Temporary Laboratory Assistant - CIMMYT
Kenya · Makueni County, Kenya
About Us
CIFOR & ICRAF in action
Landscape Alliance transforms science into action, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestry landscapes to advance planetary health and human well-being. It is the shared operating name of the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), two independent International Organizations and CGIAR Research Centers working together through a common strategy, governance and leadership structure.
CIFOR and ICRAF bring together decades of scientific leadership in forests, trees, agroforestry, biodiversity, climate, food systems and livelihoods. CIFOR, headquartered in Bogor, Indonesia, advances research on forests and landscape management to inform policies and practices that improve human well-being, protect the environment and increase equity. ICRAF, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, harnesses the benefits of trees for people and the environment, generating knowledge that helps governments, development partners and farmers make farming and livelihoods more sustainable.
Overview
About our organization: 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. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org CIMMYT is hosted by World Agroforestry (ICRAF), a member of the CGIAR that is headquartered on United Nations Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya. We invite you to learn more about CIMMYT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites: www.cimmyt.org and www.worldagroforestry.org CIMMYT is looking for a: Temporary Laboratory Assistant To assist the field, laboratory, and greenhouse activities in the doubled haploid, seed health and molecular breeding projects.
Job Description
1. Field Operations.
- Assist in planning, establishment, and management of nurseries and field trials
- Assist in optimizing the agromnomic management and developing efficient protocols
- Support in monitoring plant health and implementation of pest and disease management practices
- Assist in phenotyping, trait scoring, and accurate field data collection
- Assist in harvesting and post-harvest activities, including seed handling and processing
- Support optimal management of field facilities and equipment (e.g., irrigation systems, sprayers).
2. Greenhouse Operations.
- Support operation and maintenance of greenhouses, screenhouses, and growth chambers
- Assist in planting, crop management, and routine greenhouse activities
- Assist in seedling handling and preparation for specialized activities (e.g., chromosome doubling)
- Ensure proper labeling, tracking, and maintenance of plant materials.
3. Laboratory Operations.
- Assist in seed/plant sampling, preparation, and processing
- Support seed sorting activities (e.g., haploid vs. diploid classification)
- Assist in sample preparation for laboratory analyses (e.g., genotyping, seed health testing)
- Support routine laboratory procedures and experimental activities.
4. General operations.
- Assist in research facility management, including keeping the facilities clean and neat and maintaining inventory of capital (CAPEX) and non-capital items
- Support procurement and inventory management of consumables and supplies
- Assist in equipment maintenance and ensure operational readiness
- Support recruitment and coordination of casual labor in consultation with the station manager
- Ensure timely availability of required materials, supplies, and labor.
5. Data Management and Reporting.
- Assist in maintaining accurate and well-organized records across field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities
- Assist in ensuring proper labeling, documentation, storage and traceability of plant and seed materials while ensuring quality control at each stage
- Assist in supporting timely data entry, validation, and reporting
- Use germplasm and data management systems (e.g., EBS) for generating seed stock names, codes and lables etc. and tracking the materials.
6. Compliance and Safety.
- Follow safety protocols in field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments
- Assist in ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemical and biological materials
- Comply with institutional, biosafety, and regulatory guidelines.
Requirements
- Diploma/Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related field.
- Experience in field crop management.
- Experience in lab and greenhouse operations.
Education, Experience and Technical skills
•Diploma/Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related field. •Experience in field crop management. •Experience in lab and greenhouse operations.
Personal Attributes and Competencies
•Experience with maize Doubled Haploid (DH) technology •Experience in laboratory and greenhouse operations •Advanced knowledge of breeding techniques (Ex: pollination, seed handling etc.). •Strong organizational and record-keeping skills. •Good communication skills •Data analysis skill
Terms and conditions
•This is a Temporary position. •The appointment will be for a period of 6 months, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources. •The duty station will be in Kiboko,Kenya. •We will acknowledge all applications but will only contact short-listed candidates.
