Research Assistant – Traditional Vegetables Genebank  (Arusha, Tanzania) 

Position Announcement Research Assistant – Traditional Vegetables Genebank 

(Arusha, Tanzania) 

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and five regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to realize the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. For more information please visit our website: worldveg.org. 

WorldVeg develops technologies, knowledge products and solutions for vegetable production, storage and processing as outputs of its research and development efforts. To ensure their effective adoption, the Center develops capacity within national agricultural research and extension services, non-governmental and community-based organizations, farming communities, etc. Based on a new 8-year operational plan spanning 2017-2025, WorldVeg is in the process of expanding vegetable R&D interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa to increase vegetable production, household income and consumption. Vegetable biodiversity is a key factor for breeding new varieties and diversifying production systems. Traditional African vegetables, with their high nutrient content and suitability for smallholder farmers, play a key role in improving diets and income in the region. 

WorldVeg’s Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) holds a unique germplasm collection of African traditional vegetables and uses this material to develop new vegetable varieties for the benefit of smallholder farmers and consumers in the region. The incumbent will be based at the WorldVeg Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa located in Arusha, Tanzania, and report to the Scientist – Traditional Vegetables Conservation and Utilization with oversight responsibilities by the Regional Director of WorldVeg ESA. 

The Job: The Research Assistant – Traditional Vegetables Genebank will have the following key responsibilities: 

• Conduct seed inventory and monitor seed health and viability in the genebank; 
• Develop experimental plans, supervise field activities for regeneration and characterization of genebank accessions and analyze the collected data; 
• Update, compile and periodically submit germplasm data to databases; 
• Assist with handling seed requests and germplasm distribution to requesters in and outside the Center; 
• Contribute to project activities involving traditional African vegetables and field surveys; 
• Collaborate with breeders, genebank scientists, nutrition specialist, molecular breeders and other scientists to characterize African traditional vegetable accessions and identify suitable lines for variety development; 
• Perform agronomical and physiological analyses in field trials; 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Position requirements: 
• A Master degree in Agronomy, Plant Genetic Resources, Plant breeding, Horticulture or in a related field. 
• Minimum one year of experience in germplasm management, including conservation, characterization or evaluation. 
• Experience in conducting field experiments. 
• Knowledge of seed quality management, seed conservation (medium and long-term) is essential. 
• Basic knowledge of plant physiology and reproductive systems. 
• Familiarity with the legal situation of germplasm movement, especially with regard to the Tanzanian legislative framework for seed import and export. 
• Excellent computational skills in database, statistical analysis and customized software applications used in genebanks is an advantage. 
• Excellent communication skills. 
• High motivation to develop new skills. 

The Reward: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff position with competitive pay and benefits. The position is only open to Tanzanian nationals or candidates with legal permission to work in Tanzania. The initial appointment is for one year and may be extended depending on requirement, funding availability, and performance of the incumbent. The position is available with immediate effect. 

How to Apply: Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with a detailed curriculum vita, a recent passport size photograph, names and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability. Please send applications stating the job title “Research Assistant – Traditional vegetables Genebank” by e-mail to [email protected] by the closing date on 15 October 2019. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.