Scientist-Gene bank Curator
Reference number: 202539
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
Scientist-Gene bank Curator
Overview
Within the Trees Theme, the Genetic Resources Unit is tasked on making available the necessary information on tree genetic resources as well as tree germplasm needed for the various research and development projects. It houses the Genebank that currently holds 195 tree species as seed collection and 85 species as field genebanks across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Genebank is one of the FAO-Plant Treaty Article 15 Genebanks, conserving the tree collection as global public goods. The genebank curator will play an important role to ensure the Genebank fulfils this role
Duties and responsibilities
- Lead and undertake relevant research on agroforestry tree seeds relating to their conservation and use. These include seed storage behaviors, longevity studies, germination dormancy breaking, seed vigour variability, genetic integrity among seed lots, etc.
- Efficiently manage conservation of the AF tree collection according to all relevant international standards, while targeting the Genebank achievement of CGIAR Genebank Performance Targets.
- Ensure the maintenance of international quality management system (QMS) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for functional, technical and legal compliance.
- Develop and implement germplasm viability testing workplans while liaising with genebank database team on efficient curation and retrieval of germination test records.
- Tabulate and analyze germination tests while conforming to ISTA certified methods and techniques of seed testing.
- Develop and improve methods for seed dormancy breaking and pre-germination treatments.
- Liaise with genebank database team to plan for routine monitoring of viability of conserved germplasm.
Plan and follow up on multiplication and regeneration of collection accessions. - Liaise with partners and other Theme teams on acquisition of AF tree seeds to be added to Genebank collection.
- Plan and manage seed/seedlings characterization activities.
- Follow seed requests and ensure timely germplasm distribution in line with CIFOR-ICRAF Genetic Resources Policy.
- Contribute to the development of relevant donor reports.
- Lead the development of genebank research activities and outputs to publications for high impact journal as well as publicise the same to broad range of audiences in seminars, conferences, etc.
- Participate in resource mobilization for the Genebank and other Trees Theme projects.
- Design and supervise the Genebank workflows (including seed testing laboratory, database and germplasm health units) to ensure optimal staff engagement as per the annual workplans.
- Supervise interns and fellows attached to the Genebank
- Liaise with other CGIAR Genebanks’ communities of practice to ensure continuous integration of improved technology
- Liaise with national and international seed laboratories in refining and harmonizing agroforestry tree seed testing methods and operations in line with the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA)
- Contribute to Centre reports on genetic resources as requested by various bodies such as FAO-Treaty, CGIAR-IA etc.
- In collaboration with other teams, ensure the Genetic Resources Unit webpage is regularly updated with relevant AF tree information.
- Assist in the planning and preparation of genebank tours, seminars, workshops.
Education, knowledge and experience
•MSc specializing in seed science, seed technology or conservation ; Preferably with BSc in fields of Botany/Taxonomy.
•Five years’ experience working in a genebank or a busy seed testing laboratory, of which two years leading some of the key activities in the area.
•Evidence of leading recent publications on related seed science or conservation in high impact journals
•ISTA membership and engagement in its relevant committees are added advantage
Terms and conditions
•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR?ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
•The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya
Application process
The application deadline is 28 Apr 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.
