Research Technician - Hybrid Breeding at World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)

Duties and responsibilities

 Hybrid creation and crossing operations.

• Execute testcross and/or factorial crossing schemes involving new B and R lines according to breeding plans and protocols.
• Carry out controlled pollination activities, including sterilization, bagging, tagging, pollination, and harvesting of crossing materials.
• Monitor flowering synchronization and support timely execution of crossing activities to maximize seed set and data quality.
• Maintain strict labeling, traceability, and contamination control throughout all hybrid creation activities.
• Support the generation of experimental hybrids for evaluation and advancement.

Gametocide protocol implementation.

• Implement approved gametocide protocols in hybrid creation in line with standard operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Prepare treatment materials, apply treatments correctly, and monitor crop response for effectiveness and phytotoxicity.
• Record all treatment details accurately, including dates, rates, environmental conditions, and observed outcomes.
• Collaborate with breeders and agronomists to improve protocol efficiency and reliability.

Conversion of B lines to CMS lines.

• Support the conversion of selected new B lines into CMS lines through structured backcrossing programs.
• Assist in maintaining pedigree records and generation advancement data for conversion cycles.
• Identify and report any deviations in fertility expression, plant type, or seed quality during conversion work.
• Ensure that conversion materials are handled with high precision to preserve genetic integrity.

Parental line maintenance.

• Maintain and regenerate A, B, and R seed stocks under strict quality and genetic purity standards.
• Conduct rouging, isolation, controlled selfing, and harvest operations for parental line maintenance plots.
• Support seed drying, cleaning, packaging, labeling, storage, and inventory tracking.
• Monitor seed viability and alert supervisors on regeneration needs to prevent loss of valuable germplasm.

Seed production efficiency.

• Contribute to improvements in seed production efficiency through better field organization, synchronization, and work sequencing.
• Support the adoption of light mechanization and improved tools where appropriate to reduce labor burden and improve precision.
• Assist in evaluating field performance, seed set, and operational bottlenecks for continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records to support productivity analysis and decision-making.

Data management, quality, and compliance.

• Maintain complete and accurate field records, crossing logs, seed inventories, and activity reports.
• Enter and manage data in digital platforms used by the breeding and operations teams.
• Follow institutional protocols on quality assurance, biosafety, occupational safety, and seed handling.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures for genetic materials and research operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production operations.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.
• Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid seed production will be an added advantage.
• Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).
• Occasional travel to partner locations