Associate Scientist (N-25-29)

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks to recruit a full-time Scientist to support the implementation of the FAO’s “Additional Financing for Afghanistan Emergency Food Security Project.” The position will be based in Karnal, Haryana, India, and will play a key role in strengthening Afghanistan’s potato seed systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for arranging potato seed supply to Kabul, developing training materials, and delivering both virtual and in-person training sessions for trainers and farmers on best practices in potato seed production. Additionally, the Scientist will develop protocols for the evaluation of CIP germplasm to identify and advance locally adapted potato varieties and will prepare monthly and annual technical project reports.

About the role: This position will be based in Karnal, Haryana, India. The selected candidate will be under the direct supervision and guidance of the Principal Investigator of the project.

Key responsibilities:

The ideal candidate will mainly focus on these tasks/responsibilities below:

• Provide scientific leadership in the development of training materials and capacity-building programs, both online and in-person, on best potato seed production practices and the participatory evaluation of CIP germplasm using the PVS approach.
  
• Oversee and facilitate the supply of CIP advanced germplasm and potato seed of released Indian varieties for adaptability trials and seed multiplication in Afghanistan.
  
• Lead the design and supervision of research trials for evaluating potato varieties and CIP germplasm under Afghan conditions.
  
• Conduct statistical analyses, synthesize research findings, and ensure the timely preparation of monthly and annual technical reports for donors.
  
• Contribute to and/or lead the formulation of new project proposals and funding opportunities related to potato research and development in collaboration with national and international partners.
  

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have the following knowledge, experience, skills and personal characteristics:

• PhD Scientist with 8-10 years’ potato field experience on quality potato seed production, experience in imparting training on best potato production practices to farmers/ extension staff, developing the training material and can support in writing the potato proposals for funding
  
• Experience in lab, people and project management.
  
• Advanced level in written and spoken English.
  
• Analytical thinking, hard worker, organized, good communicating and continuous improvement.
  
• The successful candidate will be required to show integrity and attention to detail handling confidential and sensitive information.

Benefits

• Great career opportunity in an international organization.
  
• Salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
  
• One year’s full-time contract with the possibility of renewal.
  
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.