Reference: IRS25114

Full time

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit cimmyt.org

CIMMYT seeks a highly motivated, innovative, rigorous Postdoctoral fellow to work on Genome Editing (GE) Platform for CIMMYT’S target crops in our biotechnology projects. Working in our modern laboratory facilities, the successful applicant will join a discovery team exploring and availing novel genetic diversity for use in our worldwide crop breeding programs. Current projects include gene editing for multiple traits across a range of CIMMYT crops. The selected scientist will prepare and publish innovative research in collaboration with internal and external colleagues from public sector as well as industry partners. She/he will participate in capacity development activities, such as hosting visiting technicians or scientists, and overseeing student research projects. CIMMYT is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship, and the successful applicant must be committed to implementing best practices in stewardship and laboratory operations. This position reports to the head of biotechnology opportunities.

The position is based at CIMMYT’s campus in Texcoco, State of Mexico, located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico.

Specific duties:

• Design and develop constructs for genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9 and other GE systems.
• Develop transient expression and stably expressed lines with CRISPR systems in CIMMYT’s target Crops such as maize, wheat, ground nut, pearl millet, sorghum etc.
• Use Agrobacterium-mediated and biolistic transformation techniques to generate transgenic events.
• Analyze edited events via different molecular tools and sequencing.
• Apply sgRNA libraries for genome wide editing experiments.
• Contribute to protocol optimization and technology exploration.
• Contribute to phenotyping of the edited lines.
• Project proposal writing and manuscript writing.
• Present and publish research data.
• Supervise students, visiting scientists.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or related field
• Experience in molecular construct designing, construct engineering and plant tissue culture (both Agro and biolistic).
• Proven record of accomplishments in molecular genome editing techniques for plants.
• Applicants should have a strong research background, as demonstrated by past publications ( at least one first author publication on plant gene editing) , accomplishments, and references.
• Working knowledge of tools related to basic bioinformatics platforms, needed for genome editing and allied analysis.
• Hands-on experience in plant transformation-tissue culture.
• Ability to compile laboratory results into written reports on an ongoing basis.
• Interest and desire to work in translational science interface between research and applied breeding.
• Adherence to good laboratory practices.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a laboratory team.
• Aptitude and interest to work in a multi-cultural, diverse workplace.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Teamwork, and effective communication (both written and presentation). 

• Additional desirable skills: Experience in tissue culture free genome editing and manipulation of nucleases for tool development is desirable. Hands-on experience of transformation and tissue culture of at least one crop, from CIMMYT’S target crops, is desirable.

The position is for an initial fixed term for two (2) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health, and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Application

Candidates must apply online for IRS25114_ Postdoctoral Fellow Genome Editing.

Please click HERE to learn more and to apply online.

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on April 30th, 2025. Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.