Job Description

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org

CIMMYT seeks a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to its Genome Editing (GE) Platform for target crops within biotechnology research programs. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team working on genome editing for multiple traits across crops such as maize, wheat, groundnut, pearl millet, and sorghum. The position involves developing advanced genome editing technologies and translating discoveries into global crop breeding programs.

The selected scientist will conduct and publish high-impact research in collaboration with internal teams and external academic and industry partners. The candidate will also contribute to mentoring students and visiting scientists while ensuring adherence to stewardship, biosafety, and laboratory best practices. This position reports to the Lead of Precision Genetics.

The location of this position will be CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.

Specific Duties

• Design and develop genome editing constructs using CRISPR-Cas and related systems.
• Generate transient and stable edited lines using Agrobacterium-mediated and biolistic transformation.
• Analyze edited events using molecular and sequencing tools.
• Apply sgRNA libraries for genome-wide editing studies.
• Contribute to protocol optimization, phenotyping, proposal writing, and manuscript preparation.
• Present and publish research findings.
• Supervise students and visiting scientists.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 2–3 years of postdoctoral experience in plant molecular biology with peer-reviewed publications.
• Proven expertise in plant genome editing, molecular construct engineering, plant transformation, and tissue culture.
• Working knowledge of bioinformatics tools related to genome editing.
• Strong scientific writing, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently in a multicultural research environment.

Desirable Skills

· Experience in tissue culture-free genome editing and nuclease engineering.

· Hands-on expertise in transformation and tissue culture of at least one CIMMYT target crop.

Benefits

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.