Job description
Responsibilities
The scientist would be part of a team working with forage genetic resources conservation and carry out activities related to germplasm health and post-entry quarantine of forage germplasm and who will specifically:
Lead activities on forage germplasm health for ILRI as part of coordinated activities under the Genebank Platform
Identify and research the extent of major seed borne virus diseases in the ILRI collection
Develop and optimize diagnostic tests for virus, bacteria, phytoplasma and fungi in forages, including use of molecular tools
Establish field and greenhouse procedures for elimination of viral, bacterial, phytoplasma and fungal diseases from the collection
Manage and continue improving a Quality Management System for seed health testing and post-entry screening, including the elaboration of Standard Operating Procedures
Maintain germplasm health databases for the genebank
Train technicians and technical assistants in disease diagnostics and routine procedures for plant management to eliminate diseases
Requirements
PhD in plant pathology
At least 5 years of experience post PhD in standard seed-health diagnostic methods (e.g., ELISA, TBIA, dot blot, NASH/LAMP, fungal identification and PCR based methods) and next-generation sequencing technologies for pathogen detection.
Experience with laboratory organization and optimization of workflows.
Post location: The position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Position level: The position level is 4C.
Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.
Benefits: ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes 15% Pension, Medical insurance, Life insurance and allowances for: Education, Housing, Relocation, Home leave, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public holidays.
