Consultant – Data Analysis and Biometrics Support

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT (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, particularly in the Global South. CIMMYT focuses on fostering partnerships to enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and aims to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to agricultural research and development.

Job Overview:
The Consultant – Data Analysis and Biometrics Support will play a crucial role in the CIMMYT Dryland Crops Program, which focuses on improving crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, and chickpea. The consultant will be responsible for providing technical support in the analysis of breeding trial data, ensuring that datasets are accurately quality checked and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. This position requires collaboration with various teams within CIMMYT to ensure that data analysis supports product advancement and decision-making processes. The consultant will also be tasked with documenting analysis procedures and ensuring reproducibility of results, which is vital for the ongoing success of breeding programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing and organizing breeding trial datasets from various crops and locations.
• Conducting thorough data quality checks, including assessing trial design and identifying missing values or outliers.
• Cleaning and preparing datasets for statistical analysis in accordance with CIMMYT workflows.
• Performing statistical analyses for breeding trials, including single-site and across-location analyses.
• Generating necessary analysis outputs for product advancement and breeder decision-making.
• Documenting all analysis procedures and outputs to ensure reproducibility.
• Supporting the harmonization of analysis outputs across different crops and projects.
• Participating in regular technical meetings to discuss progress and resolve data issues.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a PhD in quantitative genetics, biometrics, statistics, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 5-6 years of relevant experience in plant breeding data analysis and quantitative genetics. A strong working knowledge of experimental designs used in plant breeding, such as randomized complete block design and multi-environment trials, is essential. Proficiency in R and/or Python for data analysis and reporting is required, along with experience in mixed models and genotype-by-environment analysis. Familiarity with CGIAR and international agricultural research programs is highly desirable, as is excellent communication skills in English.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field such as quantitative genetics, biometrics, or statistics. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of data analysis in plant breeding and ensuring the consultant can effectively contribute to the CIMMYT Dryland Crops Program.

Experience:
A minimum of 5-6 years of experience in plant breeding data analysis is required. This experience should include working with multi-location crop breeding trials and generating templates for advancement decisions. The consultant should have a proven track record of analyzing breeding data and providing actionable insights to breeding teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the consultant will need to communicate effectively with CIMMYT teams and document analysis procedures. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for an initial period of 3 months, with a commitment of up to 20 working days per month. Payment will be based on a daily consultancy rate, and the consultant must maintain confidentiality regarding all CIMMYT data and outputs. This position is locally recruited, meaning applicants must have the legal right to work in India. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates are encouraged to apply online, including a CV and cover letter, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CIMMYT promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages women to apply.