Post-Doctoral Fellow - Wheat Rust Pathology, Molecular Genetics and Breeding

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established with a mission to improve the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, CIMMYT focuses particularly on the Global South. The organization is known for building strong partnerships and conducting research that addresses critical agricultural challenges. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Post-Doctoral Fellow in Wheat Rust Pathology, Molecular Genetics, and Breeding. This role is integral to the Global Wheat Program and is designed for a duration of two years, with the possibility of extension for an additional year. The position will be based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing rust screening and phenotyping activities in field and greenhouse nurseries across CIMMYT research stations in Mexico. They will analyze genetic and phenotypic datasets to elucidate the genetic architecture of complex rust resistance traits, including QTL mapping, GWAS, and genomic prediction. Collaboration with CIMMYT colleagues in Kenya will be essential, supporting data management and contributing to continental rust surveillance and characterization efforts. The role also involves conducting race-typing, contributing to annual rust surveillance and reporting, and providing technical guidance on rust resistance screening and disease management to support bread wheat, durum, and pre-breeding programs. The candidate will be expected to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results in collaborative networks and scientific meetings, while also strengthening national and international partnerships and contributing to capacity building. Travel to CIMMYT Mexico field sites and occasional international travel to Kenya and partner institutions will be required, along with performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for the Post-Doctoral Fellow position include:

• Coordinate and oversee rust screening and phenotyping activities in field and greenhouse nurseries across CIMMYT research stations in Mexico.
• Analyze genetic and phenotypic datasets to elucidate the genetic architecture of complex rust resistance traits, including QTL mapping, GWAS, and genomic prediction.
• Collaborate with CIMMYT colleagues in Kenya, supporting data management and contributing to continental rust surveillance and characterization efforts.
• Conduct race-typing and contribute to annual rust surveillance and reporting.
• Support bread wheat, durum, and pre-breeding programs by providing technical guidance on rust resistance screening and disease management.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results in collaborative networks and scientific meetings.
• Strengthen national and international partnerships and contribute to capacity building.
• Travel to CIMMYT Mexico field sites and occasional international travel to Kenya and partner institutions as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Post-Doctoral Fellow position include:

• A PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, plant pathology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in molecular genetics, statistical analysis, and handling genotype–phenotype datasets (e.g., GWAS, QTL mapping, mixed models).
• Proficiency in analytical software such as R, TASSEL, R/qtl, GAPIT, or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience with rust phenotyping in field and greenhouse environments.
• A strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (Spanish is an advantage).
• Proven ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary, multicultural teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, plant pathology, or a closely related discipline. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct high-level research in the field of wheat rust pathology and molecular genetics.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Post-Doctoral Fellow position includes demonstrated experience in molecular genetics, statistical analysis, and handling genotype–phenotype datasets. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting research related to plant breeding and pathology, particularly in the context of rust resistance traits. Experience in collaborating with international teams and contributing to research projects is also highly valued.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with excellent written and oral communication skills required. Proficiency in Spanish is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication within the local context and with Spanish-speaking colleagues.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive compensation package, which includes a housing allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance, children’s education support, paid leave, relocation support, annual airfare, and contributions to retirement plans. The position is full-time and is based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico, with potential travel requirements to field sites and partner institutions.