Biotech Consultant – Potato Disease Diagnostics

About the role

The International Potato Center (CGIAR) is seeking a Biotech Consultant for its Global Biotech Potato Partnership (GBPP) project in Nairobi. The project uses a 3 R-gene stack of late blight-resistant genes to give existing popular potato varieties durable resistance, aiming to raise yields, reduce fungicide use by up to 90% and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The consultant's work centres on molecular diagnostics of potato diseases.

Key responsibilities

• Molecular diagnostics of potato diseases.
• Molecular characterization of transgenic events by PCR, RTq-PCR, Southern blot, sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Validation of event-specific detection in the field.
• Perform bio-assays using artificial infection of potato plants with local strains in a biosafety glasshouse and other biosafety-approved facilities.
• P. infestans effector screening.
• Report writing and submission.

Required profile

• BSc in Biology, Biotechnology or a related field.
• Biology background with experience in disease diagnostics.
• At least one year of experience in tissue culture, preferably with roots, tubers or bananas.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

The consultancy contract has a maximum duration of 60 days.