Wheat Breeding and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Improvement

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to addressing the challenges of agricultural production and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established with a mission to enhance the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple crops such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South. The organization focuses on applied agricultural science and builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers. With a commitment to fostering a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system, CIMMYT plays a crucial role in addressing global food security issues. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The position of Wheat Breeding and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Improvement at CIMMYT is designed for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional. The role is primarily based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City, and involves significant responsibilities in field evaluation of promising new Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) wheat germplasm. The successful candidate will assess agronomic effectiveness, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and yield performance across various environments, contributing to both pre-breeding and breeding activities. The position requires coordination of field experiments and data collection for trials evaluating BNI lines in multiple global locations, including Africa, South Asia, Turkey, and South America. The role also involves logistics coordination for seed multiplication, trial preparation, and shipment of yield trials, as well as ensuring consistency in data collection and reporting across sites. The candidate will be expected to communicate results through peer-reviewed publications and public forums, maintain interactions with national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES), and contribute to the development of new research proposals related to BNI and NUE.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Wheat Breeding and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Improvement position include:

• Conducting field evaluations of promising new BNI wheat germplasm for agronomic effectiveness, NUE, and yield performance across multiple environments.
• Supervising supporting staff in field trials located in El Batán, Toluca, and Obregón, Mexico.
• Coordinating field experiments and data collection for trials evaluating BNI lines in various global project sites.
• Managing logistics for seed multiplication, trial preparation, and shipment of yield trials.
• Harmonizing protocols and processing data to ensure consistency and quality across all trial sites.
• Communicating research results through publications and presentations at international forums.
• Collaborating with Project Track Leaders to ensure alignment across project components and participating in internal meetings and partner planning sessions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in plant breeding, agronomy, plant physiology, or related fields. They should have a strong knowledge of agricultural systems, plant breeding methods, and molecular marker applications. Technical expertise in nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen cycling concepts, and basic soil-plant physiology is essential. Additionally, experience in field experimentation, sampling protocols, and data collection and analysis is required. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, while proficiency in Spanish is desirable. The ability to work effectively in multicultural and diverse teams is also crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a PhD in plant breeding, agronomy, plant physiology, or a closely related field. This advanced degree should provide the candidate with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices relevant to agricultural science and crop improvement.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience in the field of plant breeding and agronomy, particularly in relation to nitrogen use efficiency and field experimentation. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of conducting research, managing field trials, and analyzing data effectively. Experience in international agricultural research settings and collaboration with diverse teams is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for reporting and collaboration. Knowledge of Spanish is considered a desirable asset, as it may facilitate communication within the local context and with Spanish-speaking partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered for an initial fixed term of three years, which includes a one-year probationary period. Continued employment beyond this period is contingent upon performance and the availability of funding. CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a housing allowance, a vehicle, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contributions to a retirement plan, and generous relocation assistance. Applications will be screened starting on December 3rd, 2025, and must include a CV with contact details of three work-related references, along with a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages women to apply.