Orchid Micropropagation Mentor

We’re looking for an Orchid Micropropagation Mentor who can live and volunteer for 12 months in Bhutan.

• This assignment seeks to develop protocol (and/or research project) for asymbiotic germination and micropropagation of orchid species, including collection, storage and treatment of seed and explants 
• To be considered for this role, you’ll need a minimum bachelor's degree in horticulture/plant biotechnology or relevant field (Advanced Diploma, Masters in Science or higher degree) focusing on plant tissue culture/micropropagation techniques.
• As a volunteer, you will support the Capacity development of botanical garden staff on asymbiotic germination and micropropagation techniques and management of the laboratory

About the Partner Organisation 

The National Biodiversity Center is the implementing agency for The Convention on Biological Diversity, and its main objectives are conservation, sustainable utilisation and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. It was set up upon Bhutan joining the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD).The National Biodiversity Center is currently managing Biodiversity Information, The Royal Botanical Garden, Plant Genetic Resources, Animal Genetic Resources, National Herbarium, and Bio-prospecting programs. The centre also implements activities in the field such as protected areas, non-protected areas and farmlands. The National Biodiversity Centre has established basic laboratory facilities to enable mass propagation of plants under sterile conditions, specifically asymbiotic germination and micropropagation of orchid species. However, the center lacks adequate capacity to optimise the potential of the laboratory. Thus, a skilled volunteer is required to lead asymbiotic germination and micropropagation of rare and threatened orchid species and strengthen the capacity of the centre to carry on these works in the future, including laboratory management. The volunteer would also be expected to train the staff in the ex-vitro acclimatisation of the germinated/rooted orchid plantlets as this has been one of the major issues so far. Experience in micropropagation protocols of other plant species would be an added asset. The mass propagated orchid seedlings (after acclimatisation) will be distributed to the local community to combat wild collection and also will be sold to the interested public to generate revenue from the biological resources of Bhutan.

About the Australian Volunteers Program  

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian government-funded initiative. We support partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to achieve locally led change.  

Volunteers are supported throughout their volunteer journey. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to volunteer and aim to make the program as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact us to discuss how we can support you to volunteer with us - inclusion@australianvolunteers.com. Learn more about our commitment to inclusion.