Sowing the Seeds of Innovation: Helping to Feed the World
Maize Population Geneticist/Molecular Diversity Specialist
Post-doctoral Research Fellow
CIMMYT is an organization whose research brings hope to developing countries by
addressing food and poverty issues. One of its scientists won the
Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 and helped create the Green Revolution. We
have changed the world before, and we plan to continue doing so!
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a
non-profit research and training organization, is seeking candidates
for a post-doctoral fellowship in maize genetic resources at CIMMYT
Headquarters near Mexico City, Mexico. The Center's genebank holds
more than 24,000 maize germplasm accessions representing Latin
American maize landraces, wild relatives, and samples from the other
continents.
The position will be based in the Genetic Resources Program, a group
of more than 20 scientists (including genomics, bioinformatics and
biometrics specialists) working on the conservation and enhancement
of maize and wheat germplasm.
The CIMMYT genebank has been actively collecting novel maize
germplasm development adapted to tropical, subtropical, and highland
conditions. Development and enhancement of the heterotic gene pools
is carried out at CIMMYT's headquarters in Mexico. CIMMYT's superior
germplasm is used globally and released to farmers either directly or
after further enhancement.
The Post Doctoral Fellow will engage in the following activities:
- Characterization and enhancement of maize landraces being used in prebreeding
- Improvement of maize heterotic gene pools
- Optimization of methodologies for molecular diversity analysis in maize
- Genetic evaluation of germplasm collections for use in prebreeding
- Compiling and managing maize prebreeding database
- Assistance with overall activities in the maize genetic resources unit
We are seeking candidates with the following skills and qualifications:
- A strong background in plant breeding, population genetics,
statistics, molecular biology, molecular marker applications, and
related fields including plant genetic resources conservation.
- Research experience in maize and its wild relatives is preferred.
- Familiarity with SAS, Excel, and basic relational databases
- A strong desire to work in the conservation and enhancement of
maize genetic resources.
- Candidates must have received Ph.D. degree within the last two years.
- Proficiency of English language required and knowledge of Spanish
is desirable.
CIMMYT (http://www.cimmyt.cgiar.org/) is an internationally funded,
non-profit research and training organization affiliated with the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR,
www.cgiar.org) and has an annual budget of US$40 million. CIMMYT's
mission is to help the poor in the developing world by increasing the
productivity, profitability, and sustainability of maize- and
wheat-based cropping systems while protecting natural resources. The
Center is a global leader in scientific research and training related
to maize and wheat, and in biotechnology, economics, and natural
resource management research. These activities are conducted in
partnership with national agricultural research systems,
non-governmental organizations, and advanced research institutions,
both public and private, in globally- and regionally-focused
programs. CIMMYT employs a staff of 700 and operates in a
decentralized, partnership mode, having staff in 14 countries,
projects and partnership networks in many more.
Salaries of internationally recruited staff are paid in US dollars.
Benefits for Post-Doctoral Fellow include housing allowance, life and
health insurance package, education allowance, annual medical
examination, and shipping allowance. Further information about CIMMYT
and the CGIAR can be obtained via the Internet at
http://www.cimmyt.cgiar.org or http://www.cgiar.org.
For technical information regarding this position, please contact Dr.
Suketoshi Taba (Head, maize genetic resources) and/or Dr. Marilyn
Warburton (Leader, molecular genetic diversity group):
s.taba at cgiar.org and/or m.warburton at cgiar.org
The position is for a fixed-term contract of two years, after which
further employment is subject to performance and availability of
funds. Salaries of internationally recruited staff are paid in US
dollars. Benefits for Post-Doctoral Fellows include housing
allowance, life and health insurance package, education allowance
(from KG to Grade 12), annual medical examination, and shipping
allowance. CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer and strives for
staff diversity in gender and nationality. The CIMMYT campus has
recreational and sports facilities and offers transportation to
international schools in Mexico City. Good housing is available on
and off campus.
We will accept applications until a suitable candidate is identified.
Please send via e-mail your letter of application, CV/Resume
(including full contact information), and names and contact
information of three references to:
Human Resources Manager
(Reference 2004/15)
CIMMYT,Int.
Apdo. Postal 6-641, México, D.F. 06600, MEXICO
Phone: (+52) 55-5804-2004 Fax: (+52) 55-5804-7558
Email: jobs-cimmyt at cgiar.org
