Technical Support - Plant Molecular Biology
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin.
The Technical support will support ICBA’s Desert Life Sciences Laboratory through actively participating in the field and lab activities for genetic improvement of the quinoa and other crop plants. Specifically, this will include DNA/RNA extraction, primer designing, screening of breeding populations using PCR based markers, assist in sequencing etc.
- Primer designing for the identified InDel regions and validation of primers through wet lab experimentation.
- Genotyping of F2 populations of Chenopodium quinoa plants using InDel marker.
- Assist in DNA and RNA extraction from quinoa, date palm and Salicornia.
- Assist in NGS library preparation and sequencing.
- Hybridity testing of F1 progenies using molecular markers.
- Perform plant breeding selection from the segregating generations with the ICBA’s breeding team.
- Performing stress responsive greenhouse experiments.
- Compilation of results and report preparation
- Master’s in plant breeding/ biotechnology or allied fields.
- Previous experience in plant breeding / biotechnology is desirable.
- Proficiency in English, written and spoken
- Proficiency in Arabic desirable
- Advanced computer skills
Other Skills and Competencies
- Plant breeding activities.
- Analytical skills in molecular breeding and biotechnology
- Handling large-scale data sets, data compilation and report writing
- Superior interpersonal and networking skills
- Results-driven, problem-solving, innovative, and able to work on own initiative
- Ability to multi-task and improve efficiencies in own field of work
- Professional, dynamic, and proactive attitude
Note - The candidate should currently be available in the UAE with a valid residency.