Job Description

*VISTITING PHD RESEARCHER - BEAN PROTEOMIC AND PEPTIDE*
*DIVERSITY HUMAN HEALTH*

THE ORGANIZATION

The Alliance of
Bioversity International & CIAT delivers research-based solutions that
harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to
improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crisis of
malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

The Alliance
works with local, national, and multinational partners across Sub Saharan
Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia, and with public and private
sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a
food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition
security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.

About the position

The Alliance of Bioversity International and
CIAT invites applications for a Visiting PhD Researcher position
within the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) and
the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI).

This doctoral research opportunity focuses on the
proteomic diversity of bean accessions ( Phaseolus spp.) and the
identification of proteins and bioactive peptides associated with human health
benefits. The selected candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research
exploring the nutritional and functional potential of bean germplasm conserved
in the Future Seeds genebank. The research will integrate advanced proteomics,
bioinformatics, and computational biology approaches to identify peptide
signatures and predict their biological activity with a focus on identifying
bioactive compounds and peptides linked to human health benefits,
including anti-diabetic potential.

The researcher will work across two continents: a
PABRA project site in Kenya (or another PABRA member country) and the CIAT
Headquarters in Palmira, Colombia, in close collaboration with the student’s
home university.

Key Focus Areas of the Programme

  • Advanced
    Training: Gain hands-on experience in multi-omics data analysis (Genomics,
    metabolomics), bioinformatics, and AI-based in silico methods.

  • Global
    Research Environment: Work within an interdisciplinary, international team of
    scientists dedicated to transforming food systems.

  • Dual
    Location: Conduct research in Africa and South America, accessing the Future
    Seeds Genebank in Colombia.

  • Real-World
    Impact: Contribute to improving nutrition, health, and resilience through
    bean-based food systems across sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Financial
    Support: Monthly stipend provided; travel expenses to Colombia covered by the
    project.

Key Research Areas

  • Genomic and
    proteomic profiling of bean germplasm.

  • Identification
    of compounds and bioactive peptides with health benefits.

  • Exploration
    of anti-diabetic potential (e.g., glucose metabolism, enzyme inhibition).

  • Application
    of AI and computational tools to predict biological activity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct proteomic analyses of bean accessions from the Future
    Seeds Genebank.

  • Contribute to the integration of proteomic, genomic, and
    phenotypic datasets.

  • Use bioinformatics databases and AI tools to predict biological
    activity.

  • Investigate candidate bioactive peptides associated with human
    health benefits.

  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to
    scientific manuscripts, reports, and conference presentations.

  • Participate in regular research meetings.

Required qualifications and experience.

a)Education:

  • Enrolled as a PhD student at a recognized
    university in Kenya or any PABRA member country.

  • Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology,
    Biochemistry, Food Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field.

b)Technical Skills:

  • Experience in omics data analysis (genomics,
    proteomics, or metabolomics) is highly desirable.

  • Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., R,
    Python) and bioinformatics tools.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

c)Language:

  • Proficiency in English (written and spoken).

d)The applicant must:

  • Be a national of a
    PABRA member country in sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Be from a PABRA
    network partner organization and on fulltime employment

Applications

Applicants
are invited to visit https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers to
get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Interested candidates should submit the following
documents in one PDF file named: “PhD Application – Proteomics
PABRA/PTFI – [Name of Applicant]”.

1.Cover
Letter (max 1
page) describing your motivation, relevant experience, and research interests.

2.Concept
Note, with
information covering the topic of study/research area, background to the area
of study, proposed objectives to the study, scope of the study and methodology.

3.Curriculum
Vitae (including
publications, if any).

4.Academic
Transcripts for the
Master’s degree.

5.Proof
of PhD Enrolment (letter
from your home university).

6.Contact
Information for two
academic referees.

The Alliance collects and process
personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

Applications closing date: 1st October 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.