Maize Entomologist for Eastern Africa Post-Doctoral Fellow/Associate Scientist

We are looking for an innovative, results-oriented scientist with excellent skills in maize entomology research-for-development, to support accelerated development and deployment of high-yielding and stress-tolerant maize hybrids in eastern Africa, besides implementation of effective post-harvest management strategies. The selected scientist will work as the member of CIMMYT Global Maize Program (GMP), and will play a key role to fulfill CIMMYT’s mandate in a large multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team. As the Nairobi based member of CIMMYT-GMP, the selected scientist will also work closely with CIMMYT’s research teams in the region and partners in public and private institutions, advanced research institutes, community-based and non-governmental organizations. Additional responsibilities will include training of private and public partners in all activities related to pre- and post-harvest technologies related to insect-pest management in maize.

The position will be based at CIMMYT Kenya’s office in Nairobi, but will involve frequent travel, including to other CIMMYT field sites particularly in eastern and southern Africa, and involve collaboration with public and private, local and international partners.

The main responsibilities of this position will be:

• In collaboration with maize breeders and the senior entomologist, develop maize inbred lines, hybrids, and OPVs resistant to stem borers and post-harvest pests (maize weevil and larger grain borer).
• Assist in the technical backstopping of national partners in eastern Africa on development and management of facilities for stem borer mass rearing.
• Assist in the production, supply and infestation of stem borer eggs and larvae for lab and field research.
• Technical backstopping and capacity strengthening of the national/regional partners in developing and deploying insect pest-resistant maize germplasm.
• Assist in the development insect resistance management (IRM) strategies for genetically modified maize (Bt maize), and in testing Bt maize against major species of stem borers in collaboration with national partners.
• Assist in testing the impact of Bt maize on non-target arthropods in maize agro-ecosystems.
• Design on-station and on-farm entomology trials, collect and analyze data, and report the results.
• Assist in developing grant proposals for generating funding support on biotic stress-related research programs.
• Actively assist in dissemination of metal silos and other post-harvest technologies in in eastern Africa.
• Contribute to the collaborative efforts of Global Maize Program, research and capacity building activities in the framework of CIMMYT’s overall project agenda.
• Contribute to the visibility of CIMMYT’s research, partnerships and impacts.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology or Breeding for Insect-pest Resistance.
• Applied knowledge of experimental design, management of field trials, and field breeding operations.
• Experience in mass rearing of insect-pests under controlled conditions, and their effective use in screening for resistance in lab and field-based crop research.
• Demonstrated contributions in developing and testing appropriate technologies in controlling pre- and post-harvest insect-pests.
• Excellent computer skills and experience with SAS, SPSS or other statistical software.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in refereed, high-impact scientific journals.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, and good communication skills.
• Interest in international research and development; preferably with experience in African agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural partnerships.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Tuesday, 15 January, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT
(Email: irsrecruitment@cgiar.org / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12263 in the header of your email).
For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org. For information on job responsibilities, please contact Dr BM Prasanna, Director, Global Maize Program, CIMMYT (b.m.prasanna@cgiar.org).
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.