Plant Virologist

Job Description

AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center is a nonprofit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and regional offices around the globe. AVRDC conducts research and development programs that contribute to improved incomes and diets in the developing world. The Center is seeking a highly motivated Plant Virologist to lead and conduct virus research on vegetables towards the development of improved resistant varieties and safe vegetable production technology for resource-poor farmers in the developing world.

Key Responsibilities
1. Identify priority viruses of AVRDC’s target crops based on their geographic distribution, incidence, and effects on production and yield.

2. Conduct research on priority viruses infecting the Center’s target crops to:
- Determine the etiology, epidemiology and control of plant virus diseases;
- Develop biological and molecular tools for effective characterization and diagnosis of viruses/strains and to study host-pathogen interactions;
- Develop effective screening and rating methods to support development of multi-disease resistant improved breeding lines;
- Identify sources of resistance to viruses infecting vegetable crops;
- Work with the Center's vegetable breeders and molecular biologists to determine the mechanisms of virus disease resistance and to develop virusderived resistance or utilizing other novel resistance mechanisms;
- Work with the center's scientists to develop and disseminate integrated disease management packages.

3. Create strategic alliances among scientists at the Center, national agricultural research and extension systems, advanced research institutes and other partners to advance virus research and the impact of research results.

4. Train, mentor and supervise graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and staff of partner organizations to build capacity in all aspects of virus research.

5. Publish research outputs in peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate formats.

6. Prepare, coordinate and develop grant proposals for multidisciplinary research and development projects.

Qualifications
• PhD in plant virology, microbiology or a closely related field, with five or more years experience; knowledge of viruses infecting vegetables would be an advantage.
• Experience in using bioinformatic and statistical tools; and excellent computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in refereed international scientific journals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to motivate, inspire and promote team-work in an interdisciplinary, multicultural, and transcontinental context.
• Experience in fund-raising, proposal preparation and project management.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English; knowledge of other international languages advantageous.
• Willing to travel especially in the developing world.

Terms of Appointment: The position will be based at the AVRDC's Headquarters in Taiwan. The initial appointment is for two years with possibility of re-appointments. Salary and perquisites are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application: Submit a letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, with names, and contact addresses (phone number and e-mail) of three referees to Ms Lilia Tan-Habacon, Human Resources Manager, AVRDC - The World Vegetable Center, P.O. Box 42, Shanhua, Tainan 74199, Taiwan; e-mail:

Review of Applications: The review of application will begin 26 May 2008 and continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.