Scientist in Molecular Characterization of Genetic Resources

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and results-oriented scientist to systematically characterize wheat genebank accessions using genome-profiling and molecular-marker technologies.

The selected candidate will participate in the Seeds of Discovery (SeeD) project which explores maize and wheat genetic resources to facilitate their broader use in breeding programs in order to address the challenges that agriculture faces vis-à-vis a changing climate, growing populations, and increasingly costly agricultural inputs. This is achieved by disseminating well-characterized germplasm accessions and parental germplasm, alongside tools and services that facilitate their uptake and use in breeding programs.

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries.

SeeD is one of four components of the Mexico-funded MasAgro initiative, which integrates the characterization of genetic resources, molecular-breeding programs, and agronomic interventions into an impact-oriented R4D program. We believe MasAgro is one of the most important and exciting initiatives in agricultural research worldwide.

The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico) but will interact with all CIMMYT´s experimental stations and regional office (country and world-wide) on a regular basis.

Specific duties and responsibilities of the position will include:

• Apply high-throughput genome-profiling methods to the systematic characterization of wheat genebank accessions.
• Manage a high-throughput DNA-sampling pipeline to generate samples for genome-profiling analyses, which will be performed by a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) service established under SeeD.
• Build a molecular atlas of wheat genetic diversity comprising primary and secondary genepools.
• Collaborate with colleagues to incorporate selected gene-based SNP markers into genome profiles.
• Collaborate with biostatisticians to identify genome regions and alleles/haplotypes that control selected stress-tolerance and yield traits through association mapping and selection-imprint surveys.
• Contribute to the implementation of innovative introgression strategies to identify and validate exotic-allele effects in adapted genetic backgrounds.
• Participate in SeeD’s capacity-building efforts and CIMMYT’s collaborative wheat-research agenda.

We are seeking candidates with the following academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• PhD in genetics, molecular breeding, molecular biology or a closely related field.
• Experience in population genetics, diversity analyses, and genome-wide association studies; familiarity with QTL analyses methods and molecular-breeding approaches.
• Well-developed organizational skills to efficiently manage large quantities of DNA samples and genotyping data using procedures that minimize the risk of human error.
• Familiarity with high-throughput genome-profiling platforms such as SNP chips, DArT arrays, or GBS methods.
• Bioinformatics skills and experience with molecular-analysis software and DNA-sequence databases, including software for association mapping, linkage & QTL mapping, and sequence analysis.
• Experience in wheat research is not a prerequisite but would be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in high-impact, refereed journals.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English; knowledge of Spanish would be a significant advantage.
• Interest in working in international agricultural research and an ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.

CIMMYT offers an initial contract for 2 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our 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 and Mexican nationals are encouraged to apply.

Apply online or email cover letter and CV no later than Friday, 9 November, 2012 to Human Resources, CIMMYT
(Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org  / Please insert position reference number: 12254 in the subject of your email)
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
For further information please contact Dr. Sukwinder Singh, Wheat Lead for SeeD, suk.singh@cgiar.org or
Guillermo Flores, g.flores@cgiar.org