The Role
Supports the Plant Pathology Laboratory by coordinating molecular testing, extracting nucleic acids, preparing sequencing libraries, validating PCR and RT-PCR assays, analyzing sequencing data, designing primers, and standardizing pathogen detection methods. Maintains laboratory equipment, records, and facilities; prepares activity reports; and assists with procurement and administrative tasks. The role also involves plant pathogen handling, greenhouse activities, and collaboration with laboratory staff.
Summary Generated by Built In
The International Potato Center (CIP) is
seeking a Research Assistant with a high level of commitment to support the head of Plant Pathology Laboratory with the
coordination and implementation of activities related to molecular testing at
the laboratory.
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.
The position: This position will be based in Lima, Peru (La Molina) and will report to the Coordinator of Plant Pathology Laboratory. The selected candidate will coordinate and conduct activities that are carried out at the Laboratory on a daily basis.
Key responsibilities:
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.
The position: This position will be based in Lima, Peru (La Molina) and will report to the Coordinator of Plant Pathology Laboratory. The selected candidate will coordinate and conduct activities that are carried out at the Laboratory on a daily basis.
Key responsibilities:
- Extraction of total nucleic acids and siRNAs and libraries preparation from samples of potato/sweetpotato and ARTCs (Andean roots and tuber crops).
- Continue with the scheme of validation of PCR & RT-PCR for the detection of ARTCs viruses. Identification, analysis and solution of inconsistencies to conclude the validation process.
- Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data of potato and sweetpotato germplasm samples for sRSA routine testing
- Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data of ARTCs for validation of sRSA testing.
- Inter-laboratory testing of viruses by sRSA (includes verification by PCR of the virus (s) reported by HTS),
- Design of primers for specific detection of new virus species or strains, bacteria or insects in potato, sweetpotato, ARTCs and other prioritized crops.
- Standardization of PCR, RT-PCR and/or qPCR for the detection of pathogens in priority crops as part of the new service development plan
- Upload the revised results of molecular analyses performed by the Laboratory technician and their own.
- Maintain the order and cleaning of Laboratory facilities and equipment, records of dataloggers of critical equipment as well as preventive/corrective maintenance and calibration records.
- Generate reports of activities as per request: weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
- Support the Coordinator of the lab with administrative activities: request quotations to suppliers for equipment maintenance, purchase of reagents and/or consumables, update the master file of annual expenses and recoveries
Requirements
- Professional Title (Titulado) in Biologist or Agronomy
engineer with excellent experience in Molecular Plant
Pathology.
- MSc degree on Molecular
biology is NOT required but can be plus
- 03-year experience on molecular techniques
(RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, LAMP, cloning, sequencing, etc.) is a
critical requisiteDemonstrated
- knowledge on the use of bioinformatics tools / softwares (MegAlign,
Velvet, MAC, Geneious, etc.) is required
- 01-year experience in collecting and managing plant pathogens at
laboratory and greenhouse level.
- Experience in
handling and maintenance of plants at greenhouse level is highly desirable.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.Demonstrated
ability on problem solving and capability to work independently.
- Hard working
with ability to handle multiple work activities in an effective and
satisfactory manner.
- Excellent Spanish written and
verbal communication skills and intermediate English skills are required.
- Advance
level of Microsoft office (Excel, Word and PPT as the basics)
Benefits
Why should you consider this opportunity?
- CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.
- CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.
- CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security. CGIAR research aims to reduce rural poverty, increase food security, improve human health and nutrition, and sustainable management of natural resources.
What are we offering?
- CIP provides the opportunity to work in a prestigious international organization.
- Excellent working environment.
- In and out buses for different routes in Lima
- Comprehensive insurance coverage.
- 6 Months-term agreements with possibility of renewal.
- Work in an equal and diverse workplace
Skills Required
- Professional title in Biology or Agronomy Engineering
- Excellent experience in molecular plant pathology
- At least three years of experience with molecular techniques, including RNA extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, LAMP, cloning, or sequencing
- Knowledge of bioinformatics tools or software such as MegAlign, Velvet, MAC, or Geneious
- At least one year of experience collecting and managing plant pathogens in laboratory and greenhouse settings
- Experience handling and maintaining plants at greenhouse level
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Problem-solving ability and capacity to work independently
- Ability to manage multiple activities effectively
- Excellent written and verbal Spanish communication skills
- Intermediate English skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- MSc degree in Molecular Biology
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The Company
What We Do
CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Its science aims to reduce poverty, enhance food and nutrition security, and improve natural resources and ecosystem services.
