The Senior Scientist/Scientist (Fish Genetics) will join a team managing a range of established fish genetic improvement programs with a focus on tilapia, carp and catfish farming in Africa and Asia, including the GIFT tilapia program in Malaysia.
In recent years, the research has focused on developing genomic approaches and new resilience traits in tilapia focused on adaptation to environmental stress and climate change in addition to faster growth. The successful candidate will be responsible for the quantitative and genomic analysis underpinning the management of the tilapia programs, and the design and implementation of phenotyping and genotyping strategies to improve program efficiency. The Senior Scientist/Scientist (Fish Genetics) will be expected to conduct high quality research on aquaculture genetics and to work closely with other members of the genetics and aquaculture team (husbandry, fish nutrition, fish health and social scientists) and external partners, to deliver integrated solutions to accelerate sustainable growth of aquaculture in Africa and Asia.
The successful candidate will work on the following:
- Responsible for the design and oversight of the efficient execution of the technical genetic strategy for the aquatic animal genetic improvement programs.
- Ensure sound and accurate quantitative genetic analysis and associated genomic analyses based on accurate phenotyping strategies upon which to base the selection decisions for the genetic improvement programs.
- Design undertake and analyze high quality research to inform resilience trait development and improved genetic progress in the genetic improvement programs under management.
- Develop strong inter-disciplinary collaboration is developed and maintained with WorldFish scientists, local and international research institutes and private sector, focused on research solutions for sustainable growth of aquaculture in Africa and Asia.
- Maintain a strong publication record in peer reviewed journals and create communication products for end users of research.
- Provide technical advice to clients as required and assist capacity building.
- Mobilize resources in support of WorldFish genetics research activities.
The successful candidate will have:
- Ph.D. in Genetics/Animal Breeding.
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience including leading research, managing and building teams, policy engagement, mobilizing funding, and communicating research to the public.
- A track record of high level and influential scientific publications.
- Proven experience in quantitative genetic analysis.
- Record of high-quality research publications.
- Knowledge and experience of molecular genetics / genomics.
- Motivation for high quality science and delivery of applications/impact from research.
- Ability to develop successful funding applications.
- Evidence of resource mobilization.
- Ability to mentor and bring out the best in multidisciplinary multicultural teams in multiple time zones.
- Speaks truth with compassion.
- Communicates clearly and compellingly in writing and through public presentations (in English).
- Track record of successfully influencing high level policy makers, businesses, and other organizations in the aquatic food sector.
- Ability to effectively communicate a common vision to diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with people at all levels in a decentralized, respectful, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary organization.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as an agent of change, in order to build a unified CGIAR culture and dynamic, integrated and agile organization.
- Uphold the highest ethical standards by inspiring trust and treat all people with respect and personal integrity.
Desired Skills/Experiences
- Experience in aquaculture.
- Knowledge and/or experience of working with the aquaculture industry.
- Knowledge and experience of working in developing countries in Africa and/or Asia.
