RESEARCH ASSISTANT – PLANT PATHOLOGY - CIAT

Job title: RESEARCH ASSISTANT – PLANT PATHOLOGY

The International Center (or Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) – a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org) – develops technologies, innovative methods, and new knowledge that better enable farmers, especially smallholders, to make agriculture competitive and profitable as well as sustainable and resilient. (www.ciat.cgiar.org). CIAT is seeking to recruit highly motivated individuals to join the team at the Kampala Office. The individuals should be capable of serving a multicultural and multidisciplinary team. The position will be based at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories- Kawanda.

Employment type: Full time
Country: Uganda
City / Location: Kampala
Job category: Agriculture / Forestry / Fishing
Min. years of experience: 3 years
Minimum degree: Masters degree
Closing date: May 10, 2013 - 5pm
Terms: This position is Nationally Recruited. The initial appointments will be for a period of up to 2 years with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
Position Summary
The position provides support in all areas of bean pathology including pathogen identification and characterization using conventional and molecular biology techniques, as well as integrated disease management.
The position reports to the ECABREN Coordinator/ Plant Pathologist.
Duties and Responsibilities
Work with Senior Scientist to provide technical support in all areas of bean pathology including conducting field surveys, as well as laboratory and screen house experiments.
Conduct field trials on disease epidemiology and integrated management of foliar, soil, and postharvest diseases of beans.
Provide support in training of Scientists and Technicians from National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) partners in pathogen diagnostics and characterization.
Giving technical support to postgraduate students conducting thesis research in bean pathology.
Analyzing data and developing reports and publications on the research activities.
Requirement:
Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, but also participate as a team member in accomplishment of duties. Strong attention to detail and maintaining a timely and efficient work flow.
Masters degree in agriculture or equivalent, with emphasis in Plant Pathology.
At least 3 years of relevant work experience in a busy plant pathology laboratory, preferably in an international organization.
A Bachelors of Science degree with extensive experience in laboratory, screenhouse and field experience in Plant Pathology will be considered.
Experience with standard molecular biology techniques is an added advantage.
Good statistical analysis and report writing skills.
Ability to cope with heavy intermittent workloads extending beyond office hours and during weekends.
Contact/How to apply:
Applications must clearly indicate the position applied for in the subject line and all attachments are to be named by the applicant’s surname. Please send cover letter and CV with contacts of three references to: International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), P.O. Box 6247, Kampala, Uganda or Email to: ciat-uganda@cgiar.org. Deadline for receiving application letters is 10th May 2013. Thank you for your interest in our organisation however, only short listed candidates will be contacted.