Scientist, Quantitative Genetics Specialist

Scientist, Quantitative Genetics Specialist

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

The One CGIAR Accelerated Breeding Initiative (ABI) is recruiting a Quantitative Genetics Specialist. ABI sets the vision and direction for all breeding in the CGIAR (Consultative group on international agricultural research), across all crops and regions, together with our partners, for the purpose of maximizing impact against the CGIAR 5 impact areas. The ABI proposal sets out an ambitious and exciting plan for the modernization and evolution of CGIAR breeding and partnerships with NARES toward greater impact. ABI draws from innovations in CGIAR centers, advanced research institutes and the private sector, to provide access to cutting-edge tools, services and best practices, application-oriented training, and practical advice.

The Quantitative Genetics Specialist will support CGIAR-NARES breeding teams to achieve higher rates of genetic gain and extract maximum value from new and proven technologies, tools, and services. The successful candidate will have a strong background and experience in quantitative genetics and biometrics with a deep understanding of how to manipulate plant breeding schemes by using the latest technologies. The successful candidate will work within the ABI Quantitative Genetics team, across CGIAR centers – in a wide range of regions and crops – to optimize breeding schemes according to elements of the breeder’s equation to achieve the highest possible rate of genetic gain per dollar invested and per unit of time using simulation technologies, optimization and applied quantitative genetics experience, among other means.

By providing one-on-one consultation, workshops and online communication via the platform’s purpose built ‘toolbox,’ the successful candidate will contribute to raising standards of breeding methods and operations at CGIAR and NARES breeding programs in line with targets set by ABI.

The position will be based at CIMMYT-Nairobi Campus in Kenya, involve significant international travel, and will report to the ABI Breeding Optimization Lead.

Specific duties:

• Lead CGIAR-NARES breeding teams to create awareness and support the adoption of new tools and approaches for optimizing breeding pipelines.
• Work with other quantitative genetics specialists to design and evaluate new and current breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
• Develop strategy in collaboration with CGIAR-NARES breeding teams and other stakeholders and support the development of plans to optimize the use of new breeding tools and methodologies.
• Support CGIAR-NARES breeding teams to ensure that target product profiles drive breeding activities and that breeding efforts are aligned to these breeding targets.
• Support the CGIAR-NARES breeding teams to set up disciplined processes to select parental germplasm in a targeted manner, as well as identify and implement ways to overcome resource, logistical, and biological constraints to shorten the breeding cycle time and increase the accuracy of data prior to selection of parents.
• Contribute to the development of a training strategy and content to mentor and consult with CGIAR-NARES breeding teams.
• Lead and contribute to both virtual and hands-on training and mentorship activities targeted at CGIAR-NARES breeding teams in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Providing support to internal and external reviews and evaluations.
• Contributing to publications derived from the breeding optimization project.

Required qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

• PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, or related fields.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in private industry and/or an advanced modern breeding program is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of practical breeding applications and logistical constraints that will be relevant to breeding programs targeting the developing world (i.e., CGIAR centers, national systems, and private sector organizations).
• Expertise in statistical analysis software (R, mixed modeling, perhaps machine learning, etc.) and a creative and innovative mindset.
• A good understanding of quantitative genetics and underlying mathematical theory.
• Good reporting and communication skills in English (working language).
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Client Orientation, Good Communication, Multicultural Awareness and Collaboration.

The position is for an initial fixed term of three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS23135, IRS24136, and IRS24137_ Scientist, Quantitative Genetics Specialist.

For easy reference on how to apply please review the internal application guide.

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on August 26th, 2024.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related

references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

For further information on the selection process, please contact Ariadna Espinosa, at a.espinosa@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.