N-26-32 Research Assistant

International Potato Center - CGIAR; La Molina; Presencial; PEN 24.000 - 36.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Comprehensive insurance coverage

6 months term agreement with renewal

Bus transport in Lima

Descripción de la vacante

The International Potato Center (CIP) in Lima, Peru, seeks a Research Assistant to support the Plant Pathology Laboratory head in coordinating and implementing molecular testing activities.

The role reports to the Coordinator of Plant Pathology Laboratory and will perform daily lab operations, data management and report generation, while contributing to priority crops in a collaborative team.

Formación

• Professional Title (Titulado) in Biologist or Agronomy engineer with excellent experience in Molecular Plant Pathology.
• MSc degree in Molecular biology is NOT required but can be a plus.
• 3-year experience on molecular techniques (RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, LAMP, cloning, sequencing, etc.) is a critical requisite.
• Knowledge on the use of bioinformatics tools / softwares (MegAlign, Velvet, MAC, Geneious, etc.) is required.
• 1-year experience in collecting and managing plant pathogens at laboratory and greenhouse level.
• Experience in handling and maintenance of plants at greenhouse level is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills. Demonstrated ability to problem solve and work independently.
• Excellent Spanish written and verbal communication skills and intermediate English skills are required.
• Advanced level of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and PPT).

Responsabilidades

• Extraction of total nucleic acids and siRNAs and libraries preparation from potato/sweetpotato and ARTCs samples.
• Continue validation of PCR & RT-PCR for ARTCs virus detection and resolve inconsistencies.
• Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data for potato and sweetpotato germplasm for routine testing.
• Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data of ARTCs for validation of testing.
• Inter-laboratory testing of viruses by sRSA (verification by PCR of the virus reported by HTS).
• Design primers for detection of new virus species or strains in crops.
• Standardize PCR, RT-PCR and/or qPCR for detection of pathogens as part of new service plan.
• Upload revised results of molecular analyses performed by laboratory personnel.
• Maintain orderly laboratory facilities and equipment records and calibration logs.
• Generate activity reports weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
• Support the lab Coordinator with administrative tasks: supplier quotes, purchases, annual expenses file.

Conocimientos

Molecular Plant Pathology

RNA extraction

PCR

RT-PCR

qPCR

LAMP

cloning

sequencing

bioinformatics

Educación

Biologist

Agronomy engineer

Molecular biology (MSc)

Herramientas

MegAlign

Velvet

MAC

Geneious

Descripción del empleo

The International Potato Center (CIP) isseeking a Research Assistant with a high level of commitment to support the head of Plant Pathology Laboratory with thecoordination and implementation of activities related to molecular testing atthe laboratory.

The Center: CIP is anot-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organizationwith a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision isof roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated toachieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor peoplein root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP workswith partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacitystrengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered inLima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa,and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a globalagriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science iscarried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortiumin collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The position: This position will be based in Lima, Peru(La Molina) and will report to the Coordinator of Plant Pathology Laboratory.The selected candidate will coordinate and conduct activities that are carriedout at the Laboratory on a daily basis.

Key responsibilities:

• Extraction of total nucleic acids and siRNAs and libraries preparation from samples of potato/sweetpotato and ARTCs (Andean roots and tuber crops).
• Continue with the scheme of validation of PCR & RT-PCR for the detection of ARTCs viruses. Identification, analysis and solution of inconsistencies to conclude the validation process.
• Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data of potato and sweetpotato germplasm samples for sRSA routine testing
• Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data of ARTCs for validation of sRSA testing.
• Inter-laboratory testing of viruses by sRSA (includes verification by PCR of the virus (s) reported by HTS),
• Design of primers for specific detection of new virus species or strains, bacteria or insects in potato, sweetpotato, ARTCs and other prioritized crops.
• Standardization of PCR, RT-PCR and/or qPCR for the detection of pathogens in priority crops as part of the new service development plan
• Upload the revised results of molecular analyses performed by the Laboratory technician and their own.
• Maintain the order and cleaning of Laboratory facilities and equipment, records of dataloggers of critical equipment as well as preventive/corrective maintenance and calibration records.
• Generate reports of activities as per request: weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
• Support the Coordinator of the lab with administrative activities: request quotations to suppliers for equipment maintenance, purchase of reagents and/or consumables, update the master file of annual expenses and recoveries

Requirements

• Professional Title (Titulado) inBiologist or Agronomyengineer with excellent experience in Molecular PlantPathology.
• MSc degree on Molecularbiology is NOT required but can be plus
• 03-year experience on molecular techniques (RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, LAMP, cloning, sequencing, etc.) is a critical requisiteDemonstrated
• knowledge on the use of bioinformatics tools / softwares (MegAlign, Velvet, MAC, Geneious, etc.) is required
• 01-year experience in collecting and managing plant pathogens atlaboratory and greenhouse level.
• Experience inhandling and maintenance of plants at greenhouse level is highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.Demonstrated ability on problem solving and capability to work independently.
• Hard working with ability to handle multiple work activities in an effective and satisfactory manner.
• Excellent Spanish written and verbal communication skills and intermediate English skills are required.
• Advance level of Microsoft office (Excel, Word and PPT as the basics)

Benefits

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security. CGIAR research aims to reduce rural poverty, increase food security, improve human health and nutrition, and sustainable management of natural resources.

What are we offering?

• CIP provides the opportunity to work in a prestigious international organization.
• Excellent working environment.
• In and out buses for different routes in Lima
• Comprehensive insurance coverage.
• 6 Months-term agreements with possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace