Associate Scientist

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Associate Scientist for the CIP-China Center for Asia Pacific (CCCAP).

The Position: The Associate Scientist will give firsthand support in the development of CCCAP strategy to increase its capacity in potato breeding by working with multiple partners. The position will report to the Country Liaison Scientist and will be based in Yanqing District, Beijing, China.

Key responsibilities:

·        Lead the potato breeding activities between external partners and CCCAP. Including ensuring high quality of work, and implementation of activities to support project advancement.

·        Become a key stakeholder for the Greenhouse/Field Manager/Gene Bank Manager and lead timely establishment of best practices for using greenhouses, net-houses and field for crosses, TPS production, cuttings and mini-tuber production.

·        Provide timely support for field preparation, planting, harvest, irrigation and fertilizer dosage.

·        Create an internal annual and long-term plan for breeding and pre-breeding objectives and with external partners

·        Ensure potato breeding trait support, such as in-field and greenhouse phenotyping (i.e., physiology, pathology, specific-gravity, among others. Assist in the development of the quality processing lab.

·        Implement improvements to CCCAP potato population development, varietal breeding, diploid hybrid breeding and guidance on the registration and approval process.

·        Publish scientific papers in high-impact academic journals according to the discipline, prepare project reports and policy briefs, and presentations at professional workshops and seminars.

·        Support the growth of other staff and visiting scientists/students by sharing information, teaching, presenting and guiding individuals’ development and providing training where necessary. Participate in regional and international meetings/conferences to support CCCAP’s research and breeding agendas.

·        Contribute on fundraising efforts by creating projects, applying for provincial, national and international grants.

·        Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures.

Requirements

·        PhD. In Plant Breeding and Genetics or other closely related plant sciences or agricultural sciences degree.

·        At least 8 years of relevant work experience in agricultural related area or project coordination.

·        Strong knowledge in genetic resources conservation and breeding. Experience working with potato is a plus

·        Demonstrated experience in project management, including experience of trait analysis, greenhouse and field management.

·        Ability to create effective collaborations within CIP and outside CIP with a diverse set of institutions, disciplines and stakeholders.

·        Commitment to work in a multi-partner, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

·        Advanced level in written and spoken English and Chinese (Mandarin).

Benefits