Research Assistant – Wheat Rust Pathology- CIMMYT at World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)

Duties and responsibilities

Conducting greenhouse and Field experiments on rust research.

• Prepare greenhouse and field experiments (trials and nurseries), for seedling characterization and field resistance
• Race purification
• Spore multiplication and storage
• Race characterization in the greenhouse
• Screening S1 and S2 trials for seedling resistance to SR and YR.

Sentinel nurseries and trap nursery monitoring.

• Working with partners to distribute sentinel nurseries annually
• Planting trap nurseries and multiplication nurseries during the main and offseason.

Data management.

• Data Collection
• Lead data capture and input race characterization with guidance from scientists.
• Examine data for accuracy before analysis.
• Prepare historical data for curation.
• Implement electronic data capture in all the field-testing locations using the EBS or other appropriate application to ensure quick turnaround.
• Assist M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in 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 COS supervision.

• Provide training and backstopping services, especially for COS staff for greenhouse activities
• Provide technical assistance to visiting scientists and students
• Supervise contract and casual labor in data taking.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in plant pathology or related discipline.
• Thorough knowledge of the field of work or specialized equipment.
• Basic knowledge of administrative and/or operating protocols and procedures of the research support function.
• Basic supervisory skills and experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in plant pathology or related field research
• Requires good knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures within a discipline
• The position holder will require a minimum of 6 months of on-the-job training.