IRS24138 Lab Service Manager

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 is seeking a Lab Service Manager to provide vision and leadership in the development of a genotyping and analytical shared services unit that aligns with the objectives of Breeding and Research Services (BRS), Genetic Innovation (GI) and OneCGIAR’s objectives.

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Specific duties:

• Collaboration and Coordination:
• Collaborate with CGIAR breeding teams, Genetic Innovation (GI) Initiatives, and their Work Packages.
• Indirectly report to and oversee select labs, Service Managers, and regional Service Coordinators.
• Liaise and coordinate with members of the Breeding Research Services (BRS) Management Team.
• Leadership and Development:
• Lead the development of a business model to operationalize genotyping and analytical shared services, ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Lead regional service labs and staff members to coordinate and operationalize lab shared services.
• Develop and operationalize a transition plan for selecting regional labs and capacities in alignment with the new BRS operating model under GI.
• Lead lab service demand forecasting activities to ensure optimal usage, cost, and service requirements are met.
• Management and Oversight:
• Oversee budget management for the annual lab services team across Centers and regions.
• Manage BRS – Global Shared Services (GSS) lab service activities, including:
• Establishing and managing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Establishing a framework and leading the CGIAR/NARES molecular breeding capacity assessment.
• Working closely with the BRS leadership team to design services and negotiate contracts with internal and external providers, ensuring up-to-date lab service offerings.
• Foster stakeholder engagement with Breeding Leads, Initiative Leads, and Center leadership to ensure smooth operation and coordination of lab services. 
• Capacity Building and Fundraising:
• Develop and oversee a capacity development and staffing plan for lab services.
• Manage budget and fundraising efforts to support the enhancement of lab services.

• A Ph.D. in life sciences or related fields, or an MBA with comparable experience in managing Research & Development (R&D) services for product development. MSc. in life science related fields candidates will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience (10 years) in applied breeding and applications of molecular and analytical tools.
• Business acumen and experience in managing global or regional services for R&D.
• Budget management and resource mobilization experience in multi-national or international organization.
• Leadership experience in complex or multi-stakeholder organization.
• Skills in multi-disciplinary team building.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Public and private partnership experience.
• Private sector or seed industry experience.
• International work experience.
• The selected requires the following competencies: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Teamwork, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision Making.

The position is for an initial fixed term of 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.

Candidates must apply online for IRS24138_Lab Service Manager.

Screening and follow up of applications will begin on, August 30th , 2024.

Applications must include a CV, a cover letter, and the contact details (phone number and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that our HR department 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.