Maize Breeding Research Assistant

tendersglobal.net

Job Description

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.
Duties and responsibilities:
Inbred line nursery management:

Ensure that nurseries are pollinated and harvested according to instructions from the Breeder.
Ensure shelling of inbred lines is carried out carefully to avoid seed mixtures.

Overseeing of Field experiments:

Prepare field experiments (trials and nurseries), including trial designs and seed preparation using Fieldbook / Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) according to the breeder’s instructions.
Generate seed labels and field tags for trial and nursery identification.
Prepare field maps and planting plans for field trials.
Manage planting of optimal trials at key locations like Kakamega, Embu, Chorlim, Kimini, and Shikusa in conjunction with external partners like KALRO and Seed Companies.

Data analysis:

Implement electronic data capture in all the field-testing locations using KDSmart or other appropriate applications to ensure quick turnaround.
Consolidate data from trials at all locations, examine data for accuracy and analyze the data in a timely manner using various software including EBS and Fieldbook.
Manage historical data entry into the EBS.
Assist M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in practical maize breeding and data analysis.
Assist in drafting project reports and manuscripts.
Assist in preparing tables and figures from research results for project reports and draft manuscripts.
Training and Supervision of casual labor.
Provide training and backstopping services especially with Fieldbook and data analysis to NARS and seed company partners.
Supervise contract in data taking according to instructions in trials under both optimum and managed stress conditions.
Seed Processing and Storage
Coordinate seed processing and shipment with different partners, both internally and externally.
Manage cold storage facilities by consolidating germplasm inventories and developing SOPs.
In consultation with Scientist identify germplasm that require seed increase.

Requirements:

Master of Science degree in Plant Breeding
2-3 years’ experience in plant breeding or seed systems
Knowledge of MS Office Applications.
Valid driving license is a must.

Education, knowledge and experience:

Master of Science degree in Plant Breeding
2-3 years’ experience in plant breeding or seed systems
Knowledge of MS Office Applications.
Valid driving license is a must.

Source: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/career/206844000024009041/research-assistant-maize-breeding-eapp2-cimmyt/

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover/motivation letter where (tendersglobal.net) you saw this internship posting.