Post- Doctoral Fellow – Plant Genetic Resources

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.

Job Summary

The postdoctoral fellow will assist in curation of ICBA’s mandated species using best practices for multiplication/regeneration, characterization/evaluation, documentation, distribution, acquisition; developing and publishing high-quality research. The postdoctral fellow should help to run the standard operation procedure of ICBA Gene bank in accordance with FAO gene bank guidelines, develop the standardized seed health testing procedures and facilities for all incoming and outgoing shipments as per the countries’ requirements, develop procedure on DNA fingerprinting of the ICBA germplasm for identification and tracking etc

 

 

Job Responsibilities
  • Contribute in setting up of periodic objectives and work plans for the effective maintenance of gene bank operations. 
  • Ensure best practices for efficient conservation of genetic resources held by ICBA including the production of Standard Operating Procedures for various core gene bank activities.
  • Participate in developing relevant research proposals for the genebank and its upgrade in line with ICBA’s mandate and secure internal and external funding.
  • Assist in the documentation and maintenance of database.
  • Assist the genebank In-charge for the the conservation of germplasm.
  • Work on effective strategy for the regular evaluation of the viability of ICBA germplasm collection in consultation with genebank in-charge.
  • Coordinate with seed health testing, that all incoming and outgoing shipments are tested against quarantine diseases
  • Contribute to general public awareness, through the dissemination of the publications and other outputs of the gene bank activities, using appropriate communication channels.
  • Help to conduct training courses related to conservation and use of genetic resources and develop awareness among students, interns and other targeted groups.
  • Effective development of collaborations with other researchers and partners.
  • Assist in the preparation of ICBA publications, including the newsletter.
  • Use molecular marker application systems to identify uniqueness and track the germplasm movement.
  • Supervise the supporting staff and labor in the section.

 

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, Seed science, Genetics, taxonomy, or relevant subjects
  • Minimum 1 years of relevant post-PhD experience
  • Publication record in refereed journals.
  • Sound knowledge of statistical data analysis and experimental designs
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively interact and communicate research outputs and impacts with diverse audiences
  • Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable:

  • Experience in combining scientific research related to conservation of genetic resources and management of gene banks
  • International work experience
  • Additional language skills, Arabic is preferable

 

 

 

Post Date
31 March 2020
Status
Closed
Vacancy Type
Full-time
Closing Date
5 August 2020
Location
Dubai, UAE
Report To
Geneticist
Job Number
ICBADP-DXB-2020-014
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