About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research center, 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.
Main purpose of the position
ICARDA has the global mandate for faba bean breeding for the developing world. The Post-Doc Fellow will assist thr Faba Bean Breeder in developing high- and stable-yielding faba bean varieties for different agro-ecologies in North Africa, East Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. Besides conventional breeding the Post Doc Fellow will apply molecular breeding tools to facilitate the rapid development of new varieties with enhanced biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and high quality.
Main responsibilities
- Assist in breeding Faba bean germplasm with adaptation to developing country lentil production systems, with high and stable yields, tolerance to relevant abiotic and biotic stresses and market-acceptable-superior quality, which have the potential to be used as parental stocks by national programs or directly as varieties released by national programs for adoption on a wide scale by resource-poor farmers.
- Develop and implement and apply state-of-the-art breeding/selection approaches, including introgression of novel genes from landraces and wild Faba bean relatives, marker-assisted selection and genomic approaches.
- Keep up-to-date on developments in Faba bean breeding through the scientific literature, and publish research findings in ISI peer-reviewed scientific journals with high Journal Impact Factors.
- Develop and participate in training programs for developing country partners.
- Develop and implement collaborative research with developing country national program scientists, including through networks.
- Produce technical reports and training material for capacity-building courses.
- Establish and/or maintain collaboration with global Centers of Excellence to review, validate and implement new techniques for plant breeding.
- Develop research proposals for funding by potential donors and prepare submissions for external, international funding.
- Represent ICARDA in regional and international fora.
- Perform any other duties as required by BIGM program director and ICARDA management.
Education, qualifications and experience
- PhD in plant breeding, plant genetics or related scientific field.
- Experienced in utilizing biotechnological tools, particularly the application of marker assisted selection.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct and interpret research results through publications in ISI peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Knowledge of faba bean improvement research worldwide required.
- Proven managerial, team-building and supervisory skills.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Working knowledge of popular computer programs and in-depth knowledge of statistical packages including Agro-base or ICIS to analyze data from the breeding program
- International experience in agricultural research-for-development is desirable.
- Work experience in developing countries is desirable.
Terms of appointment, salary and benefits
The initial contract will be for 3 years, of which the first year will be probationary period. Subsequent employment is decided based on the merit and productivity of the staff member, and continued need for the position. For more details on benefits see: Terms of Appointment PDF
How to apply
Please apply online here by 6 July 2013
ICARDA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women.
Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.