the efficient distribution of germplasm to partners compliance with intellectual property laws, treaties, material transfer agreements, phytosanitary regulations relating to genetic resources and germplasm movement/exchange.
• Coordinate and develop multi-disciplinary grant proposals and carry out research projects related to the conservation, characterization, and utilization of genetic resources (in situ and ex situ).
• Network with collaborators and organizations like Crop Trust, Genebank Manager's group, national associations, for information exchange.
• Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of the genebank team at all levels and provide mentorship for personnel.
• Developing tools and/or improved methods for in situ and ex situ characterization,
conservation, and data management.
What are we looking for?
• PhD degree in Plant Sciences or related field.
• Familiarity with legal matters of genetic resources such as intellectual property especially in
relation to the International Plant Treaty (ITPGRFA), Standard Material Transfer Agreements
(SMTA), the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol, and international
phytosanitary regulations.
• Tissue culture, thermotherapy, and/or cyro experience desired.
• Capable and competent to negotiate germplasm collection and distribution permits with
responsible authorities.
• Demonstrated success in attracting research funding and publishing research results.
• Team management experience.
• Excellent communications skills in English, and Spanish proficiency are required.
Why should you consider this opportunity?
• CIP is an international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
• CIP scientists are recent World Food Price Winners, and CIP has been recently awarded the Al-
Sumait Award for our Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved nutrition and well-being, and gender
equality for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world.
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly
located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.
What are we offering?
• Great career opportunity in an international organization.
• Salary is internationally competitive, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
• Attractive retirement plan.
• Three-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.
How to apply:
Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/jobs/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your
references. Screening of applications will begin on September 24, 2018 and will continue until the post
is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing
countries are particularly encouraged to apply.