Agriculture, Agro-Allied, Data, Business Analysis and AI,
Research Technicians: Agronomy, Breeding and Seed Systems-ICRISAT
Overview
ICRISAT is currently seeking qualified candidates to fill in the locally recruited position of Research Technicians at its ESA Regional Crop Improvement Station at ICRISAT-Kiboko and Alupe. Research Stations.
Duties and responsibilities
Provide support and assist Scientists to:
- Plan and execute experimental protocols and performance trials in field for sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, groundnuts, chickpea, and pigeon pea.
- Operate research equipment, taking notes, entering data with internal IT systems, and complying with seed stewardship standards.
- Capture data in iOS operating systems (desktop computing, iPhones, iPads), Breeding Management System (BMS) and conduct data quality check and assurance to enable timely advancement of the 6 mandate crops.
- Write progressive reports, manuals, and scientific articles.
- Supervise and motivate the labor, capacity building of farmers, students, and other collaborators.
- Manage relationships with co-operators/partners to ensure timely completion and integrity of data collected.
- Procure of farm inputs and consumables.
- Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or a related field.
- At least 2 years of experience in a research institution and an understanding of plant breeding.
- Experience in a research environment, specifically in field layout, data analysis, and good crop husbandry practices.
- Sound interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
- Candidates with less experience but proven ability to deliver may be considered.
- Preferably having experience of working in multi-cultural and interdisciplinary teams.
- Experience in an international organization environment will be an added advantage.
- Practical experience in field experimental work.
- Ability to prioritize and organize work efficiently and independently.
- Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimal supervision.
- Good interpersonal skills, integrity, honesty, and self-motivation
- Computer literacy in MS Office.
- Strong English language skills, both spoken and written.
Research Officer: Data Capture, Analyst and Learning -ICRISAT
Overview
ICRISAT wishes to recruit a Scientific Officer under its Technology Adoption and Impact (TAI) Analysis Cluster of the Enabling Systems Transformation (EST) Global Research Program. The position holder will support data collection, management, processing, and analysis for various projects that are implemented by the Enabling Systems Transformation (EST) Global Research Program to support ICRISAT’s technology development and research for impact through profile product development, impact assessment and learning, and analysis of the enabling (political, policy, and socioeconomic) environment.
Duties and responsibilities
- Collect, clean and organize project and survey data for various projects.
- Analysis of adoption and ex-post impacts of improved technologies on productivity, food security and poverty.
- Analysis of productivity, technology adoption and efficiency.
- Learning and support to develop market opportunities that increase adoption of research outputs.
- Facilitate learning from data and monitoring.
- Assist in project administration.
- Coordinate and lead project field activities.
- Any other duties as may be instructed by the Supervisor.
Requirements
- A Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics or a related field.
- Experience in management and analysis of data.
- Field experience and synthesis of data and lessons for learning
- Knowledge and savvy of data analysis software, especially Stata.
- Very strong analytical skills and applied statistical experience.
- Good scientific wring experience.
Farm Machine Operator CIMMYT
Overview
To operate farm machinery like tractors, planters, harvesters, etc., for implementing operations like field preparation, spraying, harvesting, and transporting produce at the KALRO-CIMMYT Kiboko Research Station.
Duties and responsibilities
- Operate agricultural machines like tractors, planters, combine harvesters, etc., safely and efficiently.
- Carry out routine mechanized field activities like field preparation, planting, spraying agrochemicals, harvesting, transporting produce, etc.
- Perform regular inspections of farm equipment to identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues; conduct routine servicing and carry out minor repairs of agricultural machinery and attachments like plows, harrows, shredders, etc.
- Operate post-harvest machinery like shellers, graders, dryers etc.
- Maintain the farm roads clean by using mowers and shredders.
Requirements
- Diploma in agricultural machine operation or equivalent
- At least 5 years of experience in the agriculture, floriculture, and/or horticulture industries.
- Holder of a valid driving license.
Research Assistant – Maize Breeding (EAPP2) CIMMYT
Overview
To operate farm machinery like tractors, planters, harvesters, etc., for implementing operations like field preparation, spraying, harvesting, and transporting produce at the KALRO-CIMMYT Kiboko Research Station.
Duties and responsibilities
- Operate agricultural machines like tractors, planters, combine harvesters, etc., safely and efficiently.
- Carry out routine mechanized field activities like field preparation, planting, spraying agrochemicals, harvesting, transporting produce, etc.
- Perform regular inspections of farm equipment to identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues; conduct routine servicing and carry out minor repairs of agricultural machinery and attachments like plows, harrows, shredders, etc.
- Operate post-harvest machinery like shellers, graders, dryers etc.
Overview
To provide technical support to the Scientist/Maize Breeder in charge of line development under Eastern Africa Product Profile 2 (late maturity maize) by managing nurseries at the Kiboko research station and trials at other locations in Kenya.
Duties and responsibilities
Inbred line nursery management.
- Ensure that nurseries are pollinated and harvested according to instructions from the Breeder.
- Ensure shelling of inbred lines is carried out carefully to avoid seed mixtures.
Overseeing of Field experiments.
- Prepare field experiments (trials and nurseries), including trial designs and seed preparation using Fieldbook / Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) according to the breeder’s instructions.
- Generate seed labels and field tags for trial and nursery identification.
- Prepare field maps and planting plans for field trials.
- Manage planting of optimal trials at key locations like Kakamega, Embu, Chorlim, Kimini, and Shikusa in conjunction with external partners like KALRO and Seed Companies.
Data analysis.
- Implement electronic data capture in all the field-testing locations using KDSmart or other appropriate applications to ensure quick turnaround.
