The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking for a for a dynamic and experienced Research Associate, Potato Breeder to plan and conduct the potato breeding activities in Kenya towards achieving increased genetic gains in farmers’ fields.

About CIP

CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes, sweetpotatoes, Andean root and tuber crops, and sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular those goals that relate to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru with staff and activities in locations across Africa, Asia and Latin America. CIP, 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 selected candidate will be a member of the Crop Improvement Science Goal team at CIP and will report to the Africa Potato and Sweet Potato Breeding Lead ad interim. The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute breeding strategies to create high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient potato varieties.
• Design and manage field and greenhouse trials, ensuring rigorous data collection and analysis.
• Analyze genetic data to inform breeding decisions and accelerate the development of new varieties.
• Collaborate with other researchers, extension agents, and farmers to facilitate the adoption of new potato varieties.
• Train and mentor junior scientists, technicians, and students in potato breeding practices.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals and present them at industry conferences.
• Support writing grant proposals and manage research projects, including budget oversight.

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree in plant Breeding or related area. PhD is desirable.
• At least six years’ experience in crop breeding including practical field breeding.
• Excellent knowledge of genetics, agronomy, plant protection, statistics and assessment and use of Genotype x Environment x Management interaction
• Experience in experimental design, agronomy, and field experimentation; excellent computer literacy and data management skills.
• A good track record in variety development would be a strong advantage.
• Knowledge of marker-assisted selection tools and strategies for breeding vegetatively propagated crops.
• Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of national agricultural research systems in the region.
• Experience in program and project management.
• Advance written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Strong communication and networking skills; Interest and demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environment.

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 1 year with possibility of renewal.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.