The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)Vacancy Announcement Position: Research Associate II - Germplasm HealthJob Purpose: The purpose of this post is to participate and assist the activities related to germplasm health at the ILRI forage genebankKey Responsibilities:• Carry out surveillance on plant diseases and pests in different field stations of the Genebank and provide suggestion for proper fungicides and pesticides application• Conduct greenhouse bioassays for determining virulence of viral, bacterial, phytoplasma and fungal pathogens including host propagation, inoculation, evaluation and data recording• Prepare the reports corresponding to the germplasm health evaluation in the laboratory and field• Maintain accurate records of laboratory and field activities in the database• Apply for the issuing of the phytosanitary certificate for germplasm request and export of Genebank materials• Collaborate in the management and implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) and comply with all the requirements of the system• Assist in the planning, organizing and execution of the Germplasm Health Unit (GHU) activities• Assist in preparing and updating Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for the GHU• Assist in maintenance and calibration of the GHU equipment• Perform inventory counts and request for quotation for GHU activities• Assist in daily supervision of activities and equipment, and the training of temporary staff and students• Carry out the technical activities in the laboratory during the night, weekend and public holiday if reasonably requested according to the SOPs• Other related duties as required and assigned by the supervisor- Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia- Grade: 11- Monthly Base Salary: Birr 14,416 (Negotiable depending on salary history of the candidate).- Terms of appointment: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position, initial appointment is for three year with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc. The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus in Addis Ababa. Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Diploma

Education
• Bachelor degree of Diploma with Plant Pathology/Seed Technology
Training:
• Experience on QMS is an advantage
Skills:
• Effective communication in English, both written and oral
• Good understanding of molecular laboratory techniques
• Broad knowledge of plant diseases, pests, and Integrated pest management (IPM)
• Knowledge of basic statistical analysis and experimental design principles
• Basic knowledge of chemistry, math and biology
• Ability to learn new technologies and apply it to solve problems
• Ability to operate and maintain the laboratory equipment
• Time management skills to work on several different projects at once
• Efficient data recording and management skills
• Ability to work as a team member as well as independently
• Ability to work with laboratory chemicals, fungicides and other potential irritating substances
• Ability to do routine and repetitious work for long hours in the laboratory or field
• Flexibility to make occasional additional hours of work or days of weekend if reasonably requested

Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two years relevant experience Or Diploma in relevant field with four years of relevant experience
• Experience in plant diseases diagnosis in the laboratory and field
• Experience working in laboratory, screenhouse and field environments
• Experienced in the growth and propagation of plants, preferably forages
• Experience in seed technology or conservation of plant genetic resources
• Experience in using a database

3-5 years

• Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number: REF: RA/19/19 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com by clicking on the "Apply Now" tab above before 14 May 2019.• To find out more about ILRI visit our website at https://www.ilri.org• Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.