Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established with a mission to enhance the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops, CIMMYT focuses on applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org

Job Overview:
CIMMYT seeks a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to its Genome Editing (GE) Platform for target crops within biotechnology research programs. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team working on genome editing for multiple traits across crops such as maize, wheat, groundnut, pearl millet, and sorghum. This position involves developing advanced genome editing technologies and translating discoveries into global crop breeding programs. The selected scientist will conduct and publish high-impact research in collaboration with internal teams and external academic and industry partners. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to mentoring students and visiting scientists while ensuring adherence to stewardship, biosafety, and laboratory best practices. This position reports to the Lead of Precision Genetics and is located at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific duties of the Postdoctoral Fellow include designing and developing genome editing constructs using CRISPR-Cas and related systems, generating transient and stable edited lines using Agrobacterium-mediated and biolistic transformation, and analyzing edited events using molecular and sequencing tools. The fellow will also apply sgRNA libraries for genome-wide editing studies, contribute to protocol optimization, phenotyping, proposal writing, and manuscript preparation, and present and publish research findings. Furthermore, the fellow will supervise students and visiting scientists, ensuring that all activities adhere to the highest standards of scientific integrity and laboratory practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in Molecular Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Additionally, they should have 2–3 years of postdoctoral experience in plant molecular biology, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications. Proven expertise in plant genome editing, molecular construct engineering, plant transformation, and tissue culture is essential. A working knowledge of bioinformatics tools related to genome editing is also required. Strong scientific writing, communication, and teamwork skills are necessary, along with the ability to work independently in a multicultural research environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a PhD in Molecular Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field. This advanced degree is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge and research skills necessary for the complex tasks involved in genome editing and biotechnology research.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 2–3 years of postdoctoral experience in plant molecular biology, which should be demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. This level of experience is important as it indicates the candidate's ability to conduct independent research and contribute significantly to the ongoing projects at CIMMYT.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the requirement for scientific writing and communication. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as necessary.

Additional Notes:
The position is initially fixed-term for three (3) years, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package that 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 assistance with relocation shipment. Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of three work-related references, along with confirmation that Recruitment can contact them. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted. CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a multicultural work environment valuing gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity, encouraging women to apply.