DirecciónCIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.
For more information, visit cimmyt.org.
CIMMYT seeks a highly motivated, innovative Technical Manager to work at CIMMYT’S Biotechnology facility. Working in our modern laboratory facilities, the successful applicant will join a biotechnology team providing support to the precision genetics team in exploring and availing novel genetic diversity for use in our crop breeding programs. CIMMYT is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship, and the successful applicant will take the lead in implementing best practices in stewardship and laboratory operations. This position reports to the head of biotechnology.
The position will be based at CIMMYT’s campus in Texcoco, State of Mexico, located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico.
Specific duties:
- Supervise lab technicians, students, and senior members in their research activity and help them hands-on as required. Provide training to the laboratory members.
- Carry out construct designing, and construct development with relevant cloning methods required for gene editing and GM projects of CIMMYT involving CIMMYT crops.
- Maintain constructs, construct lists, sequences, and maps as per CIMMYT’s rule.
- Perform regular bioinformatic analysis, genomic analysis, and protein annotation for relevant projects.
- Perform and help in transformation projects of all CIMMYT crops.
- Design and development of CRISPR/Cas9 and allied vector systems/tools for the CIMMYT crops. Work on bringing new/advanced CRISPR-related and relevant technologies and establish those technologies in CIMMYT biosafety lab.
- Conduct molecular characterization of the gene-edited and GM variants to ascertain the edits and insertion of GOI respectively and track its heritability over generations.
- Conduct efficacy studies/ phenomics of the edited and GM lines.
- Assist PI in developing tools and assay methods for the lab projects.
- Help PI in running ETS activities.
- Bring new ideas in trait development as well as technology development for CIMMYT crops, assist in writing research proposals for grants and contribute to resource mobilization efforts.
Requirements
- PhD in Molecular Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related field with at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
- Experience in transformation and tissue culture of maize and wheat is required.
- Experience in project proposal writing, and grant management needed.
- Understanding different binary vectors and vectors used for gene editing is required. Experience in construct designing and construct engineering is required.
- Proven record of accomplishments in the form of peer reviewed publications in plant molecular biology is required.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Working knowledge of tools related to basic bioinformatics platforms for genomic analysis and protein annotation is desirable.
- Prior experience and published record in technology development and protein engineering in the field of GM and genome editing is a plus. Basic understanding of ETS activities is a plus.
- Ability to compile laboratory results into written reports on an ongoing basis.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a laboratory team.
- Aptitude and interest to work in a multi-cultural, diverse workplace.
- The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-solving and decision-making, client orientation, negotiation and conflict resolution, communication, and teamwork.
Benefits
The position is for an initial fixed term of three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health, and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.
Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on Friday, March 22, 2024. Applications must include a CV with contact details (phone number and email address) of 3 work-related references, along with the confirmation that the Recruitment team can contact them, and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.
CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.
