RESEARCH ASSISTANT IS NEEDED

POSITION: Research Assistant Maize Breeding - SARI/CIMMYT

                   Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI)

Date Listed: Sep 9, 2013
  Application Deadline: Sep 30, 2013
Area: Arusha


Position Description:
From The Guardian September 4, 2013
About our Organizations
Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) is one of the major agricultural research institutes in the Directorate of Research and Development (DRD) under the Ministry of .......

Agriculture Food and Cooperatives. The mandate of the institute is to generate cost-effective, environmentally-friendly technologies that will ensure sustainable food self-sufficiency at household level as well as increase income generation, employment growth and enhanced earnings.
CIMMYT is an international non-profit research and training center with direct links to about 100 developing countries through offices in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. CIMMYT participate in an extensive global network of people and organizations who share similar
development goals, including the public and private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, relief and health agencies, farmers, and the development assistance community. C1MMYT is committed to improving livelihoods in developing countries. Through strong science and effective partnerships, we create, share, and use knowledge and agricultural technologies to increase food security, improve the productivity and profitability of farming systems, and sustain natural resources in developing countries.
The Position
The positions will be based at the SARI Arusha office. The incumbents will work under the supervision of the Maize Breeder, SARI providing technical support to C1MMYT scientists by carrying out some or all of the following activities:
Work closely with the maize breeder in the management of development of a 20 ha research farm (fencing, office building, and irrigation facilities) at SARI Selian
Manage the research farm used to develop stress tolerant maize
Work in collaboration with Scientists in supervising field technicians and skilled labor
In liaison with the Scientists supervise field breeding activities including seed preparation, planting, managing and harvesting of nurseries and trials
Supervise planting and execution of managed drought stress maize trials in Tanzania
Supervise the management of seed and trial shipments to CIMMYT collaborators
Under the direction of the scientist manage seed storage including labeling and seed inventories
Carry out electronic data capture, data management and data analysis
As directed provide technical assistance to visiting scientists and students
Shall be reporting to the SARI Director and occasionally to CIMMYT regional authority.
Requirements:
A Tanzanian
A Master's degree in Plant Breeding or Genetics
At least 3 years' experience in the field of plant breeding' or closely related field
Experience in use of SAS or GenStat statistical software for data analysis
Experience in the use of Field book software for data and pedigree management.
Experience in working on maize and especially for stress tolerance including drought, soil fertility, and post-harvest pests will be an added advantage
Practical experience in working with field layout will be an added advantage.
Demonstrated good communication and organizational skills and ability to work under pressure
Ability to effectively work with minimum supervision
Good interpersonal skills, strong team spirit, integrity, honesty and self-motivation
A valid Tanzania driver's license.
Terms of offer
SARI/CIMMYT are equal opportunity employers and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women. This position is on local terms for SARI and CIMMYT and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to six (6) months' probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources. An attractive package is reserved for this position.


Application Instructions:

Applications for the position must include:
A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements and salary expectations
A detailed curriculum vitae
The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.
Relevant certificates
All correspondence should be addressed to the
Zonal Director,
Selian Agricultural Research Institute,
P. O. Box 6024
Arusha;
Email Link above and should indicate "Application for Research Assistant SARI/C1MMYT" on their application letters and email submissions.
Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.