The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is a non-profit, autonomous international agricultural research center with headquarters in Taiwan and five regional offices around the globe. WorldVeg conducts research and development programs that contribute to realizing the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. For more information please visit our website: worldveg.org
WorldVeg holds the world’s largest collection of vegetable germplasm in the public domain. The Center has vegetable breeding programs in Asia and Africa, has strong connections to the seed sector, and is well-placed to develop improved cultivars with traits for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, enhanced shelf life, improved nutrient content, and quality. The Center is strengthening its collaborations with advanced research institutions and universities and is currently modernizing its research infrastructure, including its chemical analytics laboratory.
WorldVeg seeks to employ a Postdoctoral Scientist - Chemical Analysis, to strengthen the research capacity of the Center’s chemical analysis laboratory. The incumbent will be based at the Center’s headquarters in Shanhua, Tainan, Taiwan, will contribute to the Flagship Program – Healthy Diets, and report to the Flagship Program Leader – Healthy Diets.
Key job responsibilities:
1. Coordinate and supervise chemical analysis conducted in the WorldVeg chemical analysis laboratory.
Coordinate and facilitate chemical analyses in the Center’s facilities as well as in laboratories of research
partners or service providers.
2. Develop and validate methods for analysis and quantification of nutrients and phytonutrients in vegetables
and vegetable-based dishes.
3. Develop methods, protocols, and capacity to analyze compounds involved in the interactions between
plants and pathogens/pests in collaboration with the Center’s pathologists and entomologists.
4. Collect, compile, analyze, and archive data and prepare internal and official reports, including writing reports,
and attending review meetings.
5. Contribute to the writing of publications, presentations, and project reports and contribute to grant
proposals for projects involving chemical analysis.
6. Remain updated on the literature and new technologies for chemical analytics of food and vegetables.
7. Train staff, students, partners, and visiting scientists in chemical analysis methods, laboratory safety, and
good laboratory practice.
8. Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
The Person: Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in Food Chemistry, Agricultural Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or in a related discipline with a demonstrated specialization in the chemical analysis of crops, food, soil, and farm inputs. The person has strong technical and problem-solving skills, willing to be trained in new methodologies and procedures, and provides services to the scientists in all of the Center’s flagships. Handson experience in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and in the analysis of mass spectroscopy data is highly desired. She/he has good communication skills in spoken and written English. The candidate must be able to work as part of multidisciplinary teams in a multicultural and multinational environment.
The Reward: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position with competitive pay and benefits. The appointment is for one year to be extended annually.
The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg’s Five Core Values:
The candidate we hire will embody WorldVeg’s Five Core Values:
| 1. Dedication to Innovation and Knowledge Sharing | Supports the conduct of world-class science, respects ethical standards, and is committed to sharing results in a transparent manner |
| 2. Commitment to Impact | Aspires to achieve positive, tangible, and lasting impact contributing to Sustainable Development Goals. |
| 3. Commitment to Partnerships | Believes in the value of partnerships to advance research for development |
| 4. Respect for People | Respect the diversity of gender, culture, ethnic origin, religion, age, beliefs, and views. |
| 5. Respect for the Environment | Strives to minimize its environmental impact and to introduce greener technology and practices. |
How to Apply: Applicants should submit a letter of application explaining their suitability for and interest in the position along with a curriculum vitae, a recent passport-size photograph, names, and addresses (including telephone/fax/e-mail) of three referees, and date of availability to jobapply@worldveg.org before 30 March 2023. Please mention the position title in the subject line.
