Maize Plant Health Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) 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 for basic cereals such as maize and wheat, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South. The organization focuses on building strong partnerships to enhance the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT is committed to creating a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while adhering to planetary boundaries. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Maize Plant Health Scientist position at CIMMYT is designed for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional who will provide strategic leadership in plant health across CIMMYT’s Global Maize program. The role is crucial in ensuring that the program aligns with institutional goals and international priorities. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting the plant health vision for CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program, defining long-term strategies, and aligning disease priorities with breeding pipelines and climate projections. This position will also establish CIMMYT as the global authority on maize disease risk in low- and middle-income countries, integrating advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning into disease surveillance and early warning systems. The scientist will lead the execution of scientifically robust pathology trials and ensure compliance with relevant biosafety and quality assurance standards, ultimately contributing to the advancement of maize breeding and crop protection strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Maize Plant Health Scientist include:

• Setting the plant health vision for CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program and defining long-term strategies.
• Aligning disease priorities with breeding pipelines, climate projections, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security risks.
• Leading AI-enabled disease surveillance and early warning systems by integrating field surveillance, genomics, remote sensing, and climate data into predictive disease models.
• Developing open dashboards and early warning tools accessible to national partners.
• Executing scientifically robust pathology trials for product advancement decisions and optimizing disease screening and assays for maize breeding.
• Establishing genetic disease resistance as a cornerstone of crop protection and guiding breeding strategies.
• Integrating pathogen genomics and population biology to monitor and anticipate pathogen evolution.
• Establishing comprehensive seed health testing protocols and ensuring disease-free seed production systems.
• Developing an integrated maize disease risk data platform that consolidates epidemiological, agronomic, and environmental datasets. 1
• Building and leading global plant health partnerships and representing CIMMYT at global forums.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Maize Plant Health Scientist position include:

• A Ph.D. in plant pathology or a closely related crop protection field from an internationally recognized university.
• A strong publication record in high-impact journals related to plant pathology.
• Working experience in disease screening under natural and artificial inoculations for key maize diseases.
• Good knowledge of international seed exchange and phytosanitary guidelines.
• Proficiency in data analysis software such as R, SAS, and Genstat is preferred.
• Excellent reporting and communication skills in English, as well as strong interpersonal skills to manage complex collaborator relations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in plant pathology or a closely related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of plant health and disease management in maize and other crops. The candidate should have a solid foundation in agricultural sciences, particularly in areas related to crop protection and plant health.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in plant pathology, particularly in disease screening and management for maize. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in research environments, ideally with experience in international agricultural research settings. Familiarity with the challenges faced by resource-poor farmers in low- and middle-income countries is advantageous, as is experience in leading research projects and collaborating with diverse teams.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is the working language at CIMMYT. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions where CIMMYT operates, would be considered a valuable asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is for an initial fixed term of three years, with a one-year probationary period. Continued employment is subject to performance and the availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contributions to a retirement plan, and generous relocation assistance. Candidates must apply online, including a CV and cover letter, and ensure that their applications are complete, as incomplete applications will not be considered. CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and encourages women to apply.