Field Research Technician, Pathology

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Field Research Technician, Pathology
Location: Texcoco de Mora
Country: Mexico
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established as a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, fostering partnerships that enhance the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT is committed to creating a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while working within planetary boundaries. The organization aims to reduce poverty, enhance nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improve natural resources through applied agricultural science. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Field Research Technician, Pathology to work in the Global Wheat Program (GWP). This position will be based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City. The role involves extensive participation in field operations, greenhouse work, and laboratory tasks related to wheat pathology. The technician will be responsible for executing various experiments, collecting agronomic data, and interacting with colleagues and students from both Mexico and abroad. The position is crucial for advancing research in wheat disease management and contributing to the overall goals of the Global Wheat Program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Research Technician will have a diverse set of responsibilities including:

• Participating extensively in field operations such as sowing, management, disease inoculation, disease evaluation, and harvest.
• Executing greenhouse work, which includes conducting wheat disease experiments at both seedling and adult plant stages, as well as fungal virulence experiments and seed multiplication.
• Performing laboratory work that involves the collection, characterization, and maintenance of fungal pathogens, inoculum preparation, DNA extraction, molecular marker diagnosis, and evaluating mycotoxin contamination.
• Collecting agronomic data of crops using measurement instruments assigned to the unit.
• Participating in warehouse work related to seed storage and preparation.
• Interacting with fellow workers, visitors, and students from Mexico and foreign countries to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or a related scientific field. It is desirable for candidates to have a master’s degree in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Agronomy, Sciences, Phytotechnics, or a related discipline. The selected candidate must demonstrate the ability to perform basic statistics and field map preparation, which are essential for the role.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or a related scientific field. A master’s degree in Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Agronomy, Sciences, Phytotechnics, or a related area is desirable and may influence the level of experience required for the position.

Experience:
The selected candidate must have 1-2 years of relevant experience if they hold a master's degree. If the candidate does not possess a master's degree, they must have 4-5 years of experience in a related field. This experience should ideally include work in agricultural research, particularly in areas related to plant pathology and crop management.

Languages:
An advanced level of English is mandatory for this position. Candidates will be required to take an English test, and they must score a minimum of B2 as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes 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 under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position is full-time and based in Texcoco, Mexico.