Small Ruminant Geneticist, Addis Ababa

Reports to : Senior Livestock Production Scientist

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Closing date : 20 April 2013, or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Main purpose of the position

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) seeks to recruit an associate scientist- small ruminant Genetics. This position exists to assist in understanding, management, conservation and sustainable use of small ruminant - genetic resources in ICARDA mandate regions.

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international autonomous, non-profit, research organization temporarily based in Beirut, Lebanon supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ICARDA is committed to the improvement of livelihoods of the resource-poor in dry areas by enhancing food security and alleviating poverty through agricultural research, and the equitable use of natural resources. For more details: www.icarda.org

Main responsibilities

Design, execute and analyze advanced molecular based experiments on small ruminants;Apply genomic tools for the identification and tagging of novel genes on small ruminants and use the identifying diagnostic molecular markers for marker-assisted selection program;Lead laboratory based genetic diversity studies;Lead the activities on application of genomic tools to small ruminants breeding programs;Initiate and conduct original research on phenotypic and genetic characterization of small ruminants for targeted adaptive traits (diseases, parasites, heat stress and economically importance traits);Collaborate with scientists in ICARDA, national agricultural research programs, international research institutes and Universities on small ruminant molecular genetics;Assist the integration of genetic diversity data with other metadata for strengthening existing small ruminants breeding programs in selected ICARDA mandate countries;Provide training in the areas of molecular genetics and small ruminant genetic resource characterization;Supervise and assist postgraduate students, trainees and visiting scientists;Analyze genetic data and publish scientific findings in peer-reviewed ISI journals;Assist and contribute in the preparation of project proposals for funding;Perform any other duties as required.

Education, qualifications and experience

PhD degree in Animal Genetics or related fields with more than 3 years post-doctoral working experience on small ruminants in the dry areas;Knowledge and experience in applying genomic tools for small ruminant improvement;Proven experience in field-based small ruminant genetic resources and its production systems characterization;Practical experience in small ruminants laboratory genetic analysis;Proven experience on capacity building, fund raising and developing partnerships;Strong competency in statistical package like SAS, GenStat, SPSS and genetic data analysis software;Experience on Data Recording Systems for breeding programs ;Proven ability for data generation and analysis, communication and presentation skills and good publication record in peer-reviewed journals;Ability to work in a multicultural research environment and as part of multidisciplinary teams;Fluency in spoken and written English.

Terms of appointment, salary and benefits

The initial contract will be for 2 years, of which the first year will be probationary period.

Subsequent employment is decided based on the merit and productivity of the staff member, and continued need for the position. For more details on benefits: Term of Appointment IRS Level

How to apply

Please apply online at www.icarda.org/iea/ by 20 April 2013 We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from women .

Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will becontacted.

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