MSc Research Student - Digital Phenotyping
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to addressing future agricultural challenges today. Established with a mission to enhance the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and related crops, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South. The organization focuses on applied agricultural science and builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods and resilience of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT aims to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while respecting planetary boundaries. For more information, visit their official website at https://www.cimmyt.org/.
Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a highly motivated MSc Research Student with a keen interest in Digital Phenotyping. This position offers an opportunity to support and gain hands-on experience in ongoing projects within the Breeding and Innovation Services (BIS) group. The selected student will collaborate closely with the Global Shared Services (GSS) team to evaluate the digital phenotyping tools currently being utilized across CGIAR breeding programs. A significant aspect of this role involves conducting a comprehensive cost analysis of these tools, which will help assess their value, scalability, and sustainability. The outcomes of this analysis will directly contribute to defining services, identifying optimization opportunities, and enhancing the continuous improvement of digital phenotyping services provided through GSS.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the MSc Research Student include assessing various digital phenotyping tools currently adopted across breeding programs, focusing on phenotyping methods for agronomic traits. This includes the use of drones, satellites, rovers, handheld devices, and other emerging technologies. The student will work closely with breeding teams to evaluate the data generated and support the development and implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the performance, efficiency, and impact of digital phenotyping approaches. Additionally, the student will be responsible for developing a comprehensive report that outlines the opportunities, challenges, and recommendations associated with the adoption and scaling of digital phenotyping tools. Another critical duty involves reviewing existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assess their consistency, applicability, and effectiveness, identifying gaps and areas for improvement to support standardized implementation across breeding programs.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates should have experience with phenotyping and/or image analysis tools. An interest in pursuing a career that bridges scientific research and service delivery is essential. Experience in business case development and service deployment will be considered an advantage. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong analytical mindset and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in or have completed a Master's degree in a relevant field such as agricultural sciences, plant breeding, data science, or a related discipline. A strong academic background with a focus on research methodologies and data analysis is preferred.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should possess some level of experience in phenotyping and/or image analysis tools. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, familiarity with scientific research processes and service delivery mechanisms is highly desirable. Any prior involvement in business case development or service deployment will be viewed favorably.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of Spanish or other languages may be considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This position offers a monthly stipend of USD 10
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to addressing future agricultural challenges today. Established with a mission to enhance the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and related crops, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South. The organization focuses on applied agricultural science and builds strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods and resilience of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT aims to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while respecting planetary boundaries. For more information, visit their official website at https://www.cimmyt.org/.
Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a highly motivated MSc Research Student with a keen interest in Digital Phenotyping. This position offers an opportunity to support and gain hands-on experience in ongoing projects within the Breeding and Innovation Services (BIS) group. The selected student will collaborate closely with the Global Shared Services (GSS) team to evaluate the digital phenotyping tools currently being utilized across CGIAR breeding programs. A significant aspect of this role involves conducting a comprehensive cost analysis of these tools, which will help assess their value, scalability, and sustainability. The outcomes of this analysis will directly contribute to defining services, identifying optimization opportunities, and enhancing the continuous improvement of digital phenotyping services provided through GSS.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the MSc Research Student include assessing various digital phenotyping tools currently adopted across breeding programs, focusing on phenotyping methods for agronomic traits. This includes the use of drones, satellites, rovers, handheld devices, and other emerging technologies. The student will work closely with breeding teams to evaluate the data generated and support the development and implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the performance, efficiency, and impact of digital phenotyping approaches. Additionally, the student will be responsible for developing a comprehensive report that outlines the opportunities, challenges, and recommendations associated with the adoption and scaling of digital phenotyping tools. Another critical duty involves reviewing existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assess their consistency, applicability, and effectiveness, identifying gaps and areas for improvement to support standardized implementation across breeding programs.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates should have experience with phenotyping and/or image analysis tools. An interest in pursuing a career that bridges scientific research and service delivery is essential. Experience in business case development and service deployment will be considered an advantage. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong analytical mindset and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in or have completed a Master's degree in a relevant field such as agricultural sciences, plant breeding, data science, or a related discipline. A strong academic background with a focus on research methodologies and data analysis is preferred.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should possess some level of experience in phenotyping and/or image analysis tools. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, familiarity with scientific research processes and service delivery mechanisms is highly desirable. Any prior involvement in business case development or service deployment will be viewed favorably.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of Spanish or other languages may be considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This position offers a monthly stipend of USD 10
- It provides an excellent opportunity for the selected candidate to learn from leading experts in digital agriculture and plant breeding. The role also includes exposure to international CGIAR breeding programs and opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration. The position is designed to foster skill development in data analysis, technology evaluation, KPI design, and technical reporting, along with knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities with global research teams.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.