Associate Scientist Job Opening at ICRISAT – Kenya

Associate Scientist Job Opening at ICRISAT – Kenya

Job Code: RA23_0679

Location: Kenya

Experience: 2 – 4 years

Overview

Are you a dynamic individual with a passion for crop breeding and agricultural research? ICRISAT is seeking an Associate Scientist to join our team and contribute to pigeonpea breeding efforts in Eastern and Southern Africa. If you have a background in Genetics and Plant Breeding, along with experience in pulse breeding and field experimentation, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on agriculture in the dryland tropics.

About ICRISAT

ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. With partners around the world, we cover 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, focusing on regions with over 2 billion people, including some of the world’s poorest. Our mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics.

Job Description

1. Vacancy: Associate Scientist- Pigeonpea Breeding, Eastern and Southern Africa

ICRISAT is looking for a skilled Associate Scientist to support our pigeonpea breeding team under the Global Research Program Accelerated Crop Improvement – Crop Breeding. This position is based at ICRISAT – Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Handle field breeding activities: Take charge of population development in Pigeonpea for Eastern and Southern Africa.
• Project Support: Assist in developing new proposals and managing ongoing projects.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Summarize and interpret experimental data, prepare reports for donors, and publish research papers in reputable journals.
• Seed Stock Management: Establish seed stocks and seed production for multi-locational trials in the region.
• Speed Breeding: Assist Pigeonpea breeding teams in managing speed breeding and generation advancement.
• Additional Tasks: Undertake any responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Education: PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding.
• Experience: One to two years of postdoctoral experience in Pigeonpea/pulse breeding.
• Expertise: Sound knowledge of pulse crop and breeding strategies, developing breeding experiments, and generation advancement techniques through speed breeding in Pigeonpea.
• Research Skills: Experience in field experimentation, data analysis, and interpretation using tools like GENSTAT, R, and SAAS.
• Communication: Proficient in English with strong communication and writing skills.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS-Office.
• Leadership: Team management and crisis-handling skills.

General Information

• This is a contractual role for a period of 36 months (3 years).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply on or before 25 October 2023, with their latest Resume and the names and contact information of three references who are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer.

Key Skills

• Sound knowledge of developing breeding experiments and generation advancement techniques.

Additional/Preferred Skills

• Experience in pigeonpea breeding.
• Crop breeding.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding.

Preferred Industry Experience

• 1 year.

Why ICRISAT?

ICRISAT offers a rewarding career opportunity in dryland agricultural research, where you can have a lasting impact on millions of lives and communities. We provide a state-of-the-art research infrastructure with a high-performance culture, offering global exposure and learning. For more details, visit www.icrisat.org.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

To increase your chances of being selected for this role, here are some expert tips:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in Genetics and Plant Breeding, emphasizing your work in Pigeonpea/pulse breeding and field experimentation.
2. Showcase Results: Provide concrete examples of successful breeding experiments, data analysis, and publications in your resume.
3. Communication Matters: Emphasize your strong English language skills, both written and spoken.
4. Leadership Qualities: Highlight your ability to manage teams and handle crisis situations effectively.

By following these tips and aligning your application with the job requirements, you can stand out as a top candidate for the Associate Scientist position at ICRISAT. Good luck!