About the role

The Research Associate will be based in Nairobi-Kenya and will report to the Plant Breeding Statistics Expert. The selected candidate will offer support through expertise in experimental design and data analysis to achieve the common goal of realized genetic gains of potato and sweetpotato varieties on farmers’ fields in Africa and around the globe. S/he will be a member of our data management and biometrics unit, contributing to global breeding and research activities, capacity building and scientific publications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support CIP and NARS plant breeders with the implementation of state-of-the-art experimental designs and data analysis methods.
• As member of the CIP data management and biometrics unit, work closely with the GI Breeding Analytics team to the modernization of data management and statistical practices applied at CIP.
• Implement quality control and data curation measures for breeding data and phenotyping trials to ensure accuracy and reliability of data collected.
• Play a pivotal role in optimizing breeding data workflows centered around BreedBase to ensure high quality data that is ready for analysis.
• Participate in the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) both for data management and statistical methodologies relevant for the potato and sweetpotato breeding programs.
• Contribute to publications and documentation related to statistical methods that are applied to make data-driven decisions in our breeding activities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in statistics, biometrics, mathematics, quantitative genetics or breeding.
• At least 6 years’ experience in experimental design for breeding trials and phenotypic data analysis using linear mixed models.
• Proficiency in statistical software R, with respect to data manipulation, generation of experimental designs and mixed models. Knowledge of ASReml-R package is a plus.
• Knowledge of genomic selection modelling is considered an advantage.
• Former experience as biometrician supporting a breeding program is considered an advantage.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Hard working with ability to handle multiple work activities in an effective manner.