Assistant Research Associate – Global Wheat Program at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Duties and responsibilities

Overseeing of Field experiments

•  Prepare field experiments (trials and nurseries), including trial designs and seed preparation using Fieldbook/EBS according to the breeder's instructions.
•  Prepare field maps and planting plans for field trials.
•  Coordinate shipment of field trials to various testing locations within the region for timely planting, and retrieval of trial data from our collaborators (both NARS and seed companies) for timely consolidation and analysis.

Seed Processing and Storage

•  Lead seed processing and shipment with different partners, both internally and externally.
•  Manage cold storage facilities by consolidating germplasm inventories and developing SOPs.
•  In consultation withs scientists identify germplasm that require seed increase.

Data management:

Data Collection

•  Lead data input and analysis of field trials with guidance from the scientist.
•  Examine data for accuracy before analysis.
•  Prepare historical data for curation.

Data analysis:

•  Timely statistical data analysis using different software depending on the objective of the experiment.
•  Genetic data analysis depending on the objective of the experiment.
•  Implement electronic data capture in all the field testing locations using the KDSmart or other appropriate application to ensure quick turnaround.
•  Assist M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in divers data analysis.

Assist in drafting project progress reports.

Assist in preparing tables and figures from research results for project reports, publications, draft manuscripts, etc...

Capacity building and Supervision of casual labor

•  Provide training and backstopping services especially with Fieldbook and data analysis to NARS and seed company partners.
•  provide technical assistance to visiting scientists and students.
•  Supervise contract and casual labor in data taking according to instructions from multi-location trials in Kenya under both optimum and managed stress conditions.

Other

•  Implement mechanization and digitization in CIMMYT eastern Africa breeding program.
•  Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
•  Identify and mitigate potential risks within your work area.
•  Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF's Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
•  Participate in (insert team as appropriate) projects as may be required.

Education, knowledge and experience

•  Master's degree in plant breeding or bachelor's degree in agriculture with minimum 3 years' experience in plant breeding.
•  4 to 5 years' experience with good knowledge of theories, practices and procedures within a discipline.
•  Thorough knowledge of the field of work or specialized equipment.
•  Basic knowledge of administrative and/or operating protocols and procedures of research support function.
•  Basic Supervisory skills and experience.
•  Sufficient competency to use the standard Windows-based software for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email used at CIMMYT with occasional assistance.
•  Ability to effectively use corporate systems and other specialized applications. (User) e.g. Field book, R, SAS, META-R, AGD-R, and ADEL-R.
•  Basic skills in Windows Operating System and LAN.
•  Simple use of Complex systems.

Personal attributes and competencies

•  Proficiency in spoken and written English
•  Knowledge about the key data required in a wheat breeding program,
•  Ability to write technical reports and draft manuscripts.
•  Excellent spoken and written communication skills (English).
•  Strong attention to detail.
•  Ability to work proactively and manage timelines to help keep teams on track.
•  Strong computer skills, with demonstrated experience using a wide range of computer applications (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, project management software, conferencing software such as Zoom, and SharePoint or other collaborative workspace tools).
•  Desirable experience working in institutions focused on research, agriculture, and/or of a donor-funded nature, and experience working in a multicultural environment.

Terms and conditions

•  This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and on competitive remuneration in local currency, commensurate with skills and experience.
•  A Kenyan national with a valid driver's license
•  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 KALRO, NJORO, Kenya.