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. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.
The technical research support contractual staff will be an integral part of the ICBA’s premier Desert Life Sciences Laboratory (DLSL) to help and facilitate routine molecular biology lab and allied field activities through active participation for genetic improvement of diverse crops like quinoa, salicornia, ghaf, date palm and many more. The more specific role will include DNA/RNA extraction, primer designing, screening of breeding populations using PCR based markers, assisting in sequencing, help tissue culture expert to test genetic fidelity, and related activities.
- Assist in DNA and RNA extraction from quinoa, date palm, Salicornia and others as required.
- Primer designing for the identified InDel regions and validation of primers through wet lab experimentation.
- Hybridity testing of F1 progenies using molecular markers.
- Genotyping of breeding populations of Chenopodium quinoa plants using molecular markers.
- Assist in NGS library preparation and sequencing.
- Performing stress-responsive greenhouse experiments.
- Compilation of results and report preparation.
- Assist in manuscript data compilation and manuscript writing.
- Master’s in plant biotechnology/ plant breeding or allied fields.
- Previous experience in plant biotechnology/plant breeding is desirable.
- Advanced computer skills
- Proficiency in Arabic and English
Other Preferred Skills and Competencies
- Knowledge of basics of plant breeding
- 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
*Candidate should be available in the UAE with a valid UAE residency.
*Monthly stipend - AED3,500.