Research Technician - Hybrid Breeding
Reference number: 202630
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya
CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
Research Technician - Hybrid Breeding
Overview
About our organization:
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, 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
In Kenya, CIMMYT is hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), a member of the CGIAR that is headquartered on United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites: www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org
CIMMYT is looking for a:
Research Technician - Hybrid Breeding and Parental Line Maintenance
The Research Technician will provide specialized technical support to hybrid breeding and parental line maintenance activities for sorghum. The role is responsible for executing controlled crossing activities, including testcrosses and factorial crosses from new B and R lines, implementing gametocide protocols where applicable, supporting conversion of new B lines into CMS lines through backcrossing, and maintaining high-quality seed stocks of A, B, and R lines.
Duties and responsibilities
1. Hybrid creation and crossing
operations.
Execute testcross and/or factorial
crossing schemes involving new B and R lines according to breeding plans and
protocols.Carry out controlled pollination
activities, including sterilization, bagging, tagging, pollination, and
harvesting of crossing materials.Monitor flowering synchronization and
support timely execution of crossing activities to maximize seed set and data
quality.Maintain strict labeling,
traceability, and contamination control throughout all hybrid creation
activities.Support the generation of experimental
hybrids for evaluation and advancement.
2.Gametocide protocol
implementation.
Implement approved
gametocide protocols in hybrid creation in line with standard operating
procedures and safety requirements.Prepare treatment
materials, apply treatments correctly, and monitor crop response for
effectiveness and phytotoxicity.Record all treatment
details accurately, including dates, rates, environmental conditions, and
observed outcomes.Collaborate with
breeders and agronomists to improve protocol efficiency and reliability.
3.Conversion of B
lines to CMS lines.
Support the
conversion of selected new B lines into CMS lines through structured
backcrossing programs.Assist in
maintaining pedigree records and generation advancement data for conversion
cycles.Identify and report
any deviations in fertility expression, plant type, or seed quality during
conversion work.Ensure that
conversion materials are handled with high precision to preserve genetic
integrity.
4.Parental line
maintenance.
Maintain and
regenerate A, B, and R seed stocks under strict quality and genetic purity
standards.Conduct rouging,
isolation, controlled selfing, and harvest operations for parental line
maintenance plots.Support seed drying,
cleaning, packaging, labeling, storage, and inventory tracking.Monitor seed
viability and alert supervisors on regeneration needs to prevent loss of
valuable germplasm.
5.Seed production
efficiency.
Contribute to
improvements in seed production efficiency through better field organization,
synchronization, and work sequencing.Support the adoption
of light mechanization and improved tools where appropriate to reduce labor
burden and improve precision.Assist in evaluating
field performance, seed set, and operational bottlenecks for continuous
improvement.Maintain accurate
records to support productivity analysis and decision-making.
6.Data management,
quality, and compliance.
Maintain complete
and accurate field records, crossing logs, seed inventories, and activity
reports.Enter and manage
data in digital platforms used by the breeding and operations teams.Follow institutional
protocols on quality assurance, biosafety, occupational safety, and seed
handling.Ensure compliance
with internal procedures for genetic materials and research operations.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop
Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related disciplineMinimum of 2 years’ practical
experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production
operations.Demonstrated hands-on experience in
controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid
seed production will be an added advantage.Ability to drive field car (pickup
with manual or automatic gear).Occasional travel to partner locations
Education, knowledge and experience
•Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related discipline
•Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production operations.
•Demonstrated hands-on experience in controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.
•Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid seed production will be an added advantage.
•Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).
•Occasional travel to partner locations.
Terms and conditions
•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. In Kenya, employment contracts are issued under ICRAF in compliance with Kenyan labour law. Locally recruited staff are eligible for a non-contributory pension scheme, comprehensive medical insurance, paid annual and statutory leave, and learning and development opportunities in line with CIFOR-ICRAF policies.
•The appointment will be for a period of two (2) years, inclusive of a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
•The duty station will be in Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya.
•We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.
Application process
The application deadline is 12 Jun 2026
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.