CIFOR: Research Technician – Hybrid Breeding – Nairobi

Reference number: 202630
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a

Research Technician – Hybrid Breeding

Overview

About our organization: CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow”s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org In Kenya, CIMMYT is hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), a member of the CGIAR that is headquartered on United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites: www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org CIMMYT is looking for a: Research Technician – Hybrid Breeding and Parental Line Maintenance The Research Technician will provide specialized technical support to hybrid breeding and parental line maintenance activities for sorghum. The role is responsible for executing controlled crossing activities, including testcrosses and factorial crosses from new B and R lines, implementing gametocide protocols where applicable, supporting conversion of new B lines into CMS lines through backcrossing, and maintaining high-quality seed stocks of A, B, and R lines.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Hybrid creation and crossing operations.

Execute testcross and/or factorial crossing schemes involving new B and R lines according to breeding plans and protocols.

Carry out controlled pollination activities, including sterilization, bagging, tagging, pollination, and harvesting of crossing materials.

Monitor flowering synchronization and support timely execution of crossing activities to maximize seed set and data quality.

Maintain strict labeling, traceability, and contamination control throughout all hybrid creation activities.

Support the generation of experimental hybrids for evaluation and advancement.

2. Gametocide protocol implementation.

Implement approved gametocide protocols in hybrid creation in line with standard operating procedures and safety requirements.

Prepare treatment materials, apply treatments correctly, and monitor crop response for effectiveness and phytotoxicity.

Record all treatment details accurately, including dates, rates, environmental conditions, and observed outcomes.

Collaborate with breeders and agronomists to improve protocol efficiency and reliability.

3. Conversion of B lines to CMS lines.

Support the conversion of selected new B lines into CMS lines through structured backcrossing programs.

Assist in maintaining pedigree records and generation advancement data for conversion cycles.

Identify and report any deviations in fertility expression, plant type, or seed quality during conversion work.

Ensure that conversion materials are handled with high precision to preserve genetic integrity.

4. Parental line maintenance.

Maintain and regenerate A, B, and R seed stocks under strict quality and genetic purity standards.

Conduct rouging, isolation, controlled selfing, and harvest operations for parental line maintenance plots.

Support seed drying, cleaning, packaging, labeling, storage, and inventory tracking.

Monitor seed viability and alert supervisors on regeneration needs to prevent loss of valuable germplasm.

5. Seed production efficiency.

Contribute to improvements in seed production efficiency through better field organization, synchronization, and work sequencing.

Support the adoption of light mechanization and improved tools where appropriate to reduce labor burden and improve precision.

Assist in evaluating field performance, seed set, and operational bottlenecks for continuous improvement.

Maintain accurate records to support productivity analysis and decision-making.

6. Data management, quality, and compliance.

Maintain complete and accurate field records, crossing logs, seed inventories, and activity reports.

Enter and manage data in digital platforms used by the breeding and operations teams.

Follow institutional protocols on quality assurance, biosafety, occupational safety, and seed handling.

Ensure compliance with internal procedures for genetic materials and research operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related discipline

Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production operations.

Demonstrated hands-on experience in controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.

Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid seed production will be an added advantage.

Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).

Occasional travel to partner locations

Education, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production operations.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.
• Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid seed production will be an added advantage.
• Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).
• Occasional travel to partner locations.

Terms and conditions

• This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
• The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya.
• We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.

Application process

The application deadline is 12 Jun 2026
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.

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