Scientist - Plant Molecular Biology

Job Summary

ICBA is looking for a highly skilled and motivated scientist with expertise in genomics, molecular biology, and marker-assisted breeding to join our research team. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing our understanding of genetics and genomics to speed-up breeding programs. The scientist will further be responsible for designing and conducting experiments, analyzing genomic data, and trait-based marker development and marker-assisted germplasm enhancement applications in the ICBA breeding program, with a focus on tolerance to abiotic stresses, like salinity, heat, and drought etc.

Job Responsibilitie

• sLead innovative resource mobilization efforts to strengthen the plant molecular biology research program at ICBA in close collaboration with similar research organization
• sCarry out innovative, impactful research on plant molecular biology that has strategic importance to ICBA in consultation with the plant breeding team, with a focus on prioritized crops
• .Design and conduct high-throughput sequencing experiments to analyze and understand plant genomes
• .Perform genetic mapping and linkage analysis to identify marker-trait associations for key crop specific traits as per product profiles
• .Identify genetic markers (SNPs/PCR-based) associated with desirable traits, high-throughput genotyping technologies involving novel molecular tools
• .Develop and implement marker-assisted breeding strategies to introgress beneficial traits into crop varieties
• .Contribute to the design of relevant experiments; supervise implementation, field management and data collection, and the production of relevant scientific publications
• .Collaborate with breeding and bioinformatic teams to provide genomic information to the breeding programs for better trait understanding and their integration into breeding pipeline
• sConduct DNA fingerprinting and molecular profiling of various crop varieties developed by ICBA and selected gene bank accessions
• .Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams including molecular biologists, breeders, and bioinformaticians
• .Communicate research findings through presentations, reports, and scientific publications
• .Oversee and manage the ICBA molecular biology laboratory and its activities, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and standard operating procedures
• .Train and mentor other researchers, technicians, and students

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Qualifications and Experien

ceEssentia

• l:Post-PhD minimum five-year experience in Plant Molecular Biology / Plant Biotechnology or related fiel
• dsProven practical experience in MAS Breeding and particularly field breeding programs on climate resilient crops suited to biosaline and arid environmen
• tsProficiency in various PCR-based markers, high-throughput genotyping technologies and novel molecular tool
• s.Experience in managing and analyzing huge data sets of genomic data, and integrating into prioritized breeding program
• s.Fluency in English, ability to work with minimal supervision and a team playe
• r.High level of organization, ability to manage multiple tasks in a diverse environmen
• t.Excellent technical writing skills and proven relevant publication reco

rdDesirabl

• e:Hands-on proficiency with genome sequencer operatio
• nsFamiliarity with breeding programs of climate-resilient crops, quinoa and other halophyte
• s.Knowledge of statistical analysis methods for genetic data interpretatio
• n.Knowledge of Arab