The recently established Crops for the Future Research Centre (CFFRC) is now recruiting researchers for several newly created positions (Research Theme Directors and Postdoctoral Research Fellows ) . This is also for international applicants and is a unique opportunity for those seeking a research job in the area of underutilised species.

There are 12 administrative positions offered by CFFRC as well as 10 research opportunities and with the University of Nottingham. The candidate should have interest in any of the five research themes to be developed at CFFRC: nutrition, processing and end-user value; economic and marketing potential – building value chains; physiology, agronomy and agro-ecological potential; biotechnology, breeding and seed systems; knowledge systems and modelling.

Closing date for enquiries will be on 26 August 2011 and the closing date for full applications will be 16 September 2011. International applicants are eligible for all the positions. For further details, please refer to this site or contact: email hidden; JavaScript is required and stating the position(s) in which you are interested.

Download the full vacancy announcement here.

The Food Security Centre of the University of Hohenheim, Germany (www.foodsecurity.de), is offering 29 scholarships for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers for a period of 4 to 36 months, starting April 15, 2010. The Center wishes to attract outstanding PhD students and postdoctoral fellows pursuing a career in academia or development collaboration. The scholarships aim at increasing their previously gained scientific knowledge and skills relevant to food security related issues. Furthermore, FSC aims at establishing an active, long-lasting collaboration with the supported researchers and their home institutions.

The application deadline is January 30, 2010. Selection is carried out on a competitive basis and the decisions will be communicated up to March 16, 2010. Regarding the details of the different scholarship programs, the application process and the requirements, please consult FSC’s webpage (www.foodsecurity.de).

ICRAF/PROTA seeks to recruit a candidate for the position of Chief Executive Officer for the Network Office Africa, reporting directly to the PROTA Board Chair and closely collaborating with the PROTA Network Office in Europe. He/she shall implement the policies of the Board in close consultation with the CEO of the Network Office Europe, and shall be responsible to the PROTA Board for the operation and management of PROTA in Africa and for ensuring that its programmes in Africa are properly developed and carried out in accordance with PROTA’s mission and objectives. The activities of the Network Office Africa will substantially increase over time, as an increasing number of tasks and activities will be gradually transferred from the Network Office Europe to the Network Office Africa before the end of 2012.

We invite you to learn more about us at:

http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org

http://www.prota.org

[please also refer to our earlier post: http://www.cropsforthefuture.org/?p=1192]

To feed a rapidly increasing population it is crucial to tap into the full range of traits in the diversity of crop varieties and their wild relatives that have been selected over thousands of years for a multiplicity of conditions and qualities.

Under the supervision of the Director, Understanding and Managing Biodiversity Programme, and based at the Regional Office for Sub-Saharan Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, the incumbent will:
- Provide scientific leadership, coordination and facilitation of research to overcome constraints to the enhanced use of plant genetic resources. More specifically, having in-depth expertise in at least one of the areas listed below, the Senior Scientist will build the necessary links to develop a cohesive programme of work encompassing all four areas:
1. Identifying and understanding the extent and distribution of genetic diversity in agricultural biodiversity, particularly of crop plant genetic resources and wild populations of useful plants;
2. Developing ways of sampling and monitoring genetic diversity applicable to evaluating the status and trends of important genepools;
3. The application of molecular genetics and genomics tools to enhance theeffectiveness and efficiency of both conservation and use of genetic resources;
4. Promoting the use and deployment of genetic diversity through activities such as prebreeding and base broadening of cultivars under production and promoting links to more general plant breeding, including breeding by farmers.
He/she will be expected to further develop such a research agenda, to be implemented in collaboration with national partners and other institutions;
- The Senior Scientist will play a key role in the development of fundraising proposals to support collaborative research in this area, as well in development the capacity of partners;
- As a member of the Sub-Saharian Reginal Office, he/she is expected to be an excellent team player and to contribute to the delivery of outputs at regional level.

Qualifications and Competencies:
Essential qualifications and competencies:
- A PhD in genetics or conservation genetics with an emphasis on plant populations, or in plantbreeding.
- At least ten years of experience working with research partners on topics related toagrobiodiversity and plant genetic resources; preferably research experience on the subject of biodiversity and the use of genetic resources; applied field experience in developing countries.
- Broad knowledge about modern genetics/genomics technologies and their potentials to contribute to research themes related to the use of plant genetic resources.
- Knowledge about population genetic structure and dynamics and their relevance to use (breeding) and conservation/monitoring.
- Knowledge of research methods, including methods for genetic diversity assessment, germplasm enhancement, crop improvement and population genetics and their application in use- related programmes.
- Demonstrated competency in communication and interpersonal skills complemented by a commitment to and demonstrated track record of working within multi-disciplinary teams and in multi-cultural environments.
- Excellent English language skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated ability to write proposals and generate funds for research.
- A substantial and sustained record of achievement and innovation through project development, implementation and delivery of results and demonstrated publication record.

Desirable qualifications and competencies
- Knowledge of CGIAR system will be an advantage.
- Working knowledge of Spanish, French, Arabic or Russian.
- Experience and networks in Africa an advantage.

For information on how to apply, please follow the instructions posted in the earlier vacancy http://www.cropsforthefuture.org/?p=1192

The Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios sobre Desarrollo at the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota, Colombia has opened three lectureships in the following fields:

1) environment and development

2) public policies, public management or public finances and economy

3) organizations, innovation, technological development and their role in development

Note that candidates have to be able to lecture in Spanish.

Closing date for applications 11 December 2009. The positions would start April 2010.

For details on the selection process and the job descriptions please contact Catalina Villegas, head of academic programs at CIDER, at this e-mail address: email hidden; JavaScript is required