CRISAT is seeking applications from a dynamic and highly innovative Groundnut Breeder to work in groundnut improvement in a multi-disciplinary team comprising both biological and social scientists. Essentially, the Scientist will be responsible for developing and selecting breeding populations and lines using conventional breeding methods and molecular breeding tools, leading and supporting strategic initiatives. The Scientist will be based at ICRISAT Matopos Research Station in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The position is within the East & Southern Africa Research Program. It will report administratively to the Regional Programme Director – ESA and functionally to the Regional Breeding Lead. ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. ICRISAT and its partners help empower those living in the semi-arid tropics, especially smallholder farmers, to overcome poverty, hunger, malnutrition and a degraded environment through more efficient and profitable agriculture. ICRISAT is headquartered in Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and five country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT, established in 1972, is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. For more details, see www.icrisat.org.  Responsibilities: 

• Lead the ICRISAT’s research on groundnut breeding targeting ESA countries, to improve groundnut productivity and income generation for smallholders in the region
• Optimise the genetic gain model in order to deliver higher rates of genetic gain
• Apply contemporary plant breeding techniques to create a solid and sound groundnut breeding pipeline. Improvement plans should include but not limited to development of product profiles, breeding scheme optimization, use of genotyping, automation, mechanization, use of appropriate breeding software
• Participate in a cross-functional multi-disciplinary design team to create product profiles that deliver added value based on customer demands, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and key players in seed systems to ensure impact
• Inculcate a culture of continuous improvement
• Work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, including molecular geneticists, pathologists, entomologists, agronomists, socio-economists, seed systems specialists and technology transfer experts from ICRISAT both at Headquarter and in the East and Southern Africa Region, National Agricultural Research Institutes and development partners
• Analyse, summarize and interpret the data of the experiments conducted
• Prepare reports and research papers for publication in the reputed journals
• Lead project development, control the budget, time management and resource mobilization for ICRISAT and partners involved in groundnut improvement and associated crop management in ESA in order to add value and enhance livelihood opportunities for the poor
• Contribute to the groundnut R4D agenda and the development of strategic partnerships
• Enhance capacity building of partners in the region through demonstrations, degree and non-degree training 

The Person: Essential

• PhD degree from a reputed university in plant breeding and/or genetics, with five years of post-doctoral experience as plant breeder at a research institute/university/private sector company
• Knowledge of quantitative genetics theory and its application in practical plant breeding of self-pollinated crops and good computer skills is essential
• Knowledge of marker-aided selection in crop improvement and other biotechnology tools will be an additional desirable requirement
• Statistical skills, knowledge of computer applications and software for data collection, management and analysis
• Good problem-solving skills coupled with analytical and investigative mind
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential
• The candidate should have aptitude to work as a member of interdisciplinary teams in multicultural and multinational environment and should have the ability to interact with partner organizations and lead the projects if required

Desirable

• Working experience on groundnut breeding
• Respectable publication record, as evidenced by research papers in refereed journals
• Experience in working with a wide range of Stakeholders and interest to work in interdisciplinary team, and knowledge of Eastern and Southern Africa
• Aptitude to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural environments.

General: This is an Internationally Recruited position for three years, renewable based on the performance of the incumbent and the institute’s continuing need for the position. How to apply: Applicants should apply on or before 22 March 2020, with latest Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about your professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer