Genebank Manager

International Potato Center POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Ref.: 17-19 GM/NRS/CCCAP

Genebank Manager

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic Genebank Manager for the CIP-China Center for Asia Pacific (CCCAP) to provide overall management of the laboratory and field activities.

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, 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. CCCAP is in the process of opening a sizeable R&D facility in Beijing (Yanqing District), including hiring staff and outfitting the facility with laboratory equipment and furniture. Through its research on root and tuber crops and capacity-building programs, CCCAP aims to boost RTC production in the Asia Pacific region and beyond, accelerate poverty reduction and improve food security.

The position: This position will be based in Yanqing District, Beijing, China and will report to the Chief Scientist. The position is expected to work closely with the main CIP genebank in Lima but independently to coordinate day-to-day operations of the Genebank unit until additional staff are hired.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate all activities related to receipt, distribution and maintenance of germplasm; • Provide information and expertise on germplasm and encourage the use of genetic resources;

• Oversee genebank unit work to including in vitro, cryo, seed processing, quarantine and seed/tuber storage;

• Initiate and oversee a research program in the conservation of potato and sweetpotato genetic resources with a focus on the Asian region; • Participate in the management and research teams of CCCAP; • Prepare workplans, proposals and budgets for upcoming routine and proposed work;

• Manage the use of laboratory equipment following specific instructions to contribute with the execution of the project;

• Advise CCCAP staff about potential legal or practical issues that may arise from the maintenance, collection, dissemination of material from the CCCAP genebank;

• Review, from the genebank perspective, all CCCAP’s official documentation to make

suggestions and inform of any issues that may arise before signing them;

• Build strong working relationships with all Chinese and Asia-Pacific genebank stakeholders as well as other genebanks in the region;

• Publish scientific papers in high-impact academic journals according to the discipline, prepare project reports and policy briefs, and serve as a training facility for other scientists in the region involved in genebanks.

Selection Criteria:

• Ph.D. in biological sciences with botanical or plant science emphasis, with at least 8 years of experience required in tissue culture and 5 years in managing a laboratory;

• Strong knowledge in genetic resources conservation, in vitro maintenance of plant

materials and experimental design and biotechnology;

• Demonstrated experience planning and managing field experiments;

• Track record of relevant scientific publications. More than 05 publications in peer – reviewed journals indexed as the first author is a plus;

• Advanced level in written and spoken English and Chinese;

• Strong organizational skills to plan lab activities, problem solving and coordinate the day-to- day operations;

• Ability to work well independently and as team member in a multicultural environment.

Conditions: This is a locally-based (non-international) position. Applicants from any nationality are welcomed but they should have resident status in China. The employment contract will be for a two- year term with the possibility of renewal. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth. The successful candidate will receive a compensation package comparable with similar organizations and in line with the candidate’s qualification and experience.

Applications: Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website

(http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), attaching the following documents in English: a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on August 10, 2017 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short listed candidates will be contacted. Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing

countries are particularly encouraged to apply