Senior Research Assistant - Genetic Resources Team

Reports to: Lebanon Genebank Manager
Location: Terbol, Lebanon

Purpose of the position

The Senior Research Assistant will provide technical and operational support to research, genebank, and project activities, contributing to the conservation, characterization, regeneration, and management of plant genetic resources. The position will support the planning and implementation of field, laboratory, and genebank activities; ensure accurate collection, recording, and management of research data; and contribute to the implementation, monitoring, documentation, and reporting of project activities and deliverables.

 About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.  
ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org.

Main responsibilities           

·       Coordinate and implement field and laboratory activities under the Low-Methane Forages Project.

·       Establish and manage forage germplasm experiments, including planting, crop management, characterization, biomass assessment, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.

·       Collect agro-morphological, phenological, productivity, and other project-specific data according to agreed protocols.

·       Coordinate the collection, labelling, processing, storage, and transfer of forage samples for methane-related screening and analysis.

·       Ensure the accurate tracking of germplasm and plant samples from field establishment through processing and delivery to project partners.

·       Maintain, verify, analyze, and report project datasets, including characterization, productivity, sample-processing, and shipment records.

·       Supervise field workers and technical support staff and ensure the timely completion of activities according to project protocols and workplans.

·       Coordinate activities with ICARDA scientists, other CGIAR centres, LARI, and other project partners.

·       Contribute to project reporting, technical documentation, training, meetings, and capacity-development activities.

·       Support additional GRS activities, including germplasm regeneration, characterization, seed processing, viability testing, conservation, and documentation.

·       Perform other related duties as agreed with the supervisor.

Requirements

Education, qualifications, and experience

·       MSc in Agriculture, Plant Science, Biology, Plant Genetic Resources, or a related discipline, with a minimum of three years’ relevant experience. A BSc in a relevant discipline, combined with substantial directly relevant experience, may also be considered.

·       Demonstrated experience in supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of research activities and experiments according to established protocols.

·       Demonstrated experience in collecting, recording, organizing, and maintaining research data and related documentation accurately.

·       Demonstrated ability to coordinate field and/or laboratory activities and provide guidance to research technicians, daily labor, students, or other support staff, as required.

·       Ability to plan and prioritize research activities, anticipate operational or technical problems, and contribute to practical solutions.

·       Demonstrated ability to work independently while maintaining effective coordination with scientists, technical staff, and other functions.

·       Ability to operate and maintain relevant field and/or laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with established procedures, safety requirements, and research protocols.

·       Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel; experience with research databases, data-management systems, or relevant statistical software is an advantage.

·       Ability to contribute to the preparation of technical reports, research summaries, presentations, and other research documentation.

·       Fluency in English and the relevant national language, spoken and written, is essential.

·       Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with diverse colleagues and functions.

·       Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and activities efficiently and meet established deadlines.

Benefits

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

This is a nationally recruited position open for Lebanese nationals for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, five months’ maternity leave, 15 days’ paternity leave. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to continued need for the position and satisfactory performance.

Please be advised that ICARDA accepts applications only in English, as per the organization's standard communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.