Pathogen Elimination & Post-Entry Quarantine Specialist (N-26-30)

About the role: The Pathogen Elimination & Post-Entry Quarantine Specialist will be based at the CIP Headquarters and supervise activities related to germplasm acquisition and pathogen elimination in in vitro plants. Key responsibilities: Lead and supervise related to germplasm acquisition, post-entry quarantine pathogen elimination and in vitro introduction. Coordinate with curators and germplasm health units (GHU) and external authorities regarding germplasm acquisition, importation and phytosanitary compliance. Monitor maintenance of imported plant materials and ensure compliance with national and international phytosanitary requirements. Provide technical guidance to technicians and assistants to establish pathogen-free germplasm collections. Supervise services provided internal including germplasm introduction, pathogen and phytosanitary support. Coordinate the transfer of healthy, viable, pathogen-free material into long-term in vitro conservation systems. Coordinate conservation and long-term maintenance of pathogen-free germplasm collections to ensure availability for research, distribution, and safety duplication. Monitor accession status, collection integrity, and phytosanitary records within the Genebank database and ensure data quality. Coordinate preparation and phytosanitary verification of material destined for safety duplication and domestic and international backup collections. Support development and continuous improvement of conservation workflows, common laboratory areas, and quality management systems. Analyze laboratory results and determine whether accessions can be declared pathogen-free or require additional treatments. Ensure the proper functioning of laboratories and equipment used in the pathogen elimination and quarantine activities. Provide internal and external training on germplasm health, conservation, quarantine and quality management procedures. Act as a lead focal point for CGIAR Genebank QMS standards and ISO/IEC 17025 implementation and compliance. Supervise the work of assigned team members including performance evaluations, succession planning and creation of individual development plans. Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures. Requirements Master's degree in Plant Pathology, Biology, Agronomy, or a related discipline. At least six (6) years of relevant professional experience in germplasm health, in vitro conservation, pathogen elimination, or other activities related to genebank management. Demonstrated expertise in: o ISO/IEC 17025 and Quality Management Systems (QMS); o genetic resources conservation and management; o germplasm health and phytosanitary procedures; o laboratory information and data management systems; o pathogen elimination techniques, including thermotherapy and meristem culture. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent written and spoken English.