Speed Breeding Technician

Reports to: Research Associate – Genomic Selection of Durum Wheat

Location: Rabat, Morocco

Main purpose of position

ICARDA and INRA durum wheat programs exploit the speed breeding facilities in Rabat to reduce to just 1 year the time from crossing to yield trials. We are seeking a motivated young individual national or resident of Morocco to help conduct these operations which include the planting and harvesting each 3 months of some 6000 segregating plants. The incumbent will perform all technical steps to ensure proper planting, growth, screen, sampling of tissue for DNA, harvest, and process these plants. She/he shall follow standard operating procedures to ensure all steps are achieved timely and properly. The successful candidate shall be familiar with the growth of plants in controlled conditions, be able to work with strict deadlines, willing to do physical work, and have a personal drive to maintain an ordered and clean work environment.

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 take 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 organization, 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.

·        Prepare pots for planting.

·        Pre-germinate seeds.

·        Plant the pre-germinated seeds.

·        Ensure correct growth and protect from insects.

·        Collect leaf tissues for DNA extraction.

·        Harvest plants following a precise protocol.

 ·       Recycle soil and pots.

·        Keep the growth space clean.

·        Prepare field books.

·        First-hand knowledge of durum wheat.

·        Demonstrated ability to work in a glasshouse.

·        Fluency in French or English.

·        Good inter-personal skills and an ability to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.

·        Driving license is required.

This is a nationally recruited staff 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 successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to continued need for the position and satisfactory performance. The probation period will comply with the applicable labor law of the respective country.

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.

ICARDA will acknowledge all applications received but will only contact shortlisted candidates.