The Organization
The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.
The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.
https://alliancebioversityciat.org/ www.cgiar.org
About the position
Based at the Bioversity International Transit Center in Leuven, Belgium, and under the supervision of the Principal Scientist, Biodiversity for Food & Agriculture, the Research Assistant will actively participate in the developing process of in-vitro and cryopreservation protocols for a selection of tropical crops, including bananas, edible aroids, cacao, cassava, sweet potato, and coconut. The Research Assistant will work on seed preservation of wild bananas in a laboratory which is internationally considered as a leading center for plant cryopreservation research.
Responsibilities
- Preparing in-vitro culture media for a selection of tropical crops.
- Applying different tissues' culture techniques such as micropropagation, cryopreservation, and embryo rescue.
- Managing receipt and testing of wild banana seeds arriving from different parts of the world.
- Taking part in the cryopreservation protocols of wide range of plants like temperate vs. tropical crops, woody vs. herbaceous plants, and monocots vs. dicots.
- Supporting the development of standardized, efficient protocols for the germination and storage of seeds of wild bananas (Musa spp.)
- Executing population genetics studies to provide insight into the best sampling strategies to capture available genetic diversity during collecting missions.
- Assisting with data archiving in accordance with the lab requirements.
- Participating in the training of students and researchers.
Requirements
Essential Requirements
- Technical diploma (Bachelor's degree desirable) in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology or Agriculture.
- Knowledge of molecular biological techniques.
- Precise, well-organized, structured work attitude.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Flexibility, and capacity to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work both independently as part of a team.
- Result-driven and eager to learn attitude, having a strong interest in plant science research.
- Basic knowledge of Word and data processing programs.
- Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with other national and cultural backgrounds.
Desirable Requirements
- Previous relevant work experience at a Plant Research Lab.
- Knowledge of plant in-vitro tissue culture.
Benefits
Terms of employment
This is a locally recruited position which will be based in Leuven, Belgium . The salary is level 5, in a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest. The salary range starts from Euro 36, 220 per annum. The remuneration package includes a competitive salary, leave provisions, medical and life insurance, and non-contributory retirement plan. The contract will be for a period of 1 year, subject to a probationary period of 6 months, and is renewable based on performance and availability of funds. Please note this position is only open to citizens and residents of the European Union.
Please note that eligible applicants must have the legal status to live and work in the European Union. Citizens of EU countries and citizens of non-EU countries are individually responsible for compliance with requirements and formalities established by the national immigration law of the country where they stay and carry out their working activity.
Applications
Please apply online through the website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers) no later than 30 June 2023, attaching a curriculum vitae, motivation letter, both in English, and contact information (e.g. names, email address) of at least three references. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing date for applications: 30 June 2023
We invite you to learn more about us at:
http://alliancebioversityciat.org
Please visit our careers page at:
https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers