Research Associate - Potato Breeder

Job Description

• The selected candidate will be a member of the Crop Improvement Science Goal team at CIP and will report to the Africa Potato and Sweet Potato Breeding Lead ad interim. The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute breeding strategies to create high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient potato varieties.
• Design and manage field and greenhouse trials, ensuring rigorous data collection and analysis.
• Analyse genetic data to inform breeding decisions and accelerate the development of new varieties.
• Collaborate with other researchers, extension agents, and farmers to facilitate the adoption of new potato varieties.
• Train and mentor junior scientists, technicians, and students in potato breeding practices.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals and present them at industry conferences.
• Support writing grant proposals and managing research projects, including budget oversight.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Plant Breeding or related area. PhD is desirable.
• At least six years’ experience in crop breeding including practical field breeding.
• Excellent knowledge of genetics, agronomy, plant protection, statistics and assessment and use of Genotype x Environment x Management interaction
• Experience in experimental design, agronomy, and field experimentation; excellent computer literacy and data management skills.
• A good track record in variety development would be a strong advantage.
• Knowledge of marker-assisted selection tools and strategies for breeding vegetatively propagated crops.
• Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of national agricultural research systems in the region.
• Experience in program and project management.
• Advance written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Strong communication and networking skills; Interest and demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environm