Research Associate – Molecular Biology

CGIAR System Organization; Montpellier; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The International Potato Center seeks a Research Associate for the Biotech team, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Responsibilities include optimizing protocols for genome editing, characterizing molecular events, and managing workloads while contributing to transformative agricultural research aimed at sustainability and development goals.

Qualifications

• At least four years of experience in a similar role.
• Excellent knowledge of molecular biology and genome editing.
• Advance communication skills in English and Swahili.

Responsabilités

• Optimize protoplast isolation and regeneration protocols.
• Manage heavy intermittent workloads beyond office hours.
• Perform molecular characterization using PCR, RT-qPCR, and sequencing.

Connaissances

Molecular biology

Genome editing

Genetic transformation

Plant tissue culture

Biochemistry

Strong communication skills

Formation

Master’s degree in agricultural biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, or plant pathology

Description du poste

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Research Associate to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

About CIP

CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes, sweet potatoes, Andean root and tuber crops, and sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly those related to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As a member of One CGIAR, CIP collaborates with numerous partners to transform food, land, and water systems in the face of climate change.

About the role

The selected candidate will be part of the Biotech team, reporting to the Associate Scientist-Molecular Biologist.

Key Responsibilities:

• Optimize protoplast isolation and regeneration protocols for efficient production of genome-edited potato plants.
• Develop and validate gene constructs.
• Work with transient expression vectors producing CAS9 and gRNA, perform RNP transfection, and virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) to achieve foreign-DNA-free edited events.
• Conduct molecular characterization of transgenic and genome-edited events using PCR, RT-qPCR, Southern blot, sequencing, and bioinformatics.
• Perform phenotyping through artificial infection of plants using local pathogen strains in the biosafety glasshouse.
• Manage heavy intermittent workloads that may extend beyond office hours and weekends.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree in agricultural biotechnology, biology, biochemistry, or plant pathology with strong molecular biology skills.
• At least four years of experience in a similar role.
• Excellent knowledge of molecular biology, genome editing, genetic transformation, and plant tissue culture, preferably with roots, tubers, or banana crops.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Strong communication and networking skills; interest and ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.