IRS23144 Maize Entomologist for Africa at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Specific duties:

• Actively support CIMMYT maize breeders in developing improved germplasm with resistance to major insect-pests, especially stem borers and Fall Armyworm (FAW), including efficient mass-rearing of insect-pests, artificial infestation of maize germplasm, and phenotypic data generation that contributes to stage-gate advancement of products.
• As a part of CGIAR Plant Health Initiative, design and implement impactful work on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of maize insect-pests, in partnership with relevant public and private institutions, as well as through participatory engagement of extensional personnel and farming communities in eastern and southern Africa.
• Execute innovative entomology research in accelerating genetic improvement for insect-pest resistance in maize, including lab and field testing of Bt transgenes in the biosafety lab, greenhouse, and field as a part of TELA Project.
• Support the development and implementation of Insect Resistance Management (IRM) strategies that enable sustainable deployment of Bt-based insect-resistant maize in the TELA project countries.
• Technical backstopping and capacity strengthening of the national/regional partners on advanced areas of maize entomology, including breeding and deployment of insect pest-resistant maize germplasm, and IPM.
• Design and implement high-quality research that enables publications in peer reviewed journals with high impact factor.
• Develop and implement new project proposals in high-priority areas of CIMMYT, including IPM.
• Contribute to the visibility of CIMMYT' s research, partnerships, and impacts, especially in Africa.
• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor or Director, CIMMYT Global Maize Program.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology.
• At least 5 years of research experience in agricultural entomology.
• Applied knowledge of experimental design, management of field trials, and field breeding operations.
• Experience in mass rearing of insect-pests under controlled conditions, and their effective use in screening for resistance in lab and field-based crop research.
• Demonstrated contributions in developing and testing appropriate technologies in controlling pre- and post- harvest insect-pests, and/or integrated pest management (IPM).
• Excellent computer skills and experience with SAS, SPSS, or other statistical software.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in refereed, high-impact scientific journals.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, and good communication skills.
• Interest in international research and development; preferably with experience of working in Africa.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Teamwork, and Client Orientation.