Sweetpotato Breeder Senior Scientist

TN France; Montpellier; Sur place; USD 60 000 - 100 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An innovative organization is looking for a Senior Scientist to lead a sweetpotato breeding program in West Africa. This role involves developing high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties and collaborating with various stakeholders, including local partners and research institutions. The successful candidate will have a PhD in Plant Breeding or Crop Sciences, with extensive experience in crop breeding and a passion for sustainable agricultural development. Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact on food security and nutrition in the region.

Prestations

Pension Plan

Health Plans

Competitive Salary

International Work Environment

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in crop breeding and sustainable agricultural development.
• International experience in breeding programs, especially in Africa.

Responsabilités

• Lead sweetpotato breeding programs focusing on high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.
• Collaborate with local and international research institutions and stakeholders.

Connaissances

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Plant Breeding

Crop Sciences

Genetic Analysis

Formation

PhD in Plant Breeding or Crop Sciences

Description du poste

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Client:

CIP

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Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

1bf0d4593751

Job Views:

1

Posted:

03.05.2025

Expiry Date:

17.06.2025

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Job Description:

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit an energetic and results-oriented Senior Scientist to establish a sweetpotato breeding program and oversee the breeding activities in West Africa.

The position: The selected candidate will develop and implement a sweetpotato breeding program and coordinate a breeding network aimed at catering to the West Africa sweetpotato market segments. The candidate will work closely with local partner organizations including CGIAR and NARES institutions, as well as other partners, to establish a crossing and evaluation program with the goal of delivering superior varieties that support rapid adoption by farmers. The Senior Scientist will be based in West Africa, establishing the program and breeding network, and will be a member of the CIP global breeding team reporting to the CIP Africa breeding lead.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage sweetpotato breeding programs focusing on high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties.
• Collaborate with local and international research institutions, farmers, and stakeholders to ensure the adoption of new varieties.
• Conduct genetic analysis and utilize modern breeding techniques, including marker-assisted selection and genomic tools.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform breeding decisions and strategies.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.
• Mentor and train junior scientists, technicians, and students in sweetpotato breeding techniques and methodologies.
• Collaborate with CIP social scientists, economists, and gender specialists to update and refine Product Profiles and Market Segments served.
• Maintain updated estimates of genetic gains.
• Represent the breeding program in meetings and promote progress through engagement with the communications team.
• Establish and coordinate the West Africa sweetpotato breeding network.
• Coordinate annual planning and revision of breeding pipelines.
• Identify and guide development of concept notes and research ideas for resource mobilization.
• Support planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of partners' workplans and budgets.
• Facilitate collaborative research among/within NARS in SSA.
• Build linkages among partners including NARS, NGOs, seed companies, and policymakers.
• Manage the breeding budget and allocation process.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding or Crop Sciences with at least 10 years of active crop breeding experience, understanding sustainable agricultural development, food, and nutrition security.
• International experience of 8 years in active breeding programs; experience in clonal crop breeding in Africa is a plus.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and work with diverse stakeholders, including government officials.
• Extensive knowledge of variety release processes.

Skills:

• Strong leadership skills.
• Success in managing multidisciplinary teams, partnerships, and attracting funding.
• Effective communication skills in English; knowledge of other local languages is an asset.
• Opportunity to work in an international organization with a successful track record.
• 3-year contract with renewal potential.
• Competitive salary in USD, with pension and health plans.