THE ROLE
Job title: Biocontrol Research officer
Salary range: Depending on skills, abilities and experience
Grade: HAY Band 5
Reporting to: Coordinator Action on Invasives Pakistan; Best Practice Solutions work package coordinator
Key peer group: Action on Invasives Best Practice Solutions
Location: Rawalpindi
Purpose of the role
- Lead Pakistan biological control research activities in Action on Invasives programme
- Support administrative requirements and scientific strategy for the CABI CWA biological control quarantine facility
- Support Best Practice Solutions operations of the Action on Invasives programme in Pakistan
Key Accountabilities
Accountable for invasive species biological control activities in the quarantine laboratory:
smooth logistical preparation and execution of quarantine laboratory work under Action on invasives activities
Study insect biology and ecology for weed biological control under quarantine conditions
develop detailed protocols for insect rearing
Responsible for invasive species prevention, detection and management activities under the Action on Invasives programme
Test prevention detection and management methods for invasive species in Pakistan
methods may be studied for their impact on plant populations, especially at longer term, e.g. hand pulling
Developing and testing mass rearing methods for insect biological control and its redistribution as well as augmentative releases
Initiate classical biological control programmes
Liaise with Government counterparts under the direction and supervision of the Pakistan coordinator for Action on Invasives and Best Practice Solution work package coordinator
Responsible for updating on progress of programme goals to the Pakistan Coordinator and Best Practice Solution Work Package Coordinator
Support capacity building of local partners / stakeholder on host range testing and mass rearing and release techniques of biocontrol agent
CANDIDATE PROFILE
We are seeking a high performer ideally with an international reputation in invasive species willing to work in a close-knit team and deliver unique and impactful research to further CABI’s mission.
Professional qualifications and language skills
- PhD in a Entomology relevant to biocontrol (augmentative, conservation, classical) with strong background in ecology;
- Excellent English required to communicated with international teams
- minimum of 5 years post-graduate experience in relevant research;
- Direct experience working with invasive species, biological control of insects, weeds and/or arthropods essential;
- Field and lab experimental design, data collection and reporting;
- Strong publication record;
- Proven data handling and competency in statistical analysis;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite of packages essential (SharePoint an advantage);
- Good knowledge of project planning and management (Prince 2 an advantage);
Personal characteristics
- Ambitious researcher who wants to make a difference;
- A team player with good interpersonal and communication skills;
- Self-motivated, able to work independently and remain focussed;
- Robust with the operational grip and capacity to handle a demanding workload;
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally ;
- Good personal organisational skills;
- Ability to work internationally