ICRISAT seeks applications for a Principal Scientist/Global Theme Leader for Biotechnology, to be based at ICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India.

ICRISAT is a non-profit, apolitical, international organization for science-based agricultural development. Established in 1972, it is one of the 15 Centers of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and is supported by more than 48 governments, foundations, and development banks. To reduce poverty, enhance crop productivity and food security and to protect the environment, ICRISAT research adopts an integrated genetic and natural resource management approach focusing on farming systems and crop improvement, management and utilization of sorghum, pearl millet, pigeonpea, chickpea, and groundnut in the semi-arid tropics along with enabling policies and institutional mechanisms.

The Position:
To lead the Global Theme on Biotechnology in the application of genomics and genetic engineering in ICRISAT’s cereal and legumes crops. The person will also be expected to conduct research in an appropriate area of applied genomics related to the overall strategy. ICRISAT’s Global Theme on Biotechnology encompasses research activities in applied genomics, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, wide crosses and other associated disciplines (for further details, please see ICRISAT’s website at www.icrisat.org).

The Responsibilities Include:

• Leading the development and application of biotechnology for use in ICRISAT’s global crop research and breeding programs.
• Serving as a member of the Research Committee, assisting the Deputy Director General-Research and other members of the Research Committee in formulating and monitoring the overall Institute’s research strategy.
• Playing an active role in resource mobilization for ICRISAT, especially the Global Theme on Biotechnology.
• Conducting relevant research in the development and use of genomic tools for gene mapping and marker-assisted breeding in one or more of ICRISAT’s mandated crops.
• Overseeing research and support activities in wide crosses, bioinformatics, biometrics and physiology at ICRISAT.
• Developing linkages and collaborative research projects with advanced research organizations, national agricultural research systems, universities and the private sector.
• Undertaking capacity building initiatives for stakeholders including policy makers to enhance the impact of biotechnology.

The Person:

• PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding, Genetics or other related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of R&D experience in molecular genetics, molecular biology or molecular breeding.
• International experience in genetic resources or genetic enhancement research and development activities.
• Experience in leading an applied genomics laboratory, and working effectively with multidisciplinary and multicultural groups of staff, visiting scientists and students.
• A record of achievement with academic publications, development and management of research grants, and capacity building initiatives are essential.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is essential, and knowledge of French will be an advantage.

The Reward:
This is an internationally recruited staff position, and competitive salary and benefits packages will be provided. ICRISAT is an equal opportunity employer, and is especially interested in increasing the participation of women on its staff. ICRISAT has a flexible approach to international appointments and welcomes enquiries from persons interested in working at ICRISAT while on secondment.

How to Apply:
The application should include an up-to-date resume, names and addresses (including fax and e-mail) of three referees, date of availability, and a statement of the special qualifications for this position. Please send applications by email clearly stating the job title in the subject column to icrisatjobs@cgiar.org latest by 30 September 2008.