Key skills

Analytical Skills

Biotechnology

Genomic Activities

Technical & Research Skills

Data Analysis & Statistics

Laboratory Techniques / Field Methods

Additional/Preferred Skills

Molecular Breeding

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D Biotechnology

 Scientist - Genomic Scientist - ESA

ICRISAT seeks applications from dynamic and motivated professionals for the position of “Scientist - Genomic Scientist - ESA”. The position is part of Trait Discovery and Delivery under the Global Research Program, Accelerated Crop Improvement and will Lead and strategically develop the ESA Genomics Laboratory in Nairobi by overseeing laboratory operations, quality systems, technology deployment, molecular breeding activities, data-driven analytical approaches, and the integration of genomic, AI, and predictive breeding tools . The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi- arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion people and 644 million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower these disadvantaged populations to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agricultural production systems.

ICRISAT is headquartered at Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT envisions a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. Its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics. ICRISAT conducts research on its mandate crops of chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet in the arid and semi-arid tropics. The Institute focuses its work on the drylands and in protecting the environment. Tropical dryland areas are usually seen as resource-poor and perennially beset by shocks such as drought, thereby trapping dryland communities in poverty and hunger and making them dependent on external aid. Please visit www.icrisat.org


Responsibilities:

  • Efficient running and strategic development of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) Genomics laboratory based in Nairobi, including laboratory operations, quality systems, infrastructure growth, technology deployment, and service delivery.
  • Hands-on support, mentorship, and training of interns, graduate and post-graduate students, technical staff, scientists, and breeders to facilitate effective use of genomic technologies in ESA breeding programs. This includes training on laboratory procedures, SOPs, analytical workflows, and emerging technologies whenever necessary.
  • Implementation of molecular breeding experiments that facilitate the use of ICRISAT’s genetic resources and those of collaborating partners for the development and deployment of genomic tools that accelerate trait discovery, validation, and breeding impact.
  • Utilize available biological, genomic, phenotypic, environmental, and agricultural datasets to develop technical contributions within a multi-functional team environment and support data-driven decision making.
  • Take advantage of advanced tools available internally and externally to support implementation of marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, predictive breeding, and related breeding approaches.
  • Manage verification and validation of molecular markers coming from research pipelines and collaborating programs, generating evidence that supports technology deployment and adoption.
  • Advance and support implementation of predictive breeding through integration of advanced analytical approaches, digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and decision-support systems.
  • Implement computational tools, analytical pipelines, and data management systems that advance routine utilization of existing and emerging datasets and promote efficient breeding of dryland crops.
  • Promote interdisciplinary approaches that integrate laboratory, field, computational, and data science capabilities to accelerate scientific discovery and breeding outcomes.
  • Strengthen collaborations with national agricultural research systems, universities, CGIAR centers, private-sector organizations, and development partners to enhance impact and innovation.
  • Contribute to resource mobilization through development of competitive proposals, strategic partnerships, and engagement with donors and stakeholders.
  • Represent the organization in regional and international scientific meetings, technical working groups, policy forums, and stakeholder engagements.


Requirements: 

  • PhD degree in Plant Genetics, Genomics, Plant Breeding, Bioinformatics, Plant Biology, Computational Biology, Quantitative Biology, Agricultural Sciences, or a related discipline.
  • Strong demonstrated knowledge in plant biology, genetics, applied statistics, biometrics, and implementation of modern molecular breeding tools and technologies.
  • Strong proficiency in routine use of publicly available datasets for developing molecular breeding tools.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.
  • Successful at leading projects with high degree of complexity.
  • Ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and propose new approaches.
  • Promote collaborations and maintain high technical and scientific competence


General: 

This is a contractual role for a period of 36 months (03 years), renewable based on the performance of the incumbent and the institute’s continuing need for the position.


How to apply:

If this position interests you, please follow the below instructions to apply. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Shortlisting will start from 14 July 2026. All Applicants should apply with their latest Resume, and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable about their professional qualifications and work experience. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing diversity and maintaining a progressive and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or whether they have a disability.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.