Careers at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Specific Duties:

• Work with other genetics specialists to design and evaluate new and current breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
• Develop strategy in collaboration with breeding teams and other stakeholders and support the development of plans to optimize the use of new breeding tools and methodologies.
• Support breeding teams to ensure that target product profiles drive breeding activities and that breeding efforts are aligned to these breeding targets.
• Support the breeding teams to set up disciplined processes to select parental germplasm in a targeted manner, as well as identify and implement ways to overcome resource, logistical, and biological constraints to shorten the breeding cycle time and increase the accuracy of data prior to selection of parents.
• Contribute to the development of a training strategy and content to mentor and consult with breeding teams.
• Lead and contribute to both virtual and hands-on training and mentorship activities targeted at CGIAR-NARES 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.
• Coordinate the molecular breeding work, particularly to enhance the adaptation to the temperate environments via genetics, genomics, and molecular biology approaches.
• Contribute to generating data on de novo genome assemblies, transcriptomes, and annotations.
• Analyze the genomic differentiation between tropical and temperate seed for key traits of interest using genome resequencing data.
• Genetic mapping of important traits associated with photoperiod sensitivity, and resistance/tolerance to major biotic and abiotic stresses in seeds.
• Cloning and validation of functional genes targeting the improvement of the seed yield and stress tolerance.
• Contribute to joint research proposals and seek opportunities for new collaborations and funding sources.
• Manuscript writing and publication of research data in high-impact journals.

Requirements

• PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, molecular genetics or plant biotechnology, or other highly related fields in genetics and breeding.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in private industry and/or an advanced modern breeding program is a plus.
• 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.
• Experience in plant gene discovery, cloning, and functional analysis.
• Expertise in using statistical analysis software (R, Python, perhaps machine learning, etc.).
• A good understanding of quantitative genetics and bioinformatics.
• Track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Good reporting and communication skills in English (working language).
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Client Orientation, Good Communication, Multicultural Awareness and Collaboration.

go to method of application »

Specific Duties:

• Work with other genetics specialists to design and evaluate new and current breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
• Develop strategy in collaboration with breeding teams and other stakeholders and support the development of plans to optimize the use of new breeding tools and methodologies.
• Support breeding teams to ensure that target product profiles drive breeding activities and that breeding efforts are aligned to these breeding targets.
• Support the breeding teams to set up disciplined processes to select parental germplasm in a targeted manner, as well as identify and implement ways to overcome resource, logistical, and biological constraints to shorten the breeding cycle time and increase the accuracy of data prior to selection of parents.
• Contribute to the development of a training strategy and content to mentor and consult with breeding teams.
• Lead and contribute to both virtual and hands-on training and mentorship activities targeted at CGIAR-NARES 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.
• Coordinate the molecular breeding work, particularly to enhance the adaptation to the temperate environments via genetics, genomics, and molecular biology approaches.
• Contribute to generating data on de novo genome assemblies, transcriptomes, and annotations.
• Analyze the genomic differentiation between tropical and temperate seed for key traits of interest using genome resequencing data.
• Genetic mapping of important traits associated with photoperiod sensitivity, and resistance/tolerance to major biotic and abiotic stresses in seeds.
• Cloning and validation of functional genes targeting the improvement of the seed yield and stress tolerance.
• Contribute to joint research proposals and seek opportunities for new collaborations and funding sources.
• Manuscript writing and publication of research data in high-impact journals.

Requirements

• PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, molecular genetics or plant biotechnology, or other highly related fields in genetics and breeding.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in private industry and/or an advanced modern breeding program is a plus.
• 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.
• Experience in plant gene discovery, cloning, and functional analysis.
• Expertise in using statistical analysis software (R, Python, perhaps machine learning, etc.).
• A good understanding of quantitative genetics and bioinformatics.
• Track record of high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Good reporting and communication skills in English (working language).
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Client Orientation, Good Communication, Multicultural Awareness and Collaboration.

go to method of application »

Specific Duties:

