The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.
The incumbant will support ICBA’s Desert Life Sciences Laboratory by actively participating in the lab and related field activities for the genetic improvement of quinoa and other target crop plants. Specifically, this will include DNA/RNA extraction, primer designing, screening of breeding populations using PCR-based markers, assisting in sequencing etc.
1. Primer designing for the identified InDel regions.
2. Genotyping of two populations of Chenopodium quinoa consisting of about 550 plants using InDel marker.
3. Assist in DNA and RNA extraction from wheat, date palm and Salicornia.
4. Assist in NGS library preparation and sequencing.
5. Help in plant sample collection from from the segregating breeding generations with the ICBA’s breeding team.
6. Compilation of results.
• Master’s in plant breeding/ biotechnology or allied fields.
• Hands-on proven experience in biotechnology, plant genetics or allied fields in well-established / reputed lab is essential.
• Proficiency in English, written and spoken
• Proficiency in Arabic desirable
• Advanced computer skills
Other Skills and Competencies
• Plant selection and sampling activities.
• Analytical skills in molecular breeding and biotechnology
• Handling large-scale data sets, data compilation and report writing
• Superior interpersonal and networking skills
• Results-driven, problem-solving, innovative, and able to work on own initiative
• Ability to multi-task and improve efficiencies in own field of work
• Professional, dynamic, and proactive attitude
