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.
This technical support is required to support data management of the gene bank, which will facilitate the efficient cataloging, management, and accessibility of plant genetic resources. By streamlining data processes and ensuring accurate information retrieval, this project will contribute to the efficient preservation and utilization of valuable plant genetic diversity. Proper data management system is the backbone of a gene bank, ensuring that the genetic resources it preserves can be effectively utilized for research, conservation, and agricultural innovation. It maximizes the potential of stored genetic diversity while supporting sustainable development goals. The proposed project component will be implemented in different areas and aims to:
Ensuring Data Integrity and Accuracy: Proper data management minimizes errors in records, ensuring that information about genetic resources, such as origin, traits, and storage conditions, is accurate and reliable. Consistent data formats and validation processes help maintain the credibility of PGR information for research and development.
Facilitating Easy Access and Retrieval: A well-designed system allows users to quickly search, access, and retrieve genetic resource information. It supports advanced query capabilities, enabling researchers and breeders to identify specific traits or access historical data efficiently.
Supporting Research and Development: Accurate and organized data provides a foundation for scientific research, breeding programs, and genetic studies.It enables the identification of valuable genetic traits, contributing to crop improvement and adaptation to climate change.
Enhancing Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: A centralized data system supports collaboration among scientists, institutions, and policymakers by providing shared access to genetic resource data. It facilitates the exchange of information through interoperability with international databases like Genesys and GRIN-Global.
Ensuring Compliance with International Protocols: Proper systems ensure compliance with international agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). They help track and document the use of genetic resources, ensuring transparency and adherence to access and benefit-sharing regulations.
Securing Long-Term Preservation: Data systems ensure the accurate documentation of storage conditions, seed viability, and regeneration cycles, critical for the longevity of stored genetic materials. They provide alerts for critical actions such as regeneration or re-storage of resources nearing expiration.
Mitigating Risks of Data Loss: A proper system with regular backups and robust security measures prevents data loss from system failures, cyberattacks, or other disruptions. It ensures the preservation of decades of valuable data, safeguarding it for future generations.
Driving Decision-Making and Strategic Planning: With analytics and reporting tools, data management systems provide insights that help prioritize resources for conservation, regeneration, and research. They aid in strategic planning for gene bank operations, aligning efforts with conservation and development goals. Supporting Climate Change Adaptation: Accurate data on genetic diversity enables the identification of traits critical for developing climate-resilient crops. Proper management ensures that data on such traits remains accessible for global efforts to address environmental challenges.
Also:
• Genebank seed inventory data completion
• Compare ICBA genebank existing genetic resources with the prioritized traits and species. Look for gaps where ICBA genebank collection lacks representation of these valuable genetic resources.
• Genesys data update
• Germinate data update.
• Development of user-friendly manuals and guides for future reference.
• Comprehensive documentation of the system architecture, workflows, and processes for maintenance and scalability.
• Inclusion of troubleshooting guides and technical specifications.
• Seed viability data update, laboratory, and field experiments assistance.
• Final project report.
Note - Monthly stipend is AED 3000, and the candidate should currently be available in the UAE with a valid residency.
