Assistant Research Associate

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, triticale, 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. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the supervisor in developing annual action plans for maize breeding in the Southern African pipeline.
• Select appropriate research sites for maize breeding nurseries and trials implemented across multiple locations.
• Prepare trial and nursery seeds and ensure timely planting.
• Effectively pollinate summer and winter nurseries following the pollination instructions given by the supervisor to ensure that desired quantities and qualities of seeds produced.
• Manage trials and nurseries, including weed and insect pest management, irrigation and timely harvesting.
• Through strong collaboration with the teams involved in line development breeding, ensure the generation of high-quality data, data management using modern platforms such as Enterprise Breeding System (EBS), and prepare summary of results for all trials.
• Effectively manage research inputs, supplies and hired labor required to implement assigned maize breeding activities.
• Assist scientists in training partners, visiting scientists and students on maize breeding activities, including trials and nursery management, data collection and management as well as organizing summary reports.
• Perform additional/other duties, as may be assigned by the supervisor and CIMMYT management.

Requirements:

• BSc in Plant Science or Plant Breeding. A MSc will be an added advantage.
• At least three years relevant working experience.
• Valid Class 4 driving license is a requirement.
• Basic knowledge of trial and nursery management from planting to harvesting including the management of data.
• Ability to analyze data using various analytical software including EBS.
• Must have thorough knowledge of the field of work or specialized maize research equipment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English, and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups.
• The selected candidate must be able to demonstrate the following competencies: Teamwork, Critical thinking, Problem solving and Decision making.

Source: https://apply.workable.com/cimmyt-1/j/C567BCAB33/