Field Service Workers -Pathology- CIMMYT at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

To provide laboratory and field support for wheat pathology research activities through sample handling, trial management, greenhouse work, and basic data collection.

Duties and responsibilities

Laboratory and greenhouse activities

• Prepare basic growth media and clean glassware and laboratory tools
• Help sterilize simple laboratory materials under supervision
• Assist in maintaining stem rust cultures and wheat plants in the greenhouse
• Keep laboratory and greenhouse areas clean and organized
• Prepare simple solutions and media using the provided instructions
• Help collect and handle infected plant samples carefully
• Support basic record keeping for samples and greenhouse activities
• Assist in checking and updating laboratory supplies
• Help clean and maintain basic laboratory equipment
• Follow safety rules when working with infected plant materials
• Support planting of wheat in the greenhouse.

Field activities

• Support field work such as plot preparation, planting, and weeding
• Assist in disease scoring activities under supervision
• Support maintenance of trap nurseries during the season
• Help with the collection of field samples and related field activities
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of field equipment and materials.

 Occupational health, safety, and compliance

• Follow workplace safety procedures and use protective equipment during field and laboratory activities.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety within the field, seed storage, and working environments.
• Report accidents, hazards, or damaged equipment to supervisors immediately.
• Perform any other field, greenhouse, or laboratory-related duties assigned by the supervisor or research team.

​​​​Requirements

• KCSE (O-Level) certificate, or Certificate/Diploma. Additional training in agriculture, laboratory work, greenhouse operations, or related fields is an added advantage.
• At least one (1) year of experience in laboratory, greenhouse, farm, or agricultural research support activities.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety, cleanliness, and handling of research materials.
• Experience working in a plant pathology or agricultural research setting
• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment and procedures
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations and plant care
• Understanding of basic plant disease concepts

Education, knowledge and experience

• KCSE (O-Level) certificate, or Certificate/Diploma. Additional training in agriculture, laboratory work, greenhouse operations, or related fields is an added advantage.
• At least one (1) year of experience in laboratory, greenhouse, farm, or agricultural research support activities.
• Basic knowledge of laboratory safety, cleanliness, and handling of research materials.
• Experience working in a plant pathology or agricultural research setting
• Familiarity with basic laboratory equipment and procedures
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations and plant care
• Understanding of basic plant disease concepts

End Date: 25th June 2026