N-26-32 Research Assistant

CGIAR; Lima Metropolitana; Presencial; PEN 28.000 - 46.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Prestigious international organization

Excellent working environment

Bus access in Lima

Comprehensive insurance coverage

6 months contract with renewal

Equal opportunity employer

Descripción de la vacante

CIP in Lima, Peru, is seeking a Research Assistant to support the head of the Plant Pathology Laboratory with coordinating and implementing molecular testing activities. The position isbased in Lima and reports to the Laboratory Coordinator, performing daily lab tasks and administrative support.

The role requires expertise in molecular plant pathology, PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR, and data analysis, with a focus on quality and collaboration across the lab team.

Formación

• Molecular Plant Pathology experience required.
• MSc in Molecular biology is a plus.
• 3 years in molecular techniques (RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, LAMP, cloning, sequencing).
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools is required.
• 1 year handling plant pathogens at lab and greenhouse level.
• Strong teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent Spanish and intermediate English.
• Advanced MS Office skills.

Responsabilidades

• Extract nucleic acids and libraries from potato/sweetpotato samples.
• Validate PCR/RT-PCR for ARTCs viruses; troubleshoot inconsistencies.
• Perform bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data for sRSA testing.
• Inter-laboratory virus testing with sRSA and HTS.
• Design primers for detection of new virus species or strains.
• Standardize PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR for pathogen detection in crops.
• Upload molecular analysis results and maintain lab records.
• Maintain lab facilities, dataloggers, and maintenance records.
• Generate activity reports weekly to monthly.
• Support lab Coordinator with supplier quotations and master expense files.

Conocimientos

Molecular techniques

Bioinformatics tools

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Educación

Biologist or Agronomy engineer

MSc in Molecular Biology

Herramientas

MegAlign

Velvet

MAC

Geneious

Descripción del empleo

• Resource Type National Recruited Staff (NRS)
• Region HQ
• Date Opened 07/07/2026
• Job Type Full time
• Industry Research and Development
• City Lima
• State/Province Lima

Job Description

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

The Center: CIP is an non-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is to improve the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, 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 global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in 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 carried out 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

• Biologist or Agronomy engineer (w / professional title) with excellent experience in Molecular Plant Pathology.
• MSc degree on Molecular biology is a plus.
• 3-year experience on molecular techniques (RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, LAMP, cloning, sequencing, etc.) is a critical requisite.
• Demonstrated 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 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.
• Advanced level of Microsoft office (Excel, Word and PPT as the basics).

Benefits

• 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.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.