Maize Molecular Geneticist Scientist

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Position Title: Maize Molecular Geneticist Scientist
Location: Texcoco de Mora
Country: Mexico
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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, CIMMYT focuses on applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization builds strong partnerships to enhance the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The position of Maize Molecular Geneticist Scientist at CIMMYT involves a commitment to implement CIMMYT's strategy related to breeding. The role requires collaboration with other genetics specialists to design and evaluate new and current breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing. The successful candidate will develop strategies in collaboration with breeding teams and stakeholders, ensuring that breeding activities are aligned with target product profiles. This position also entails supporting breeding teams in selecting parental germplasm and overcoming constraints to shorten breeding cycle times and increase data accuracy. Additionally, the role includes contributing to training strategies and mentoring breeding teams across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as coordinating molecular breeding work to enhance adaptation to temperate environments through genetics, genomics, and molecular biology approaches.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Maize Molecular Geneticist Scientist include:

• Collaborating with genetics specialists to design and evaluate breeding schemes.
• Developing strategies with breeding teams to optimize the use of new breeding tools.
• Supporting breeding teams to ensure alignment with target product profiles.
• Establishing processes for selecting parental germplasm.
• Identifying and implementing solutions to logistical and biological constraints.
• Contributing to training strategies and mentoring breeding teams.
• Leading training and mentorship activities for CGIAR-NARES breeding teams.
• Supporting internal and external reviews and evaluations.
• Contributing to publications from breeding optimization projects. 1
• Coordinating molecular breeding work to enhance adaptation to temperate environments. 1
• Generating data on genome assemblies and analyzing genomic differentiation. 1
• Conducting genetic mapping of important traits. 1
• Cloning and validating functional genes. 1
• Contributing to joint research proposals and seeking funding opportunities. 1
• Writing manuscripts and publishing research data in high-impact journals.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Maize Molecular Geneticist Scientist position include:

• A PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, molecular genetics, plant biotechnology, or related fields.
• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in the field.
• Experience in private industry or advanced modern breeding programs is advantageous.
• In-depth understanding of practical breeding applications and logistical constraints relevant to breeding programs targeting the developing world.
• Expertise in statistical analysis software such as R and Python, and familiarity with machine learning.
• A solid understanding of quantitative genetics and underlying mathematical theory.
• Experience in plant gene discovery, cloning, and functional analysis.
• A track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Good reporting and communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, molecular genetics, plant biotechnology, or other highly related fields in genetics and breeding. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in plant breeding or a closely related field. Candidates with experience in private industry or advanced modern breeding programs will be given preference. The experience should encompass practical breeding applications and an understanding of the logistical constraints that affect breeding programs, particularly those targeting the developing world.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, as it is the working language. Good reporting and communication skills in English are essential. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with diverse breeding teams across different regions.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a multicultural work environment valuing gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates may apply online, and qualified candidates may be invited to join CIMMYT's talent roster for two years, with the option to opt in or out of having their information retained for future opportunities. The specific contract duration, seniority level, and compensation details are not specified in the job ad.