Scientist at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Job description

Responsibilities

The scientist would be part of a team working with forage genetic resources conservation and carry out activities related to germplasm health and post-entry quarantine of forage germplasm and who will specifically:

• Lead activities on forage germplasm health for ILRI as part of coordinated activities under the Genebank Platform
• Identify and research the extent of major seed borne virus diseases in the ILRI collection
• Develop and optimize diagnostic tests for virus, bacteria, phytoplasma and fungi in forages, including use of molecular tools
• Establish field and greenhouse procedures for elimination of viral, bacterial, phytoplasma and fungal diseases from the collection
• Manage and continue improving a Quality Management System for seed health testing and post-entry screening, including the elaboration of Standard Operating Procedures
• Maintain germplasm health databases for the genebank
• Train technicians and technical assistants in disease diagnostics and routine procedures for plant management to eliminate diseases

Requirements

• PhD in plant pathology
• At least 5 years of experience post PhD in standard seed-health diagnostic methods (e.g., ELISA, TBIA, dot blot, NASH/LAMP, fungal identification and PCR based methods) and next-generation sequencing technologies for pathogen detection.
• Experience with laboratory organization and optimization of workflows.

Post location: The position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Position level: The position level is 4C.

Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Benefits: ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes 15% Pension, Medical insurance, Life insurance and allowances for: Education, Housing, Relocation, Home leave, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public holidays.