International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)Internal/External Vacancy AnnouncementPosition: Research Assistant II Job Purpose: The purpose of this post is to participate and assist in all forage seed conservation and characterization activities at the ILRI forage genebank.Key Responsibilities:• Assists in the conservation of forage seeds in cool rooms for medium- and long-term storage• Assists in seed drying and seed moisture content determination of forage accessions• Assists in processing seed requests and safety duplicates• Responsible for measuring and recording seed weight of genebank accessions• Assists in seed purity analysis and the identification of off-types• Assists in the management of ex-situ collections and seed storage experiments• Assists in the implementation of seed research activities (e.g., variability in seed vigour and genetic integrity among seed lots) in the field, screenhouse and laboratory• Updates the database on seed conservation• Prepares and updates SOPs (Standard Operation Procedures) for germplasm conservation• Prepares draft reports of seed drying and seed storage activities• Other related duties as required by the supervisor- Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia- Job Grade: 2B- Monthly Base Salary: Birr 14,416 (Negotiable depending on experience, skill and 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.

Bachelor's

Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science/Seed Technology

Training:
• Experience on forage crops is an advantage

Skills:
• Good understanding of germplasm conservation
• Effective communication in English, both written and oral
• Rigorous approach to monitoring progress of tasks
• Ability to work in cold rooms with temperatures of 5oC to -20oC
• Efficient data recording and management skills
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team effectively

Experience:
• 3 years relevant work experience
• 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/05/19 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 21 February 2019.• Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.