Research Assistant

CIP - International Potato Center; Lima Metropolitana; Presencial; PEN 36.000 - 60.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks a Research Assistant to support the Plant Pathology Laboratory in Lima, Peru. You will coordinate molecular testing activities and assist with the daily lab operations under the head of the Plant Pathology Laboratory.

Responsibilities include nucleic acid extraction, PCR/RT-PCR validation for ARTC viruses, and bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data. Collaboration across teams and careful data management are essential.

Formación

• Professional title in Biologist or Agronomy engineer with molecular plant pathology experience.
• MSc in Molecular biology is optional but a plus.
• 3+ years in molecular techniques (RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, LAMP, cloning, sequencing).
• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools/software (MegAlign, Velvet, MAC, Geneious) required.
• 1 year experience in collecting and managing plant pathogens in lab and greenhouse settings.
• Experience handling and maintaining plants at greenhouse level.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills; problem-solving; ability to work independently.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).

Responsabilidades

• Extract nucleic acids and libraries from potato/sweetpotato and ARTC samples.
• Validate PCR/RT-PCR for ARTC viruses and troubleshoot inconsistencies.
• Conduct bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data for germplasm and ARTCs.
• Perform inter-laboratory testing of viruses by sRSA.
• Design primers for detection of new virus species, bacteria or insects in crops.
• Standardize PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR assays for pathogens in priority crops.
• Upload and manage laboratory data and reports.
• Maintain laboratory facilities, equipment, and records.
• Generate activity reports weekly to monthly.
• Support lab coordinator with administrative tasks: supplier quotations, reagent purchases, and expense tracking.

Conocimientos

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Independent work

Spanish fluency

English proficiency

Microsoft Office

Educación

Biologist

Agronomy engineer

MSc in Molecular Biology (optional)

Herramientas

MegAlign

Velvet

MAC

Geneious

Descripción del empleo

• Resource Type National Recruited Staff (NRS)
• Region HQ
• Date Opened 09/04/2026
• Job Type Full time
• Industry Research and Development
• State/Province Lima

Job Description

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) in Biologist 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 acritical 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.Demonstratedability on problem solving and capability to work independently.
• Hard workingwith ability to handle multiple work activities in an effective andsatisfactory manner.
• Excellent Spanish written andverbal communication skills and intermediate English skills are required.
• Advancelevel of Microsoft office (Excel, Word and PPT as the basics)
  

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
• 6 Months-term agreements with possibility of renewal.