Senior Research Assistant - Curator of Rhizobium Collections

Reports to: Research Team Leader – Genetic Resources, conservation, characterization, and use (GRS)
Location: Rabat, Morocco

Main Purpose of the Position

The incumbent of this role will assist in collection, conservation, characterization and distribution of Rhizobium species and other Plant Growth Promoting Microbes.

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.
ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development, and capacity development that takes into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org.

Main Responsibilities

• Responsible for Rhizobium lab management.

• Assist in collection, isolation, conservation and phenotypic characterization of Rhizobium strains and other plant growth promoting microbes and distribution to National Program Partners.
• Conduct molecular characterization of Rhizobium strains.
• Assist in conducting greenhouse experiments.
• Assist in training of students, technicians and researchers from the National Programs.
• Collection and analysis of rhizobium related data.
• Keep up with the latest literature related to Rhizobium and plant growth promoting microbes.
• Strengthen collaboration with quarantine services in partner countries.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Microbiology, Life Sciences or Agriculture or related subjects.
• At least 3 years of experience in microbial, molecular and other laboratory techniques.
• Bachelor’s degree is accepted if complemented by substantive additional years of relevant experience (at least six), or substantive formal training certifications.
• Considerable demonstrated ability in the laboratory and field research.
• Experience in soil and plant analysis.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary & multicultural teams.
• Strong computer skills, including using MS Office
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic, French is a plus.

Benefits

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

This is a 3-year project based position open for Moroccan nationals for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, five months’ maternity leave, 15 days’ paternity leave. The first year will be a probationary period.

Please be advised that ICARDA accepts applications only in English, as per the organization’s standard communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.