Quantitative Genetics Specialist at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

The Quantitative Genetics Specialist will support developing world breeders to achieve higher rates of genetic gain and extract maximum value from new and proven technologies, tools, and services. The successful candidate will have a strong background and experience in quantitative genetics and biometrics with a deep understanding of how to manipulate plant breeding schemes by using the latest technologies. The successful candidate will work within the ABI Quantitative Genetics team, across CGIAR centers – in a wide range of regions and crops – to optimize breeding schemes according to elements of the breeder’s equation in order to achieve the highest possible rate of genetic gain per dollar invested and per unit of time using simulation technologies, optimization and applied quantitative genetics experience, among other means. The holder of the position will report to the ABI Quantitative Genetics Lead.

By providing one-on-one consultation, workshops, and online communication via the platform’s purpose-built ‘toolbox,’ the successful candidate will contribute to raising standards of breeding operations at CGIAR and NARS breeding programs in line with targets set by ABI.

The position will be based at CIMMYT-Nairobi Campus in Kenya, involving significant international travel.

Specific duties:

• Engaging with member breeding teams to create awareness of new tools and approaches for optimizing breeding pipelines.
• Working with breeders to design and evaluate new and current breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
• Developing strategy in collaboration with breeders and developing plans to optimize the use of new breeding tools and methodologies.
• Mentoring and consulting with the partner breeding community.
• Contribute to the development of a training strategy and materials for implementation.
• Leading and contributing to virtual and hands-on training and mentorship activities targeted at member breeding teams in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Providing support to internal and external reviews and evaluations.
• Contributing to publications derived from the breeding optimization project.

Required qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

• PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, or related fields with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Experience in private industry is a plus but not required.
• In-depth understanding of practical breeding applications and logistical constraints that will be relevant to breeding programs targeting the developing world (i.e., CGIAR centers, national systems, and private sector organizations).
• Expertise in statistical analysis software (R, mixed modeling, perhaps machine learning, etc.) and a creative and innovative mindset.
• A good understanding of quantitative genetics and underlying mathematical theory.
• Good reporting and communication skills in English (working language).
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving and Decision Making, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Teamwork, and Communication.