Senior Research Associate

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges. Its mission is to improve the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple crops such as maize, wheat, and other cereals. CIMMYT operates in multiple countries, particularly in the Global South, and focuses on enhancing the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers through innovative agricultural science and strong partnerships. The organization is dedicated to fostering a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while adhering to planetary boundaries. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior Research Associate position is designed to support the development and implementation of modern breeding strategies aimed at accelerating genetic gain and enhancing the impact of crop improvement programs. The role will primarily focus on strengthening sorghum and pearl millet hybrid breeding programs through the application of advanced breeding approaches, including quantitative genetics, genomics-assisted breeding, and data-driven decision-making. The successful candidate will also provide technical support to groundnut breeding activities and contribute to the integration of innovative breeding approaches across various crops. This position requires a proactive individual who can design and implement efficient breeding pipelines, establish multi-environment testing networks, and develop effective variety deployment strategies to ensure the success of breeding programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Research Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Breeding program management and genetic improvement: Co-leading breeding activities for sorghum and pearl millet pipelines, implementing collaborative breeding strategies, developing germplasm resources, and co-leading the implementation of modern breeding approaches such as marker-assisted selection and genomic selection.
• Breeding innovation, data-driven approaches, and technology integration: Developing data-driven breeding frameworks, promoting standard operating procedures for advanced breeding tools, and facilitating the integration of innovative breeding approaches across crops.
• Research networks, partnerships, and resource mobilization: Strengthening partnerships with national and global breeding programs, enabling regional crop improvement networks, and contributing to research proposals and fundraising initiatives.
• Capacity building, knowledge sharing, and program support: Organizing and mentoring research support staff, producing scientific publications and technical reports, and providing technical support to breeding activities to achieve program objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a related field. Practical experience in field-based research, including trial design, implementation, data collection, and analysis, is essential. Knowledge and experience in sorghum and/or pearl millet hybrid breeding will be advantageous. The candidate should demonstrate leadership potential, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to adopt modern breeding methods and technologies. A commitment to conducting research that benefits smallholder farmers in West and Central Africa is crucial. Familiarity with quantitative genetics, population genetics, and genomics tools is also required, along with strong statistical skills and proficiency in computer applications for data management and analysis.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the breeding programs and research initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires practical experience in field-based research, particularly in trial design, implementation, data collection, and analysis. Candidates should have a good understanding of sorghum and/or pearl millet hybrid breeding, as well as familiarity with quantitative genetics and genomics tools. Experience in managing breeding programs and collaborating with diverse stakeholders is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, with excellent written and oral communication skills. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for collaboration within multicultural teams and for engaging with various stakeholders in the research community. Additional languages may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is locally recruited, meaning that applicants must have the legal right to work in Senegal at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles. The organization offers competitive international compensation packages and promotes a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.