World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a nonprofit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the Global South through increased production and consumption of nutritious and health-promoting vegetables. For more information about World Vegetable Center, visit: worldveg.org
WorldVeg seeks a Scientist – Plant Virology to join its ongoing research on developing economical, environmentally safe, and sustainable disease management strategies for improving human, plant, and environmental health. The position will be based at WorldVeg's headquarters in Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan, and within the Safe and Sustainable Value Chains Program.
Key Responsibilities:
● Lead, collaborate, and conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments on screening germplasm and breeding populations for resistance/tolerance in vegetables and legumes to virus diseases in close collaboration with and responding to requests by WorldVeg breeders.
● Carry out research and development activities in induced resistance and molecular approaches in the management of virus diseases in vegetables and legumes.
● Provide scientific leadership and build partnerships in Vegetable Pathology, particularly Virology, emphasizing integrated disease management programs in tropical Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
● Develop seed health testing methods and conduct Pest Risk Assessments.
● Supervise a team of dedicated staff, students, and co-workers at WorldVeg regional centers and headquarters.
● Enhance partners' capacity to develop and promote integrated disease management approaches.
● Actively interact and collaborate with other research programs (internally and externally) to develop, implement, and lead innovative Vegetable Pathology (Virology) R&D activities.
● Actively contribute to project management, reporting, and resource mobilization.
● Perform any other duties as required by the supervisor and needs of the Center.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
● PhD degree in plant pathology or plant protection with at least 5 years of experience working with vegetable and/or legume diseases and seed pathogens, especially viruses.
● Experience in molecular diagnostics and characterization of virus and viroid pathogens.
● Familiarity with phytosanitary requirements and pest risk assessment will be an advantage.
● Experience initiating experiments, experimental design, execution of experimental plans, and analyzing results.
● Strong track record of proposal writing, project management, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
● Fluency in spoken and written English, with good and effective communication skills.
● Team player, able to work in a multicultural environment and interact effectively with partners.
The Reward:
This is an Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. This position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years, with the possibility of renewal based on performance, organizational needs, and funding availability. The position will be available from 01 January 2025.
The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg's Five Core Values:
- Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing Supports the conduct of world-class science, respects ethical standards, and is committed to transparently sharing results.
- Commitment to Impact Aspires to achieve positive, tangible, and lasting impact by contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
- Commitment to Partnerships Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development.
- Respect for People Respect the diversity of gender, culture, ethnic origin, religion, age, beliefs, and views.
- Respect for the Environment Strives to minimize its environmental impact and to introduce greener technology and practices.
How to Apply:
Applicants should submit a letter of application in English language explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with a curriculum vitae, a recent passport-size photograph, the names and contact details (including phone numbers and e-mail addresses) of three referees, and date of availability to human.resources@worldveg.org before 06 December 2024. Please send your application package in one PDF file and mention the position title in the subject line.