CIMMYT Research Assistant Job in Kenya

CIMMYT is committed to improving livelihoods in developing countries. Through strong science and effective partnerships, we create, share, and use knowledge and agricultural technology to increase food security, improves the productivity and profitability of farming systems, and sustain natural resources in developing countries.

CIMMYT is an international non-profit research and training center with direct links to about 100 developing countries through offices in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

We participate in an extensive global network of people and organizations who share similar development goals, including the public and private sector, non-governmental and civil society organizations, relief and health agencies, farmers, and the development assistance community.

The Position

The position shall be based at CIMMYT Nairobi/Kiboko offices. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Scientist, providing technical support to CIMMYT scientists by carrying out the following activities:

• Assist the maize breeders in the design of maize breeding nurseries and trials
• Supervision of field breeding activities including seed preparation, planting and harvesting of nurseries and trials
• Assist in planting and execution of managed drought stress maize trials
• Manage pollinations in maize breeding nurseries
• Lead in the sampling of maize plant parts, particularly leaves for molecular marker research and their safe handling, transport and storage
• Assist in the management of seed shipments to collaborators and other CIMMYT locations.
• Assist in the execution of maize breeding multi-locational trials mainly in but not limited to Kenya
• Supervision of field technicians and skilled labour
• Managing seed storage including labelling and seed inventories
• Organize for data capture, data management and data analysis

Requirements:

• A Kenyan citizen
• A Master’s degree in Plant Breeding or related field or its equivalent.
• At least 2 years work experience in Crop Research
• Computer literacy (Ms Office, internet)
• Experience in the use of Field book software for data and pedigree management is a prerequisite.
• Experience in use of various software for data analysis including SAS, GenStat and MS Excel.
• Experience in working on maize crop and especially for stress tolerance including drought, soil fertility, diseases and insect pests.
• Practical experience in working with field layout will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated good communication and organizational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to effectively work with minimum supervision.
• A valid driver’s license.

Terms of offer

The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women.

This position is on local terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to six (6) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply

Applications for the position must include:

• A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements and salary expectations
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• The names and addresses of three referees, including telephone, fax numbers and email addresses.

All correspondence should be addressed to the Human Resources Unit, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya OR via email: icrafhru@cgiar.org and should indicate “Application for RESEARCH ASSISTANT - CIMMYT” on their application letters and email submissions. Applications will be considered until 18th March 2011.

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about ICRAF and CIMMYT by accessing our web sites www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org

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