Research Assistant – Vegetable Breeding
- Référence cDiscussion: 1126278
- Publié le: 05/06/2024 à 15h36min48s
- Niveau d'études: Non précisé
- Expérience: 2 ans
- Expire le: 30-06-2024
World Vegetable Center
Cotonou, Bénin
Position Announcement: WCA-CH/MNB/rhv/RECR/02/2024
Research Assistant – Vegetable Breeding
Cotonou, Benin
The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and five regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to realize the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. For more information, please visit our website: worldveg.org
WorldVeg is seeking a Research Assistant - Vegetable Breeding to assist in implementing R&D activities aimed at developing and scaling improved locally adapted, high-performing climate-smart, and market-preferred vegetable varieties. The Research Assistant - Vegetable Breeding will play a key role in implementing breeding activities and field trials to develop vegetable varieties in a range of crops, including okra, African eggplant, and tomato. The Research Assistant will work closely with the Associate Scientist - Vegetable breeder, and public and private sector partners in R&D. The position will be based at WorldVeg’s regional center for West and Central Africa – Coastal and Humid Regions (WCA-CH) in Cotonou, Benin, and report functionally to the Associate Scientist - Vegetable Breeder and administratively to the WCA-CH Regional Director.
Key job responsibilities
• Conduct pre-breeding and breeding activities including characterization of germplasm collections, crossing, seed harvest, management of seed stocks of breeding materials, data collection, and selection work.
• Implement on-station and on-farm varietal field trials and collect data.
• Coordinate varietal participatory selection with farmers and other value chain stakeholders, and identify key variety traits preferred and required by stakeholders.
• Conduct statistical analyses of variety trials and assist in establishing and maintaining databases for breeding materials.
• Prepare reports and give presentations.
• Contribute to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor and the WCA-CH Regional Director.
Required qualifications
The candidate shall have the following competencies, skills, and experience and/or shall have successfully demonstrated these attributes in actual work situations:
• An MSc. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related discipline with at least 2 years’ post-graduation research experience.
• Hands-on experience with the implementation of on-station/on-farm variety trials, field trial management experimental design, and statistical analysis of variety trials.
• Speak and write French fluently, with a very good working knowledge of English.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS-Word, MS- Excel and database applications etc.) is required.
• Capacity to efficiently manage workloads and work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team in a multicultural, multinational environment, and ability to interact effectively with partners and stakeholders.
The Reward: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff position with competitive pay and benefits. The position is only open to Benin nationals or candidates with legal permission to work in Benin. The initial appointment is for one year and may be extended depending on the requirement, funding availability, and performance of the incumbent. The position is expected to be available on or after August 1, 2024.
The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg’s Core Values:
1. Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing Supports the conduct of world-class science, respects ethical standards, and is committed to sharing results in a transparent manner.
2. Commitment to Impact Aspires to achieve positive, tangible, and lasting impact contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Commitment to Partnerships Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development.
4. Respect for People Respect the diversity of gender, culture, ethnic origin, religion, age, beliefs, and views.
5. Respect for the Environment Strives to minimize its environmental impact and to introduce greener technology and practices.
How to Apply: Applicants should submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with their curriculum vitae, a recent passport-size photograph, names, and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability. Please send applications stating the job title by e-mail to recruitment.wca-ch@worldveg.org with the subject ‘’Research Assistant – Vegetable Breeding position’’ before 30 June 2024.