Principal Scientist (Genetics)

Position: Principal Scientist (Genetics)

Location: Penang, Malaysia

Application Deadline: 10 August 2022 or until filled

Type of contract: Three (03) years fixed-term contract (renewable based on performance & budget)

Language(s) required: English (proficient/fluent writing and oral skills)

About WorldFish

WorldFish is an international, non-profit research and innovation organization reducing hunger, malnutrition and poverty across Africa, Asia and the Pacific. For over 45 years, our work on sustainable aquaculture and fisheries has improved the lives of millions of women, men and youth.

Fish and other aquatic foods grown in and harvested from oceans, lakes, rivers and ponds provide income for more than 800 million people and provide 3.3 billion with 20% of their animal protein intake. Our focus on sustainability makes sure that the way we produce and use these foods today means a plentiful future of generations to come.

Our evidence-based solutions range in scale from households to global policies and spans across six interlinked themes: nutrition, gender, climate, sustainability, economy and COVID-19.

We champion aquatic foods for healthy people and planet and believe that a sustainable blue planet of well-nourished children, women and men is within our reach.

Communications for impact are a critical element of our new strategy and seek to advance WorldFish’s global thought leadership in addressing critical sustainable development challenges (such as nutrition, climate change, gender and social inclusion, environmental sustainability, etc.) through research and innovation on aquatic food systems. Together with our strategic funding and implementing partners, we want to influence, develop, deliver and scale high-impact research and evidence-based innovations and policy recommendations that support vulnerable communities in low-and middle-income countries to meet their 2030 SDGs.

Objective

Build the resilience of aquatic food systems and realize their full potential for nature, people and climate by tackling systemic challenges such as data gaps, power asymmetries, water resource mismanagement, limited research investment and missed opportunities for scaling through agricultural innovation systems.

Area of Expertise

PhD in quantitative genetics preferably with genomics skills or experience.

Level of Seniority Required

Principal Researcher (minimum of 10 years of relevant postdoctoral research experience in applied quantitative genetics)

Key Accountabilities

• Provide technical oversight of the WorldFish genetic improvement programs (primarily tilapia, carp and African catfish), including supervision of the genetics team staff.
• Develop, promote and implement sustainable breeding strategies and interventions that meet target producer needs through providing leadership to conceive, design and conduct research and develop interventions to meet the goals of World Fish programs.
• Ensure timely delivery of project deliverables.
• Implement the strategies for genetic improvement of the programs, specifically continuing to integrate genomic selection and develop methods of index selection, developing new approaches as needed.
• Modernize and make more efficient phenotyping processes and data archiving in WorldFish breeding programs (e.g. through incorporation of automated and digital processes).
• Build capacity, skills and knowledge of researchers and strategic partners in genetic improvement.
• Publish research papers in quality scientific journals and ensuring that research findings are communicated to the larger scientific and development practitioner community.
• Develop and maintain strategic research and funding partnerships, lead the development of new research proposals.

Requirements

This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:

• At least ten years of relevant postdoctoral research experience in applied quantitative genetics.
• Experience in the use of computing facilities for the capture, storage, retrieval and analysis of data for genetic parameter estimation and genetic evaluation purposes.
• Experience in the application of genomic approaches to genetics.
• Proven competency with experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Strong scientific writing skills with record of publication in high quality scientific reports and experience in leading or co-authoring scientific journal articles.
• Proven record of effective working relationships in multi-disciplinary, diverse teams particularly in developing countries.
• Good leadership, mentoring and project management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi task, including experience in leading or managing donor-funded projects (reporting writing and budget management).
• Excellent communication skills and high proficiency in written and spoken English.
• A good professional network.

Benefits

This position is open to all Nationals and Internationals applicants. WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, employer provident fund contribution, paid leave and others.

Recruitment Process

The position will be based in Penang, Malaysia. Interviews are expected to begin in August 2022 and only shortlisted candidates will be notified and expected to attend the interview session.