Position Details
Position Summary
Brethren Volunteer Service has an all-expense-paid (room/board at the center +$250/mo stipend) position seeking an individual/couple to work on Community-based participatory breeding activities from a research facilities located in the District of Yanqing, Beijing, China. This position is new, so there is no existing model for accomplishing this work. We seek an individual that can work across cultures, and languages, uniting farmers in a common purpose. The individual must respect Chinese and international cultures and have a natural humility while working with farmers in Yanqing District, and scientists and students at the research facilities. This position will be unique in its role, responsibilities, and undertaking, as it will require initiating a mechanism to work with farmers, scientists and students to develop a new and as-yet-untried method of working in the community. The individual is expected to bring novel ideas and have a gritty work ethic to deliver fruition. There is opportunity to do additional off-season work in the fully equipped trait/biotech lab with international staff.
Project Details
Duration: One Year, with the potential for extension
Location: Beijing (Yanqing District)
Job Type: Volunteer, all-expense-paid (room/board +$250/mo stipend)
Required Expertise
- MS or Ph.D. (or extensive experience) in breeding, biology, agriculture, or related fields
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with a wide range of individuals, including non-professionals, farmers, students, scientists, academics, and government officials from within China and internationally.
- Strong team-building skills
- Humble fearless leader
- Innovator
Preferred Skills
Some may be learned on the job.
- understanding of potato breeding and genetics, and ability to quickly assess and interpret information to develop goals.
- Knowledge of breeding traits necessary for quality, and how to achieve them.
- Knowledge of biotic and abiotic plant stresses
Project Objectives
- With the support of staff, establish a community-based Participatory Potato Breeding Program with farmers in Yanqing District
- Utilize germplasm from the Breeding Resources Center and breeding projects with input from farmers and scientists to establish a suitable breeding project/s ensuring that all stakeholders’ opinions are included.
- Establish and manage a breeders’ network for sharing information
- Invite farmers (and others as required) for round table discussions on goals and achievements
- Develop workshops for capacity training: breeding, agronomy, business management and financial management are potential ideas.
- Develop objectives by personal interest, or as deemed necessary for the advancement of projects.
Apply Now
Questions? email drarroz903@gmail.com
