Visiting PhD Researcher - Bean Metabolomic Diversity

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.

Key Research Areas

• Metabolomic profiling of bean germplasm.
• Identification and annotation of compounds and bioactive peptides with health benefits.
• Exploration of anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential.
• Integration of metabolomic data with food composition and bioactivity databases.
• Application of AI and machine learning approaches for prediction of biological activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct metabolomic analyses of bean accessions from the Future Seeds Genebank.
• Characterize biochemical diversity across bean genotypes.
• Use bioinformatics databases and AI tools to predict biological activity and health properties.
• Contribute to the integration of metabolomic, genomic, and phenotypic datasets.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to scientific manuscripts, reports, and conference presentations.
• Participate in regular research meetings.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Enrolled as a PhD student at a recognized university in Kenya or any PABRA member country.
• Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Food Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field.

Technical Skills

• Experience in omics data analysis (Genomics, metabolomics, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., R, Python) and bioinformatics tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Language

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Additional Requirements

• Be a national of a PABRA member country in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Be from a PABRA network partner organization and on fulltime employment.