IRS24141 Wheat Scientist / Breeder

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

 CIMMYT seeks an outstanding, experienced plant scientist/breeder to join our global wheat improvement team and lead our activities in Pakistan. This position has a critical role in strengthening partnerships and enabling collaborative, shared wheat improvement programs to develop climate-resilient, nutritious, high-yielding varieties with good end-use quality. She/he will support the appropriate use of modern crop improvement tools and methods and the application of the latest quantitative genetics and biometrics approaches.

The scientist will work with partners in Pakistan to implement a trans-disciplinary crop improvement approach, with a culture of commitment to continuous improvement in effectiveness and efficiency of breeding and seed systems work. The successful candidate will be committed and excited to work in partnerships that build capacities of public and private programs to accelerate the rate of genetic gain and increase the varietal turnover rate of wheat in Pakistan and the South Asia region. He/she will seek synergies with CIMMYT scientists in Mexico and globally, serving as the focal point for CIMMYT to implement its strategy and achieve its mission in Pakistan.

The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan, at the CIMMYT country office, hosted by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. 

Specific duties:

• Coordinate in-site breeding activities while co-designing and enabling a breeding network that integrates and shares responsibilities with wheat improvement partners in Pakistan and contributes to regional wheat improvement network activities. 
• Contribute to multi-disciplinary crop improvement activities that are co-designed and co-implemented with partners, integrating discovery, validation, mainstreaming, and deployment of wheat germplasm and associated technologies.
• Maintain excellent relationships with PARC and other governmental officials, international and national funders, and universities in Pakistan.
• With CIMMYT and CGIAR teams, support partners’ capacity strengthening and use of best practices in experimental design, quantitative genetics, molecular tools, genomics applications, informatics, and other approaches to enhance genetic gains for agreed wheat product profile(s).
• Co-design and co-implement with partners a stage-wise multi-environment product performance testing (including on-farm), data analysis, advancement, and deployment strategy.
• Engage with public- and private-sector partners to strengthen seed systems and scaling of successful varieties by partners.
• Lead multifaceted wheat research projects, adhering to CIMMYT and funders’ policies and procedures. Prepare timely and high-quality project workplans and reports.
• Publish scientific and technical findings in open-access international peer-reviewed journals.
• Contribute to or lead the development of research proposals and other fundraising activities.
• Provide professional supervision and mentorship to staff and partners, as appropriate.

• Ph.D. in plant genetics, breeding, quantitative genetics, or similar, with at least 10 years of pertinent professional experience, including leadership of a successful wheat breeding or improvement program.
• Understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of modern crop improvement, and the practical application of concepts of molecular genetics, pathology, physiology, nutritional and processing quality, experimental designs, quantitative genetics, data management, informatics, etc. in a successful program.
• Understanding of climate-smart agriculture and cross-cutting thematic areas such as gender mainstreaming. 
• Strong experience and knowledge of wheat and wheat improvement.
• Commitment to teamwork and networking, intra- and inter-institutionally, while fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, integrity, and respect for diversity.
• Experience and familiarity with Pakistan’s agricultural research systems is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English. Spoken and written Urdu is desirable.
• Successful fundraising and project management experience are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated record of scientific publications in peer reviewed international journals.
• Innovative, self-motivated scientist, with passion to contribute to international agricultural research that improves the livelihoods and quality of life for millions.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-Solving, Client Orientation, Good Communication, Multicultural Awareness and Collaboration.

The position is for an initial fixed term of three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on November 3nd, 2024.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.