The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a Research Assistant with a high level of commitment to support the head of Plant Pathology Laboratory with the coordination and implementation of activities related to molecular testing at the laboratory.

The Center

CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions. CIP is headquartered in Lima, Peru, with staff and activities in over 30 locations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. CIP is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a general agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The Position

This position will be based in Lima, Peru (La Molina) and will report to the Coordinator of Plant Pathology Laboratory. The selected candidate will coordinate and conduct activities that are carried out at the Laboratory on a daily basis.

Key Responsibilities





- Extraction of total nucleic acids and siRNAs and libraries preparation from samples of potato/sweetpotato and ARTCs (Andean roots and tuber crops).
- Continue with the scheme of validation of PCR & RT-PCR for the detection of ARTCs viruses. Identification, analysis and solution of inconsistencies to conclude the validation process.
- Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data of potato and sweetpotato germplasm samples for sRSA routine testing.
- Bioinformatic analyses of sequencing data of ARTCs for validation of sRSA testing.
- Inter-laboratory testing of viruses by sRSA (includes verification by PCR of the virus (s) reported by HTS).
- Design of primers for specific detection of new virus species or strains, bacteria or insects in potato, sweetpotato, ARTCs and other prioritized crops.
- Standardization of PCR, RT-PCR and/or qPCR for the detection of pathogens in priority crops as part of the new service development plan.
- Upload the revised results of molecular analyses performed by the Laboratory technician and their own.
- Maintain the order and cleaning of Laboratory facilities and equipment, records of dataloggers of critical equipment as well as preventive/corrective maintenance and calibration records.
- Generate reports of activities as per request: weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
- Support the Coordinator of the lab with administrative activities: request quotations to suppliers for equipment maintenance, purchase of reagents and/or consumables, update the master file of annual expenses and recoveries.

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📌 -32 Research Assistant (Lima)
🏢 International Potato Center (CIP)
📍 Lima