The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) deliver research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

About the position.

The Scientist II – Rice Breeder will be responsible for leading the research and development efforts in the field of hybrid and inbreed rice breeding. This role is critical in developing high-yielding and stable, disease-resistant, and climate-adapted rice varieties that meet the needs of farmers and consumers. The incumbent will also work in collaboration with a team of researchers and technicians to achieve the organization’s breeding objectives.

Main responsibilities

• Developing and implementing a breeding strategy to improve rice varieties, and improve genetic gains, focusing on key traits such as yield, quality, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
• Conducting genetic analysis, selection, and improvement of rice germplasm for both inbreed and hybrid breeding programs.
• Designing and conducting field trials to evaluate the performance of hybrid and inbreed rice under different TPE.
• Analyzing and interpreting data from field trials and laboratory experiments to make informed breeding decisions.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation of breeding activities, including pedigrees and trial results.
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate new breeding technologies and molecular tools into the breeding program.
• Provides technical guidance to project teams under her supervision and advises the research team of outcomes that feeds into the wider knowledge base of the Centre.
• Develop and ensure the correct interaction with partners (NARS, Seed companies, NGO, among others) of the inbred and hybris pipelines to ensure the streamline of the breeding products.
• Staying updated with the latest advancements in rice breeding, genetics, and biotechnology through continuous learning and professional development.
• Take lead in scientific publications and presenting research findings at conferences or workshops.
• Oversees and monitors the execution of various experiments and protocols in a project, consistent with the most rigorous scientific standards for research.
• Ensuring reporting for the different projects and initiatives in which the breeding pipelines are involved.

Requirements

• PhD. In plant breeding, plant genetics or related field
• Experience in plant breeding, managing field trials and statistical analysis of field data
• In-depth knowledge of modern breeding techniques, including molecular markers, marker-assisted selection, and genomic selection
• Knowledge of quantitative genetics and its application for plant breeding optimization.
• Familiarity with local and international regulations related to plant breeding and biosafety.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, including scientific communication and report writing.
• Commitment to Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT’s mission and core values.u202F
• Proven experience successfully managing globally distributed teams from different disciplines and backgrounds.

This is an internationally recruited position based in Palmira, (Colombia). The initial contract will be for up to two (2) years, subject to a probation period of six (6) months and is renewable depending on performance and availability of resources. This position is at BG10 level, in a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest.

The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for

gender, diversity, and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.

Applications

Applicants are invited to visit  https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number Ref: RFP103206-Scientist II – Rice Breeder as the position applied for. Application and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name, first name for ease of sorting.

Applications closing date: 17^th November 2023

Please note that email applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

http://alliancebioversityciat.org