ENGLISH VERSION ON PAGE 1

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
RESEARCH ASSISTANT in PLANT PATHOLOGY
Ref.: GSS/DR4D/06/2022/13

The Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified research assistant in plant pathology to be based
at AfricaRice’s 700 ha experimental station at M’bé, near Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire.

About AfricaRice
AfricaRice is a leading Pan – African rice research organization committed to improving the livelihoods in Africa though
strong science and effective partnerships. AfricaRice is one of the 15 international agricultural research centers that
are members of the CGIAR System Organization (CSO). It is also an Intergovernmental association of African member
countries. Its membership comprises of 28 countries, covering West, Central, East and North African regions.

Job Purpose
Under the Genetic Diversity Improvement (GDI) program, the Plant Pathology unit's overall goal is to develop and
improve ways to reduce crop losses caused by plant diseases. The unit focuses on developing effective disease
control measures that are not damaging to the environment, do not threaten consumer safety, and are compatible
with the production of a sustainable and profitable rice crop. The Plant Pathology unit comprises of four major
components; 1) disease diagnosis: detection, identification and characterization of plant pathogens; 2) understnading
biology, ecology, epidemiology, and spread of plant pathogens and their relationships with hosts and vectors; 3) plant
disease resistance; and 4) biological and cultural strategies for sustainable disease management.

The successful candidate will assist the Plant Pathologist in conducting applied plant pathology research to advance
the above components.

Major Responsibilities
Under the supervision of AfricaRice head of plant pathology unit, S/He will perform these below activities:

• Support the design and implementation of plant pathology trials in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory, as
well as the recording and analysis of plant pathology and agronomic data and the writing of monthly and
annual reports
• Perform routine nucleic acid manipulations in the lab, and support analysis of nucleic acid sequence data.
• Work with the technicians to conduct research activities such as planting, harvesting, pest and weed
management, and data collection in field trials
• Assist student interns and graduate students in completing assignments
• Collaborate with the agronomists and provide periodic support for other research initiatives at the Genetic
Diversity Improvement (GDI) program
• Assist the Plant Pathologist with outreach and publication authoring.
• Assist in drafting of the Standard Operation Procedure (SOPs) for plant pathology unit operations as part of
the Quality management
• Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor
 Qualifications/Selection criteria

Academic qualifications:
• Holding a master’s degree or equivalent in Plant Pathology or molecular microbiology.

Professional experience and key competencies:

• At least 5 years’ experience in Plant Pathology, particularly molecular detection of pathogens.
• A good knowledge of disease diagnosis tools such as PCR and LAMP, with experience in their use.
• Computer literate with an experience in using software commonly used in agronomic research, including R
environment
Language
• The candidate should communicate fluently (oral and writing) in both languages English and French or having
a good working knowledge in the other language.

Terms and Conditions

• This is an regionally recruited position.
• AfricaRice provides an attractive salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working
environment.
• The contract will be for an initial period of five (05) months with the possibility of renewal based on
performance and availability of funding.
How to apply
• Only online applications will be considered (If you encounter any technical issue on the career site during your application,
or you are prevented to proceed with your application until its final completion: Please kindly revert to us along with the
screenshot of the issue through this email: africariceHR@cgiar.org). Applications are not allowed through this email.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To Apply click on this following link: http://eservices.africarice.org/application/index.php and follow

these below instructions:
1. Create an account if you are a new user, if not log on with your credentials to access active vacancies
2. Select “research assistant in plant pathology ”
3. Follow the step by step application procedure.

Not later than 15 July 2022.

AfricaRice promotes equal opportunities and believes that the diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.
We thank all candidates, but remember that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more information on AfricaRice, please visit our website at: www.AfricaRice.org