Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to addressing the challenges of agricultural production and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established to enhance the quality and quantity of cereal production, CIMMYT focuses on crops such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, working to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers through innovative agricultural science and strong partnerships. CIMMYT's mission is to foster a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while ensuring sustainability within planetary boundaries. The organization is known for its commitment to research and development in agriculture, with a significant presence in various countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, contributing to global food security and agricultural resilience.

Job Overview:
The Post-Doctoral Fellow position at CIMMYT is designed to support the organization's global wheat improvement initiatives. The primary focus of this role is to develop and implement innovative hybrid wheat breeding strategies that aim to accelerate genetic gains in key traits such as grain yield, stress tolerance, and grain quality. The fellow will be involved in the development and evaluation of hybrid wheat germplasm, utilizing modern breeding techniques including rapid cycling, genomic and phenotypic selection, and multi-trait phenotyping. This position requires collaboration with interdisciplinary teams that include experts in breeding, pathology, quality, molecular biology, and biometrics, ensuring the delivery of improved hybrid wheat cultivars and enhancing global breeding capacity. The fellow will also engage in high-quality applied wheat training and capacity development activities with partners and stakeholders across various regions, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The role emphasizes the importance of synthesizing and presenting scientific findings through project-related reports and publications in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the global wheat community and representing CIMMYT at national and international forums.

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

• Implementing innovative hybrid wheat breeding strategies to enhance genetic gain for grain yield potential, stress tolerance, and grain quality in CIMMYT germplasm.
• Applying novel breeding methodologies for heterotic grouping and line conversion in hybrid wheat breeding.
• Collaborating as an integral member of the CIMMYT wheat breeding team, contributing to the development and testing of new hybrid wheat cultivars.
• Participating in various wheat breeding activities, including rapid cycling, phenotypic and genomic selection, and agronomic and disease resistance phenotyping.
• Managing and analyzing phenotypic and genotypic data effectively.
• Collaborating with scientists in wheat pathology, quality, molecular biology, and biometrics to enhance breeding outcomes.
• Supporting the delivery of high-quality applied wheat training and capacity development activities with partners and stakeholders.
• Synthesizing and presenting scientific and technical findings through reports and publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contributing to the global wheat community and representing CIMMYT at relevant forums. 1
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a recent PhD degree in plant breeding or genetics, with a strong background in cereal hybrid breeding systems. While experience specifically in wheat breeding is desirable, a demonstrated interest in applied field-based plant breeding is essential. Candidates should exhibit self-motivation and a commitment to CIMMYT's mission. Proficiency in statistical analysis, electronic data collection, and data management is required, along with a proven ability to publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific or technical forums. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a collaborative spirit and the ability to work inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, and multidisciplinary environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a PhD in plant breeding or genetics. This advanced degree should be complemented by relevant research experience in cereal hybrid breeding systems, with a preference for candidates who have specific experience in wheat breeding. A strong foundation in agricultural sciences and related fields is essential to meet the demands of this role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a solid level of experience in plant breeding, particularly in hybrid breeding systems. While specific experience in wheat breeding is preferred, candidates should have a demonstrated track record of working in applied field-based plant breeding. Experience in managing and analyzing data related to breeding programs, as well as a history of publishing research findings, is also crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Spanish is considered desirable, as it may facilitate collaboration with partners and stakeholders in various regions where CIMMYT operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is initially fixed-term for three years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a housing allowance, a 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 are required to apply online, submitting a CV with contact details of three work-related references and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity, and encourages women to apply.