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Job Description
The Alliance of Bioversity International & CIAT delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crisis of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
The Alliance works with local, national, and multinational partners across Sub Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia, and with public and private sectors. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services.
About the position
The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT invites applications for a Visiting PhD Researcher position within the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) and the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI).
This doctoral research opportunity focuses on the metabolomic diversity of bean accessions (Phaseolus spp.) and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and computational approaches to identify metabolites and biochemical signatures associated with human health benefits.
The selected candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at discovering functional food traits in common bean germplasm conserved in the Future Seeds Genebank through metabolomics, machine learning, bioinformatics, and predictive health analytics.
The researcher will work across two continents: a PABRA project site in Kenya (or another PABRA member country) and the CIAT Headquarters in Palmira, Colombia, in close collaboration with the student’s home university.
Key Focus Areas of the Programme
• Advanced Training: Gain hands-on experience in multi-omics data analysis (Genomics, metabolomics), bioinformatics, and AI-based in silico methods.
• Global Research Environment: Work within an interdisciplinary, international team of scientists dedicated to transforming food systems.
• Dual Location: Conduct research in Africa and South America, accessing the Future Seeds Genebank in Colombia.
• Real-World Impact: Contribute to improving nutrition, health, and resilience through bean-based food systems across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Financial Support: Monthly stipend provided; travel expenses to Colombia covered by the project.