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 a
not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization
with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is
of roots and tubers improving 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

  • 03-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

·01-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.

  • 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.

How to apply?

Please visit the
following link: http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ to submit your
cover letter and a full C.V. along with your references (preferable recent
supervisors). Internal candidates are welcome and encouraged to apply for
this job opportunity. Nevertheless, we highly encourage all interested
candidates to participate in this exciting and competitive process. The
deadline for the receipt of applications is July 15, 2026.

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.