Research Assistant Trialist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to addressing the challenges of agricultural production and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established with a mission to enhance the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for staple crops such as maize, wheat, and sorghum, CIMMYT operates primarily in the Global South. The organization focuses on building strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and to create a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system. CIMMYT's work is crucial in fostering agricultural innovation and sustainability, impacting millions of farmers and their communities. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Research Assistant Trialist position at CIMMYT is designed to support scientists in the execution of agricultural trials and nurseries, specifically for dryland crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, and groundnut. The role involves a variety of tasks including planting trials, collecting data, and managing seed production processes. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of data collection and analysis, supervising casual laborers, and maintaining the necessary assets for agricultural research. This position is critical in contributing to the overall goals of CIMMYT by enhancing research efficiency and supporting the development of improved crop varieties.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Research Assistant Trialist include:

• Data Collection and Organization: Manage accurate and timely data collection at various stages of trials and nurseries, ensuring data entry and consolidation for analysis. Learn to operate the Breeding Management System (BMS) and/or the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) for routine operations and data management. Implement digital data capture using relevant tools.
• Management of Trials and Nurseries: Ensure timely land preparation and planting according to experimental designs, apply fertilizers, manage irrigation, and control weeds and pests. Oversee the planting and harvesting of nurseries, manage seed multiplication activities, and ensure careful shelling and threshing of inbred lines.
• Supervision of Casual Labor: Allocate tasks to casual laborers, track attendance, maintain safety and hygiene standards, and prepare muster rolls for payment processing.
• Office and Maintenance of Assets: Manage seed inventory, ensure the maintenance of data collection tablets, and oversee the servicing of irrigation pumps and storage facilities.
• Other Responsibilities: Assist partners as needed, develop process flows for nursery operations, manage seed counting and packaging, print labels for trials, and maintain contacts with collaborating organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MSc in Plant Breeding, Physiology, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, or Biotechnology. A minimum of two years of experience in managing agricultural field activities or research projects is required, along with a solid understanding of agricultural theories, practices, and procedures. Excellent communication and reporting skills are essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively in both French and English. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in standard Windows-based software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, with the ability to work independently and solve problems proactively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Plant Breeding, Physiology, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, or Biotechnology. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the duties associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in managing agricultural field activities or research projects. This experience should include a good understanding of agricultural practices, data collection, and research methodologies, particularly in the context of crop breeding and management.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, as the candidate will need to communicate effectively in both languages for daily operations and reporting. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The application process requires candidates to apply online for the Research Assistant Trialist position (SN25142). Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on May 9th, 2025, and applications must include a CV with contact details of three work-related references, along with a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This position will remain open until filled. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages women to apply.