Sweetpotato Breeder Senior Scientist

CIP; Montpellier; Sur place; USD 75 000 - 95 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Senior Scientist to develop a sweetpotato breeding program in West Africa. This position involves leading breeding activities, collaborating with various stakeholders, and requires a PhD with extensive experience in crop breeding.

Prestations

Internationally competitive salary

Pension plans

Health plans

Qualifications

• 10 years of active crop breeding experience.
• International experience of 8 years in breeding programs.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.

Responsabilités

• Lead and manage sweetpotato breeding programs.
• Collaborate with research institutions and stakeholders.
• Conduct genetic analysis and utilize modern breeding techniques.

Connaissances

Leadership

Communication

Formation

PhD in Plant Breeding or Crop Sciences

Description du poste

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CIP

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

1bf0d4593751

Job Views:

2

Posted:

19.06.2025

Expiry Date:

03.08.2025

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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 for delivering superior varieties to support rapid adoption by farmers. The Sweetpotato Breeder Senior Scientist will be based in West Africa, establishing the program and breeding network. They will be a member of the CIP global breeding team and report 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 research institutions, farmers, and stakeholders to ensure 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.
• Publish research findings and present at scientific conferences.
• Mentor and train junior scientists, technicians, and students.
• Work with social scientists, economists, and gender specialists to refine product profiles and market segments.
• Maintain estimates of genetic gains.
• Represent the breeding program in meetings and promote progress through communication efforts.
• Establish and coordinate West Africa sweetpotato breeding network.
• Coordinate planning and revision of breeding pipelines.
• Identify and develop concept notes for resource mobilization.
• Support planning, implementation, and evaluation of funded activities.
• Facilitate collaborative research within NARS in SSA.
• Build linkages among partners including NARS, NGOs, seed companies, and policymakers.
• Manage the breeding budget and allocations.

Requirements:

• PhD in Plant Breeding or Crop Sciences with at least 10 years of active crop breeding experience.
• International experience of 8 years in breeding programs; experience in clonalcrop breeding in Africa is a plus.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and work with diverse stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of variety release processes.

Skills:

• Strong leadership skills.
• Success in managing teams and attracting funding.
• Effective communication skills in English; knowledge of other local languages is an asset.

This is a 3-year contract with renewal possibility, offering an internationally competitive salary paid in USD, along with pension and health plans.