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

  • Professional Title (Titulado) in Biologist or Agronomy
    engineer with excellent experience in Molecular Plant
    Pathology.

  • MSc degree on Molecular
    biology 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 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

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