Job Title. Senior Principal Research Officer-Molecular Geneticist
Reports to: Respective Programme Leader
Salary Scale: UR2(ii)RS
Age limit: Not more than 55 years

Job Purpose: To lead, coordinate, and execute high-impact, multidisciplinary research initiatives aligned to the Institute’s strategic objectives.

Generic Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Design and implement innovative and integrated research projects, experiments and studies based on thematic multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams.
2. Develop grant proposals to secure funding for conducting specific research programs in line with the Institute’s strategic management plan.
3. Identify sources of funding, mobilizing resources and developing proposals for competitive funding especially those that enhance linkages and partnerships.
4. Publish and disseminate scientific research findings in peer reviewed journals, books etc.
5. Provide technical leadership, mentorship, supervision and consultation to team members, research officers, professional co-workers, collaborators, students and others attached to the organization.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide leadership in designing, managing and coordinating NARO molecular genetics platform
2. Conduct molecular characterization of germ plasm and related species.
3. Conduct regular molecular diagnosis and characterizations of crops, pests, vectors and pathogens.
4. Determine composition structure and function of biological molecules that control metabolism, growth and development of organisms.
5. Carry out gene discoveries, genetic transformation and conservation of bio-resources using modern molecular tools.
6. Document traits and attributes of various breeds/varieties.
7. Supervise on station breeding experiments and on farm breeding performances

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Possession of a PhD in molecular genetics, MSc and BSc in biological sciences. Post-doctoral fellowship is molecular genetics is an added advantage.
• Having served as Principal Research Officer for at least five (5) years or equivalent level of experience from a reputable organisation.
• Evidence of having contributed towards mobilization of agricultural research and development funds totaling to Ten Million United States Dollars (US $ 20,000,000), over a period of ten years.
• Having published over 25 articles as first author and/or co-author in peer reviewed journals, with at least two articles in a journal(s) with Impact Factor > 3.0.
• Having served as a member to at least three technical committees/taskforces
• Evidence for having provided leadership in designing, managing and coordinating a reputable molecular genetics platform.

Tenure: The tenure of office for all positions is a 5-year contract renewable upon satisfactory performance.

Application Procedures:

Interested persons with the above requirements should  download NARO Application Form here. Attach a recent passport photo and fill it in triplicate; attach detailed curriculum vitae with copies of academic certificates and testimonials to the undersigned not later than 5.00 pm on 3rd November 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and notified via the NARO website, telephones and e-mail addresses as provided on the application form. Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of their Academic Qualifications.

Only applications responding to this advertisement and its attendant timelines will be received.

The Director General, 
National Agricultural Research Organization, 
Plot 11-13, Lugard Avenue,
P.O.Box 295 
Entebbe - Uganda