Research Assistant Job in Kenya - International Potato Center

International Potato Center (CIP)

Research Assistant – Specialist in Rapid Multiplication Technologies of Potatoes - National Scientist Position

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant for conducting applied research and backstopping of rapid multiplication technologies of potatoes, to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers.

The Position: The research assistant will be in-charge of implementing research on in-vitro and minituber multiplication technologies, organize the production of in-vitro and minitubers as requested by public and private partner institutions.

The RA should be committed to using research for development in a complex cooperative environment of research and development partners. The work will require frequent travel within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Duties and responsibilities

• The research assistant will be responsible for the technical backstopping in construction and management of different Rapid Multiplication Technologies for potatoes.
• The candidate will be responsible for the data management related to the establishment of a regional potato genebank
• Documentation of germplasm evaluation
• Regular documentation and publication of research findings.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Phytopathology, Agricultural-Engineering or Agro-Biotechnology;
• At least two years experience with clonally propagated crops, preferably potatoes
• Experience or good knowledge of, tissue-culture laboratories, aeroponics or hydroponics in terms of construction, technical maintenance and crop management
• Experience with data management and scientific publications;
• Excellent knowledge of data management and statistical software programs;
• Demonstrated success in working with multi-disciplinary teams and partnerships in research or project implementation;
• Excellent social skills, collaborative style, and ability to multi-task effectively;
• Proactive, innovative and creative attitudes;
• Willingness to travel within the region (estimated 30% of time);
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.
• Knowledge of Kiswahili preferred
• Must be a Kenyan citizen or permanent resident of Kenya

Conditions: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. Employment contract will be for a one-year term with a three month probation period. The position is renewable subject to availability of funds.

Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to cip-nbo@cgiar.org copied to Elmar Schulte-Geldermann (e.schultegeldermann@cgiar.org).

The reference name of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message.

Screening of applications will begin on 16 January 2012 and will continue until the post is filled.

CIP seeks diversity and gender balance in its staff.

Women and particularly urged to apply.

To learn more about CIP please visit www.cipotato.org