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Associate Scientist Cacao (20-15)

Lima

  • Organization: CIP - International Potato Center
  • Location: Lima
  • Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Scientist and Researcher
  • Closing Date: Closed

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced and committed professional to fill the position of Associate Scientist to support applied research activities on native Peruvian cacao led by a hosted organization, the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT).

The Alliance delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives in a climate crisis.

The Position: The Alliance is looking for a dedicated professional to support research activities on promoting better use of cacao genetic resources by small-scale farmers for enhanced productivity and income generation opportunities. This involves identifying and promoting the use of promising cacao germplasm for addressing multiple challenges such as heavy metal accumulation in cacao beans, enhancing productivity, promoting resistance against pests and diseases, adaptation to extreme climatic conditions etc. As such the position combines overseeing of scientific research activities, coordinating collaborative work with national and international research partners and interaction with scaling partners, notably NGOs.

The position will be based in Lima, Peru, with extensive trips to cacao-growing regions in Peru and to a lesser extent Ecuador and Central America.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Contribute to the identification and enhanced use of cacao genotypes which have low accumulation of cadmium in grains, high productivity, unique sensorial profiles, pest and disease resistance and tolerance to extreme environmental conditions (drought, flooding etc.) through a combination of experimental research set ups, expert knowledge, surveys, meta-analysis and modeling approaches
  • Contribute to the identification of soil amendments to lower cadmium accumulation in cacao grains through experimental research set ups, and their scaling to farmers fields
  • Contribute to the genetic and morphological characterization of cacao genetic resources in ex situ, and in situ conditions
  • Contribute to research on and implementation of the reconversion and rehabilitation of cacao plantations though the use of selected elite germplasm
  • Participate in project management processes, including planning and implementation activities, preparation of periodical progress reports to stakeholders and donors, and coordination of the work of partners
  • Author and publish research results in technical and peer-reviewed scientific journals and other publication outlets, in line with the CGIAR Open Access policy
  • Participate in the identification of funding opportunities and contribute to the development of concept notes and funding proposals
  • Present key findings of the research at project meetings, to stakeholders, and at relevant national and international conferences
  • Contribute to scientific development, capacity building and knowledge sharing through relevant networks and communication channels


Requirements

What are we looking for?
  • PhD degree in agricultural, forestry, biological or environmental sciences, geography, or in a similar specialist field
  • At least 8 years of relevant work experience and a minimum of 3 years post-doc experience, preferably on cacao or another tropical tree crop and in an international working environment.
  • Excellent command of the English and Spanish languages, both written and spoken.
  • Well-developed scientific data management and analysis skills; proven competence in working with statistical packages (such as R, SPSS, STATA or SAS) and data management systems. Good project management skills, including people management, management of field teams, junior staff members and students, and management of financial resources.
  • Track record of peer reviewed research publications and fund raising a plus
  • Willing to work independently, very organized, willing and able to travel extensively


Benefits

What are we offering?
  • Generous compensation package commensurate with experience.
  • 6 months term contract with the possibility of renewal.
  • Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

Applications: Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website ( http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a letter of motivation, 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 the 26th of February and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position WILL NOT have contact with children or vulnerable adults

Learn more by visiting the following website:


CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply

This vacancy is now closed.
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