• Execute CIMMYT’s breeding pipeline, ensuring efficient development, advancement, and dissemination of germplasm and products.
• Foster collaborations across areas of germplasm development, molecular breeding, rust phenotyping, and seed systems to co-implement impactful regional improvement network(s).
• Contribute to experimental design, trial, and nursery data interpretation and analyses.
• Contribute to increasing genetic gains in CIMMYT's and improvement network’s breeding pipelines, including the formulation, testing, and identification of impactful seed varieties.
• Contribute to capacity-building efforts of CIMMYT, CGIAR, and the seed's improvement network(s).
• Manage the program’s regional data, implementing the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) for streamlined data management.
• Facilitate with the senior breeder the convening of seeds product advancement meetings, with active engagement of internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with regional improvement teams to optimize trial locations and align them with product pipeline testing requirements.
• Lead a team of research technicians, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Assist the technical stations staff in implementing best practices.
• Enhance the visibility of CIMMYT's research, partnerships, and impacts through the publication of high-quality journal articles.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor and Program Director to support program objectives.

Requirements

• PhD in breeding or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in seed breeding.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in one, with familiarity in the other areas of biometrics and statistics, quantitative genetics, and applied molecular breeding.
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Desire and ability to work respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Decision making, Achievement Orientation, Communication, and Teamwork

go to method of application »

Specific Duties:

• Execute CIMMYT’s breeding pipeline, ensuring efficient development, advancement, and dissemination of germplasm and products.
• Foster collaborations across areas of germplasm development, molecular breeding, rust phenotyping, and seed systems to co-implement impactful regional improvement network(s).
• Contribute to experimental design, trial, and nursery data interpretation and analyses.
• Contribute to increasing genetic gains in CIMMYT's and improvement network’s breeding pipelines, including the formulation, testing, and identification of impactful seed varieties.
• Contribute to capacity-building efforts of CIMMYT, CGIAR, and the seed's improvement network(s).
• Manage the program’s regional data, implementing the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) for streamlined data management.
• Facilitate with the senior breeder the convening of seeds product advancement meetings, with active engagement of internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with regional improvement teams to optimize trial locations and align them with product pipeline testing requirements.
• Lead a team of research technicians, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Assist the technical stations staff in implementing best practices.
• Enhance the visibility of CIMMYT's research, partnerships, and impacts through the publication of high-quality journal articles.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor and Program Director to support program objectives.

Requirements

• PhD in breeding or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in seed breeding.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in one, with familiarity in the other areas of biometrics and statistics, quantitative genetics, and applied molecular breeding.
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Desire and ability to work respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Decision making, Achievement Orientation, Communication, and Teamwork

go to method of application »

Specific Duties:

• Execute CIMMYT’s breeding pipeline, ensuring efficient development, advancement, and dissemination of germplasm and products.
• Foster collaborations across areas of germplasm development, molecular breeding, rust phenotyping, and seed systems to co-implement impactful regional improvement network(s).
• Contribute to experimental design, trial, and nursery data interpretation and analyses.
• Contribute to increasing genetic gains in CIMMYT's and improvement network’s breeding pipelines, including the formulation, testing, and identification of impactful seed varieties.
• Contribute to capacity-building efforts of CIMMYT, CGIAR, and the seed's improvement network(s).
• Manage the program’s regional data, implementing the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) for streamlined data management.
• Facilitate with the senior breeder the convening of seeds product advancement meetings, with active engagement of internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with regional improvement teams to optimize trial locations and align them with product pipeline testing requirements.
• Lead a team of research technicians, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.
• Assist the technical stations staff in implementing best practices.
• Enhance the visibility of CIMMYT's research, partnerships, and impacts through the publication of high-quality journal articles.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor and Program Director to support program objectives.

Requirements

• PhD in breeding or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in seed breeding.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in one, with familiarity in the other areas of biometrics and statistics, quantitative genetics, and applied molecular breeding.
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Desire and ability to work respectfully and inclusively in a diverse, multicultural, multidisciplinary work environment.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Decision making, Achievement Orientation, Communication, and Teamwork