IRS25125 Associate Scientist, Wheat Breeding and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Improve

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Wheat Breeding and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Improvement.

The positions will be based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.

Specific duties:

• Responsible for field evaluation of promising new BNI (Biological Nitrification Inhibition) wheat germplasm for agronomic effectiveness, NUE (Nitrogen Use Efficiency), and yield performance across multiple environments, contributing to pre-breeding and breeding activities. Locations include:

1.   Mexico: Primarily responsible for field trials evaluating BNI lines in El Batán, Toluca, and Obregón, Mexico. Includes supervision of supporting LRS staff.
2. Global: Primarily responsible for coordinating field experiments and data collection for trials evaluating BNI (+/−) lines in project sites in Africa, South Asia, Turkey, and South America.
3. Logistics coordination: Coordinate logistics of seed multiplication, trial preparation, and shipments for the yield trials.
4. Protocol harmonization, data processing and analysis, and partner support: Coordinate sharing of protocols and monitor progress on data collection and reporting, ensuring consistency across sites and providing support and oversight for proper trial implementation and data quality.

• Communicate results in peer-reviewed publications, international public forums, and to donors. Maintain interactions with NARES in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other partners from public and private seed and breeding programs.
• Contribute to the development of new complementary research proposals related to BNI and NUE to expand and support ongoing project objectives.
• Collaborate closely with Project Track Leaders to ensure alignment and integration across project components. Participate actively in regular internal meetings, as well as partner planning sessions.

• PhD in plant breeding, agronomy, plant physiology or related fields.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems, plant breeding methods and molecular marker applications.
• Technical expertise in NUE, nitrogen cycling concepts, NUE metrics, and basic soil-plant physiology.
• Experience and knowledge in field experimentation, sampling protocols, data collection and analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; Spanish is desirable.
• Ability and passion to work in multi-cultural, diverse teams and partnerships.
• This position requires domestic and international travel and significant field-based activities.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem-solving and decision-making capacity; mission-driven motivation, client orientation, negotiation and conflict resolution, efficient communication, and teamwork.

The position is for an initial fixed term for three (3) years, with one year of probatory period, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Screening and follow up of applications will begin on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025. Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.