Reports to: Research Team Leader - Breeding and Scaling Improved Varieties of Dryland Cereals and Pulses
Location: Cairo, Egypt or any of ICARDA\u2019s Research Hub
Main purpose of the position
The Senior Molecular Breeder / Biotechnologist will lead ICARDA\u2019s molecular breeding and biotechnology strategy for chickpea, with scope to expand to other priority legumes. The position will drive the Chickpea Genome Editing Program, applying advanced genomic tools, genome editing, and molecular breeding to accelerate genetic gains for nutritional quality, and market-preferred traits and climate resilience.
The role will ensure that molecular innovations are efficiently integrated into ICARDA\u2019s breeding pipelines and effectively deployed in partnership with NARS, CGIAR Centers, and other stakeholders to deliver improved varieties for dryland farming systems.
ICARDA has a working group on molecular breeding located at the Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI) in the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Cairo. Protocols for genome editing have been established. Ongoing projects on genome editing, testing of edited plants need to be continued.
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.
ICARDA\u2019s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development, and capacity development that takes into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org.
Research & Innovation
Design and implement a molecular breeding and biotechnology program for chickpea, with adaptability to other legumes and cereals. Lead genome editing pipelines (e.g., CRISPR/Cas) targeting priority traits such as disease resistance, early maturity, biofortification, development traits such as flowering time and drought/heat tolerance. Discover, validate, and deploy molecular markers and genomic prediction models for target traits. Integrate multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) for trait dissection and candidate gene discovery. Develop, optimize, and apply tissue culture and transformation protocols for legumes and cereals. Ensure integration of molecular outputs into breeding pipelines in alignment with Trait Product Profiles (TPPs).Partnerships & Capacity Development
Establish strategic partnerships with NARS, CGIAR Centers, Universities, and the private sector. Provide training and mentorship to ICARDA and partner scientists in molecular breeding, genome editing, and bioinformatics. Represent ICARDA in global molecular breeding and legume improvement platforms.Program & Resource Management
Secure research funding through proposal development and donor engagement. Manage budgets, work plans, and research staff for assigned programs. Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and Intellectual Property (IP) guidelines for biotechnology.
Communication & Knowledge Sharing
Publish high-quality peer-reviewed papers, technical bulletins, and protocols. Develop communication materials to share research outcomes with donors, partners, and farmers. Promote ICARDA\u2019s leadership role in molecular breeding for dryland legumes.Requirements
Benefits
This position may be offered under national or international recruitment terms, depending on the qualifications and the location of the selected candidate. ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, five months\u2019 maternity leave, 15 days\u2019 paternity leave. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of three years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The first year of appointment will be probationary period.
ICARDA accepts applications only in English which is the organization\u2019s official communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.
Only shortlisted applications will be contacted.