The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is inviting applications for four MSc Graduate Fellowship positions under the Forage Genebank Team within the Livestock Genetics, Nutrition and Feed Resources Program. The fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for students interested in plant genetics, biodiversity conservation, genomics, and bioinformatics to gain practical research experience while contributing to the conservation and characterization of valuable forage genetic resources.

About the Fellowship

Successful fellows will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they will work on genetic diversity studies of forage species maintained in the ILRI Forage Genebank, one of the world's most diverse collections of forage grasses, legumes, and fodder trees. Participants will join a multidisciplinary team involved in the conservation, characterization, and distribution of forage genetic resources.

The fellowship will provide valuable exposure to:

1. Plant genetic diversity research
2. Genotyping and genetic data analysis
3. Bioinformatics applications in agricultural research
4. Scientific writing and publication
5. Research presentation and communication skills

Key Responsibilities

Fellows will be expected to:

1. Conduct literature reviews on genetic resource conservation and diversity assessment of forage crops.
2. Analyze genotyping data and prepare summaries for reports and manuscripts.
3. Contribute to MSc thesis development and writing.
4. Prepare scientific articles and conference posters for dissemination of research findings.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should:

1. Be enrolled in an MSc program and have completed coursework, ready to commence thesis research.
2. Hold a Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Plant Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, or a related discipline.
3. Have experience in molecular genetics, quantitative genetics, or bioinformatics.
4. Possess skills in genetic data analysis; experience with R statistical software is an added advantage.
5. Demonstrate good communication and scientific writing skills in English.

Fellowship Benefits

ILRI will provide:

1. A monthly stipend to support living expenses.
2. Medical insurance coverage.
3. Research support expenses.
4. Joint supervision by ILRI researchers and academic supervisors.
5. Capacity development and professional growth opportunities within an internationally recognized research institution.

Application Information

Interested candidates should submit:

1. A cover letter expressing interest and motivation for the fellowship.
2. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Academic certificates and transcripts.
4. Contact details of three professional or academic referees.

For full details and application instructions, visit:

ILRI Jobs Portal – MSc Graduate Fellow Opportunity