- Consolidate data from trials at all locations, examine data for accuracy and analyze the data in a timely manner using various software including EBS and Fieldbook.
- Manage historical data entry into the EBS.
- Assist M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in practical maize breeding and data analysis.
Assist in drafting project reports and manuscripts.
- Assist in preparing tables and figures from research results for project reports and draft manuscripts.
Training and Supervision of casual labor.
- Provide training and backstopping services especially with Fieldbook and data analysis to NARS and seed company partners.
- Supervise contract in data taking according to instructions in trials under both optimum and managed stress conditions.
Seed Processing and Storage
- Coordinate seed processing and shipment with different partners, both internally and externally.
- Manage cold storage facilities by consolidating germplasm inventories and developing SOPs.
- In consultation with Scientist identify germplasm that require seed increase.
Requirements
- Master of Science degree in Plant Breeding
- 2-3 years’ experience in plant breeding or seed systems
- Knowledge of MS Office Applications.
- Valid driving license is a must.
- Maintain the farm roads clean by using mowers and shredders.
Requirements
- Diploma in agricultural machine operation or equivalent
- At least 5 years of experience in the agriculture, floriculture, and/or horticulture industries.
- Holder of a valid driving license.
Field Technician– Maize Trial Management CIMMYT
Overview
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, and self-motivated professional for management of maize trials (Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4) under the CIMMYT Global Maize Program, at the Kiboko Research Station. The hired candidate will report to the Kiboko Research Station Manager, and will be based at Kiboko, Kenya.
Duties and responsibilities
Trial and nursery management:
- Prepare field experiments/trials, including trial designs, field maps, seed preps and planting plans using Field book/EBS, according to the breeder’s instructions.
- Coordinate maize trials in Kiboko including land preparation, planting as per experimental design and in timely manner, proper agronomic and pest management, harvesting and drying of seeds.
- Manage accurate and timely data collection at different stages of the trials at Kiboko for the Maize Line Development and Product Development teams.
- Generate descriptor data (trait characterization) on new Stage 3 inbred lines.
- Ensure electronic data capture is fully implemented at Kiboko for quick and accurate data collection and data consolidation for analysis by concerned scientists.
Scientist support.
- Prepare historical data for curation with guidance from the scientist.
- Provide relevant inputs and participate in the stage-gate advancement process.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operations at the Kiboko station, fostering a culture of collaboration and efficiency.
Other Responsibilities.
- Participate in GMP projects as may be required.
- Any other relevant responsibilities, assigned by the Supervisor or CIMMYT Global Maize Program Director.
Requirements
- B.Sc. in agriculture or related field with at least 2-3 years of relevant experience or Diploma in agriculture or related field with 5 years of relevant experience.
- Thorough knowledge of field work related to crop breeding. Experience of working on maize crop is desirable, although not essential.
- Demonstrated computing and data processing skills.
- A Kenyan national with a valid driver’s license.
Research Assistant – Regional on Farm Trials CIMMYT
Overview
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, and self-motivated professional for managing maize regional on-farm trials under the CIMMYT Global Maize Program, based in Nairobi and, and trial shipment internally and externally to relevant partners. The hired candidate will report to the Maize Seed Systems Lead, and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya with assignments at the Kiboko Research Station in Makueni County.
Duties and responsibilities
Planning and coordination of on-farm trials.
- Responsible for the on-farm trial preparation, including trial designs and planting protocol preparation in Fieldbook / Enterprise Breeding System (EBS) as per the scientist’s guidelines.
- Coordinate trial distribution to partners in a timely manner and assist the scientist to ensure the sampling protocol captures the heterogeneity of farms within target population of environments.
Data collection, organization, and analysis.
- Coordinate with partners for accurate data collection and timely return by ensuring electronic data capture is implemented using KoboCollect.
- Prepare historical ROFTs data for curation and analysis as required with guidance from the scientist.
- Assist scientist with data analysis, report writing, summarizing results for stage-gate advancement and other uses as required.
Technical backstopping, training, and partner support.
- Establish and maintain contacts with collaborating organizations and partners for technical backstopping and training.
- Assist in organizing and coordination of exhibitions, demonstrations, and field days as required.
Management of seed production research.
- Organize and implement research on maize seed production and other topics related to maize seed systems.
- Ensure timely preparation and planting of trials according to the experimental design.
- Generating descriptor data and preparing catalogue entries for new maize products.
Seed preparation and seed inventory management.
- Seed preparation and shipment to various partners
- Ensure safe storage of seed to preserve quality and viability.
- Seed inventory management at duty station.
Inbred line nursery planting & management.
- Organize and implement seed increase nurseries in association with other staff members.
- Assist with preparation of nurseries, field preparation, planting, field management, data collection and organization, pollination, harvesting, handling, and safe storage according to instructions.
- Increase of different classes of seeds in isolation fields, through activities such as field preparation, planting, field management, harvesting, processing, handling, and seed storage
- Ensure shelling of inbred lines is carried out carefully to avoid seed mixture.
- Ensure inbred line parents of stage 3 hybrids are planted for line purification, QC, and genotyping.
Other.
- Assist other CIMMYT maize breeding staff when work priorities dictate or when not busy with his/her specific responsibilities.
- Any other responsibilities and miscellaneous tasks as required and as assigned by Seed System Specialist from time to time.
Requirements
- MSc in Agriculture or Agronomy or Plant breeding or related field with at least 2-3 years of relevant experience or B.Sc. in agriculture or related field with 5 years of relevant experience.
- Thorough knowledge of field work related to regional crop testing.
- Experience of working on maize crop trials is desirable, although not essential.
- A valid driver’s license.