Ref.: 12-26 AS/NRS/HQ
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an Associate Scientist (NRS) lead the work on soil, water and plant interactions in potato and other root and tuber crops conducted in Peru and other regions of the world.
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 50 donor members.
The position: The Associate Scientist position will be based in Lima, Peru and will report to the Leader of the Production Systems and the Environment Sub-Program. His/her main function is to provide scientific leadership and direction to laboratory and field research on soil, water and plant interactions and the agro-ecology of the potato and other root and tuber crops.
Duties and Accountabilities:
- Design, plan and lead the work on soil, water & plant relations in potato including the following main research issues:
- Analysis of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying drought effects on yield and quality in potato.
- Assessment of ecophysiological responses (Net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII and leaf reflectance) caused by water stress.
- Studies of plant behavior, communication and stressful memory in potato plants in response to water scarcity and salinity in potato as processes that are related to acclimation and hardiness to those sources of stress.
- Salinity priming of potato tuber seeds and true seeds as a potential mechanism for conferring tolerance to water stress to potato plants.
- Lead the preparation of scientific papers to be submitted to and published by peer review journals.
- Contribute to seminars and other meetings both at HQ and elsewhere.
- Any other responsibility assigned by the direct supervisor within the scope of the described main functions.
Selection Criteria:
- PhD degree in Agronomy, Crop Physiology or Agro-Ecology.
- At least 5 years of experience required in similar position.
- Experience with laboratory and field equipment related to crop physiology and soil, water and plant relations studies.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish and English languages are required.
- Excellent interpersonal and team work skills.
- Strong communications skills.
- Demonstrated ability to problem solving and capability to work independently.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and work in multicultural environment.
Conditions: Employment contract will be for a one-year term with three months probation period with the possibility of renewal. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.
Applications: Applicants should apply by email, sending a letter of motivation, a full C.V., and the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to: CIP-Recruitment@cgiar.org. The reference name of the position should be clearly marked in the subject line of the email message. Screening of applications will begin on May 25, 2012 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.
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