Assistant Research Associate

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established to foster 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. CIMMYT builds strong partnerships that enhance 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. As a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT is part of a global research partnership aimed at achieving a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit https://www.cimmyt.org/

Job Overview:
The Assistant Research Associate position is designed for a proactive individual who will support the planning and execution of research activities at CIMMYT. The role emphasizes ensuring high standards of quality, compliance, and operational efficiency in research processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing various research activities, particularly those related to germplasm introduction, regeneration, processing, conservation, and distribution. This position also involves supporting distribution processes and improving both physical and digital data capture formats, which are crucial for the effective management of research data and outcomes. The Assistant Research Associate will play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and quality of research outputs, thereby contributing to CIMMYT's mission of enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Assistant Research Associate include managing research activities related to germplasm introduction, regeneration, processing, conservation, and distribution. The individual will carry out the Germplasm Bank’s technical, logistical, documentation, and training operations. Additionally, the role involves supervising and applying rigorous quality control measures to passport, characterization, and evaluation data. The Assistant Research Associate will also support the review of internal and external audits by documenting findings, nonconformities, and corrective actions. Furthermore, the position requires facilitating guided visits and awareness-raising activities to promote understanding and engagement with CIMMYT's research initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Agronomy, Biosciences, or related fields, or have equivalent years of work experience. A minimum of 2 years of experience in similar roles related to plant breeding, seed science, and crop science is required. Additionally, candidates should have knowledge of international research standards, including FAO, Genesys, or ISO. Proficiency in intermediate English (B2 level) and intermediate MS Office skills are also necessary for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in Agronomy, Biosciences, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with equivalent years of relevant work experience in the agricultural sciences, particularly in areas related to plant breeding and seed science.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in roles that are similar to the responsibilities outlined for the Assistant Research Associate. This experience should ideally be in the fields of plant breeding, seed science, or crop science, demonstrating a solid understanding of the research processes and standards in these areas.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is intermediate English (B2 level). While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Spanish may also be beneficial given the location of the job in Mexico and the nature of the work environment.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package along with support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits as per Mexican regulations (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). It is important to note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process. Foreign national candidates must possess legal documentation to work in Mexico. This position will remain open until filled, and CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.