Research Technician - Hybrid Breeding-CIMMYT
Center for International Forestry Research
Nairobi, Kenya
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

