Research Associate – Biometrician

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experience Research Associate in Biometrics for the Genetics and Genomics Crop Improvement division (GGCI) to strengthen our breeding research teams in Africa.

About CIP

CIP is a member of the One CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. One CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.

About the role

The Research Associate will be based in Nairobi-Kenya and will report to the Plant Breeding Statistics Expert. The selected candidate will offer support through expertise in experimental design and data analysis to achieve the common goal of realized genetic gains of potato and sweetpotato varieties on farmers’ fields in Africa and around the globe. S/he will be a member of our data management and biometrics unit, contributing to global breeding and research activities, capacity building and scientific publications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support CIP and NARS plant breeders with the implementation of state-of-the-art experimental designs and data analysis methods.
• As member of the CIP data management and biometrics unit, work closely with the GI Breeding Analytics team to the modernization of data management and statistical practices applied at CIP.
• Implement quality control and data curation measures for breeding data and phenotyping trials to ensure accuracy and reliability of data collected.
• Play a pivotal role in optimizing breeding data workflows centered around BreedBase to ensure high quality data that is ready for analysis.
• Participate in the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) both for data management and statistical methodologies relevant for the potato and sweetpotato breeding programs.
• Contribute to publications and documentation related to statistical methods that are applied to make data-driven decisions in our breeding activities.

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree in statistics, biometrics, mathematics, quantitative genetics or breeding.
• At least 6 years’ experience in experimental design for breeding trials and phenotypic data analysis using linear mixed models.
• Proficiency in statistical software R, with respect to data manipulation, generation of experimental designs and mixed models. Knowledge of ASReml-R package is a plus.
• Knowledge of genomic selection modelling is considered an advantage.
• Former experience as biometrician supporting a breeding program is considered an advantage.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Hard working with ability to handle multiple work activities in an effective manner.

Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP works with partners in over 20 countries to improve diets and incomes of poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America through scientific research, innovation, and capacity strengthening.
• CIP’s programs seek to strengthen broader agri-food systems to generate economic, social, and nutritional benefits for farmers, enterprises and consumers emphasizing the priorities of women and youth in particular.
• CIP emphasizes the synergies between social and bio-physical sciences as a core strategy for making breakthroughs in our understanding of complex development challenges in food and agriculture and for our ability to overcome these.

What are we offering?

• Excellent working environment.
• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Fixed term contract of one (1) year with possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.