Assistant Research Associate-Roster

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.

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CIMMYT is building a Roster of qualified professionals to be considered for future opportunities in various locations and areas of expertise.

What is a Roster?

A roster is a pool of pre-assessed, qualified candidates who may be contacted when a relevant position becomes available. This approach allows us to respond more efficiently to hiring needs and significantly shorten recruitment timelines when vacancies arise.

CIMMYT has opened a call for applications for Project Management related positions such as:

•  Assistant Research Associate

 Assistant Research Associate roles in CIMMYT play a crucial part in monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, and adapting strategies to meet evolving needs. The focus is on delivering impactful, science-based solutions that address global challenges in food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods.

The location of the related positions will be in any of the countries where CIMMYT operates/multiple locations.

General activities for Assistant Research Associate:

• Manage breeding nurseries and pollination crews to produce high-quality seed.
• Participate in the planning of experiments and seed preparation for nurseries and trials.
• Assess data quality and factors affecting data quality throughout the growing season; take corrective measures when necessary.
• Operate planting, harvest, spray equipment, and other implements that may be necessary for research and agronomic management operations.
• Carry out essential research equipment maintenance, such as changing belts and troubleshooting electronics, on research equipment, including planters and plot combine harvesters.
• Scout for weeds and insect pests to assist with research plot maintenance; take corrective measures or inform responsible teams or collaborators where appropriate.
• Train temporary workers and team members in research techniques; stay current on new research techniques or processes       
• Collect physiological and agronomic data to support projects.
• Process plant tissue samples in the laboratory following established protocols.
• Manage and curate data in relevant databases.
• Support high-throughput phenotyping using mobile platforms (e.g., LIDAR) and aerial data collection.
• Assist in the processing of phenotyping data and contribute to database development.
• Carry out the operative process of hiring temporary field personnel (hiring requests, contract extension, incident reports, etc.).
• Apply field and greenhouse research techniques and procedures for the cultivation and improvement of materials assigned to the Unit.
• Perform the capture of information of the project results in its different stages, in order to carry out the analysis and statistical management of the project.
• Carry out the analysis and statistical management of such information and share it with the Unit's supervisor.
• Maintain permanent contact with the Research Assistants of each program, to know their equipment and material needs, and inform their immediate boss.
• Support in the supervision of the Experimental Station and follow up on pending activities, in the absence of his immediate boss.
• Support in the performance of the functions assigned by his immediate boss.

Submit your application if you have these minimum qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related scientific field.
• The selected candidate must have 4 to 5 years of experience.
• The selected candidate must have knowledge of agronomy, basic plant physiology, field plot techniques, and have good computer skills, especially with Microsoft Office.
• The selected candidate must be able to operate agricultural equipment while observing all safety requirements.
• High proficiency level in English (English test will be administered; candidate must score a minimum of B2 as per CEFR).
• The candidate must exhibit t Client Orientation, Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Teamwork, and Communication.

CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package and support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law our package of benefits includes year-end bonus (40 days), vacation premium (56%), life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, savings fund, social Mexican benefits (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit).

Interested candidates may apply online

CIMMYT Talent Roster Information

Qualified candidates may be invited to join CIMMYT's talent roster for two years. You will be requested to opt in or out of having your information retained for future opportunities.

Important Note:

This announcement is not linked to a specific, currently opened position. Inclusion in the roster means you may be considered for upcoming vacancies that match your profile, but it does not guarantee employment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.