Technical Assistant III – Field and Laboratory at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities  

Purpose

• Provide support in the day-to-day operations of experiments and research activities, including preparation of materials, setting trials in the field/screenhouse/greenhouse/laboratory, from seeding, harvesting to seed processing to ensure that research standards of quality assurance are met
• Perform specific procedures related to experiments/research studies (e.g. preparation of hydroponic solutions for screening, setting of field trials, monitor pests and diseases, maintain seed supply of experimental material, taking measurements for growth and yield assessments to quantify effects of abiotic stresses etc. in field and greenhouse trials)
• Compile and review sample collection for processing

Engagement

• Provide timely support to contract workers in the field/screenhouse/greenhouse/laboratory to ensure smooth operations and efficiency-monitoring.
• Provide support for training of scholars, farmers, extension workers and interns to ensure maximum and effective transfer of knowledge

Delivery

• Actively contribute to the maintenance and organization of the field/screenhouse/greenhouse/laboratory as required by the institute protocols including maintaining supply inventory, cleanliness, orderliness and safety in the laboratory and other workspaces, preparation of commonly used solutions/materials, inventory and requests for chemicals and other supplies as well as waste disposal
• Maintain stock of seeds of commonly used genotypes and populations, and provide basic data on stored germplasm

Requirements

• Diploma in the Agriculture with 2 years of relevant work experience
• Basic knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) or other softwares
• Experience in rice production and practices of plant breeding in rice
• Experience with field data collection, sample processing and archiving
• Understanding of health and safety in the workplace and good working practices
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills Ability to ride a motorcycle on the field and have a valid license for this category or be willing to learn it
• Knowledgeable in milling rice samples, grading, post-harvest handling and working in a grain quality lab will be considered an asset