S26328 - Senior Research Associate

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.

The purpose of this job is to support the development and implementation of modern breeding strategies to accelerate genetic gain and enhance the impact of crop improvement programs. The position will focus on strengthening sorghum and pearl millet hybrid breeding programs through the application of advanced breeding approaches, including quantitative genetics, genomics-assisted breeding, data driven decision-making, and regional testing networks.

The role will also provide technical support to groundnut breeding activities and contribute to the integration of innovative breeding approaches across crops, including the design and implementation of efficient breeding pipelines, multi-environment testing networks, product advancement systems, and variety deployment strategies.

Key Responsibilities

He/She will conduct activities with specific tasks that include, but are not limited to:

1. Breeding program management and genetic improvement

Co-lead breeding activities for one to two sorghum and pearl millet pipelines under the CIMMYT component of the CIMMYT–NARS crop improvement network.

Implement collaborative breeding strategies to develop elite breeding materials targeting priority sorghum and pearl millet hybrid market segments.

Develop suitable germplasm resources to sustain and strengthen breeding programs in collaboration with NARS and other partners.

Co-lead the implementation of marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and other modern breeding approaches to accelerate genetic gain and improve breeding efficiency.

Support the design and implementation of hybrid seed systems research activities in the region.

2. Breeding innovation, data-driven approaches, and technology integration

Develop and implement data-driven breeding frameworks in collaboration with breeding informatics scientists, quantitative geneticists, and cross-cutting teams to enhance population development and selection decisions.

Develop and promote standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and best practices for the application of advanced breeding tools and technologies.

Facilitate the integration of innovative breeding approaches across crops where relevant to maximize breeding impact.

3. Research networks, partnerships, and resource mobilization

Develop and strengthen partnerships with national public breeding programs, global breeding programs, research institutions, and other stakeholders to promote innovation and technology adoption.

Enable and support regional crop improvement networks to collaboratively plan, coordinate, and implement breeding activities.

Contribute to the development of research proposals, resource mobilization, and fundraising initiatives to support breeding program objectives.

4. Capacity building, knowledge sharing, and program support

Organize, mentor, and supervise research support staff involved in breeding activities.

Produce scientific publications, technical reports, presentations, and other knowledge products to communicate research outputs.

Provide technical support to breeding activities and contribute to achieving overall program objectives.

Perform any other relevant duties as required to support the success of the breeding program.

Profile

The successful candidate will:

Master of Science (MSc) degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or related fields.

Experience

Practical experience in field-based research, including trial design, implementation, data collection, and analysis.

Good knowledge and experience in sorghum and/or pearl millet hybrid breeding will be an advantage.

Skills

Demonstrated leadership potential, excellent communication skills, and willingness to adopt modern breeding methods and technologies.

Demonstrated interest and commitment to conducting research that benefits smallholder farmers in West and Central Africa.

Experience or familiarity with quantitative genetics, population genetics, and genomics tools applied to enhance the efficiency of breeding programs.

Strong statistical skills and knowledge of computer applications and software for data collection, management, and analysis.

Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment and collaborate within diverse, multicultural partnerships involving a wide range of stakeholders, with a strong interest in interdisciplinary teamwork.

Fluency in English and French, with excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

Working with ours offers competitive international compensation packages, multicultural work environments, and meaningful engagement in food security and agricultural research across Africa.

This position is recruited locally. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the duty station country at the time of application. CIMMYT does not provide visa sponsorship or work permit support for locally recruited staff roles.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be

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