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. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Objective of the post

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated candidate for the position of Assistant Research Associate to be based in our Southern Africa Office in Harare, Zimbabwe. This is a nationally recruited position and is open to all Zimbabweans with excellent academic records. This position will support Scientists in the effective implementation of maize breeding trials and nurseries in Zimbabwe while ensuring efficient data management to contribute to the successful delivery of CIMMYT’s ongoing projects focused on the development and deployment of multiple-stress-tolerant, breakthrough maize varieties that achieve genetic gains at farm level.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Assist scientists in developing annual action plans for maize breeding in the Southern African pipelines
  2. Implement maize breeding nurseries and trials across multiple locations
  3. Coordinate the preparation of trial and nursery seeds, ensure timely planting, and effectively manage trials and nurseries, including weed and insect pest management, irrigation, and timely harvesting.
  4. Effectively monitor pollination activities in summer and winter nurseries in accordance with supervisors’ instructions to ensure the production of the required quantity and quality of seed.
  5. Coordinate the preparation and execution of field trials and nurseries, including trial design, seed preparation, and related activities using the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS), in accordance with breeder instructions. This includes preparing field maps, planting plans, printing tags, and supporting all associated trial setup activities.
  6. Collaborate closely with maize breeding and data science teams to ensure the generation of high-quality phenotypic and genotypic data, manage breeding data using modern platforms such as EBS, and prepare comprehensive summaries of trial results.
  7. Lead the implementation of electronic data capture across all field-testing locations using digital tools such as Kobo Collect or other appropriate platforms to enable rapid and efficient data turnaround.
  8. Conduct timely statistical analyses using appropriate software based on experimental objectives, verify data accuracy prior to analysis, and prepare historical datasets for curation under the guidance of the scientists
  9. Effectively manage research inputs, supplies and hired labor required to implement assigned maize breeding activities
  10. Assist scientists in training partners, visiting scientists and students on maize breeding activities, including trials and nursery management, data collection and management as well as organizing summary reports
  11. Perform additional/other duties, as may be assigned by the supervisor and CIMMYT management.
  • Master’s degree in field of Agriculture
  • Clean Class 4 Drivers Licence and a valid Defensive Driving Certificate.
  • At least 2-3 years of relevant working experience
  • Basic knowledge of trial and nursery management from planting to harvesting including data management and reporting
  • Must have thorough knowledge of the field of work or specialized maize research equipment
  • Ability to use various analytical and data management software platforms such as EBS
  • Ability to effectively use corporate systems and other specialized applications.
  • The selected candidate must be able to demonstrate the following competencies: Interpersonal skills, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Private Health Insurance
  • Pension Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Training & Development
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.