Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a global leader in agricultural research and development. Established in 1966, CIMMYT focuses on improving the productivity and sustainability of maize and wheat systems worldwide. With a mission to enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods in developing countries, CIMMYT operates in over 50 countries and employs a diverse team of scientists and researchers dedicated to advancing agricultural innovation. The organization collaborates with national agricultural research systems, universities, and private sector partners to address the challenges of food production and climate change.

Job Overview:
This position is part of CIMMYT’s Talent Roster, which aims to identify and assess qualified candidates for future opportunities within the organization. The roles covered by this roster include Associate Scientist, Scientist, and Senior Scientist across CIMMYT's global research programs, particularly in areas such as wheat and maize genetic resources, dryland crops, and sustainable agrifood systems. Candidates will be expected to lead and grow a body of scientific research within their discipline, with increasing levels of independence, resource mobilization responsibilities, and team leadership as they progress in their careers. Successful candidates will be involved in designing and overseeing long-term trials, publishing research findings, and providing capacity building to national agricultural research systems and public-private partnerships.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities for this position include leading, coordinating, and managing research investments within the area of specialization. Candidates will design and oversee high-quality long-term trials that study various aspects such as productivity, soil quality, water and nutrient use efficiency, and pest and disease dynamics. They will be expected to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals and translate these results into accessible training materials and media formats for a broad audience. Additionally, candidates will provide technical backstopping and capacity building to national agricultural research systems and public-private partnerships, lead multidisciplinary research in collaboration with national and international partners, and mentor junior staff, including Post-Doctoral Fellows and Associate Scientists. Communication of research results to scientists, policymakers, media, and farmers is also a critical responsibility. Candidates will be tasked with generating bilateral and multilateral funding, managing project budgets, and leading research teams, with the complexity of these responsibilities increasing with seniority.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in a relevant scientific field, such as Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, or Entomology. For the Associate Scientist role, a PhD is required along with some relevant experience. The Scientist position typically requires a minimum of 5 years of research experience in the discipline, while the Senior Scientist role requires at least 8 years of experience, including a strong publication record and demonstrated program leadership. Candidates should also be willing to spend considerable time away from home across multiple countries and cultures, and they should have the ability to build and lead a growing research team as their seniority increases.

Educational Background:
A PhD in a relevant scientific field is mandatory for all levels of this position. The specific fields of study include, but are not limited to, Plant Breeding, Genetics, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, and Entomology. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and research skills to contribute effectively to CIMMYT's scientific programs.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by position. For the Associate Scientist role, candidates should have a PhD and some relevant experience. The Scientist position typically requires at least 5 years of research experience in the relevant discipline, while the Senior Scientist role demands a minimum of 8 years of experience, a strong publication record, and demonstrated leadership in program management. Candidates should also have experience in managing and developing teams, with expectations for increasing complexity and scale as they progress in their careers.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential due to the international nature of CIMMYT's work and the need to communicate research findings to a global audience. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the regions where CIMMYT operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a talent roster, meaning that inclusion does not guarantee employment but rather identifies candidates for future opportunities. The roles may vary in terms of seniority and responsibilities, and candidates should be prepared for the possibility of working in diverse cultural settings. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes benefits such as a year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits in accordance with Mexican Labor Law.