Research Associate – Genebank Information Specialist at World Vegetable Center | March 2024

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a nonprofit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the developing world through increased production and consumption of nutritious and health-promoting vegetables. For more information about World Vegetable Center, please visit our website: worldveg.org
WorldVeg seeks to recruit a Research Associate – Genebank Information Specialist and Quality Management.
The incumbent will be based in the Center’s regional office for Eastern and Southern Africa in Arusha, Tanzania.

Key Responsibilities
• Information and data management of legal documentation, passport, characterization, and evaluation data of genebank accessions in GRIN-Global Community Edition (GGCE) and Genesys
(https://www.genesys-pgr.org/) with a focus on Africa’s Vegetable Genebank in Tanzania and in connection with the International Vegetable Genebank in Taiwan.
• Digitalize, automate, and innovate in the collection, processing, storage, and publication of vegetable biodiversity data for better vegetable germplasm information management, including the use of GGCE and Genesys.
• Information system, database, and web service maintenance of Africa’s Vegetable Genebank in Tanzania and be the deputy staff member for Information Management Procedures in Tanzania supporting HQ’s genebank information and quality management specialist.
• Responsible for the genebank quality management, including setting targets in consultation with the genebank team, monitoring progress, and providing templates and training for document management and auditing of WorldVeg genebank in Tanzania.
• Host the Quality Certification Procedures of internal auditing in Tanzania.
• Provide support to information and data management of the International Vegetable Genebank in Taiwan if needed.
• Perform any other duties as required by the needs of the Center and as directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications
• MS degree in computer science, data science, biodiversity informatics or similar.
• Excellent computational skills in database, statistical analysis and customized software applications used in database management softwares (e.g. SSMS or MySQL workbench).
• An experience on germplasm information management (eg. GGCE, Genesys, or Grin-Global) will be an added advantage.
• Experience in developing Quality Management Manual and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Excellent English communication and writing skills.
• MSSQL or other SQL language, php or javascript, java or C++, and basic HTML, CSS programming skills.
• Familiar with at least one Linux operating system.
• Minimum one year experience in database management, statistical computing and/ or machine learning.
The Reward: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. The initial appointment is for two year and may be extended depending on requirement, funding availability, and performance of the incumbent. The position is available with immediate effect.
The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg’s Five Core Values:
1. Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing Supports the conduct of world-class science, respects ethical standards, and is committed to sharing results in a transparent manner.
2. Commitment to Impact Aspires to achieve positive, tangible, and lasting impact contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Commitment to Partnerships Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development.
4. Respect for People Respect the diversity of gender, culture, ethnic origin, religion, age, beliefs, and views.
5. Respect for the Environment Strives to minimize its environmental impact and to introduce greener technology and practices.

How to Apply: 

Applicants should submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with a curriculum vitae, a recent passport-size photograph, names, and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability to info-esa@worldveg.org or the job bank site before 31 March 2024. Please mention the position title in the subject line.