Temporary Laboratory Assistant – CIMMYT

Role Overview

This position is central to the daily execution of crop research activities, combining hands-on work in fields, greenhouses, and laboratories to support breeding and agronomic trials. You will help ensure that trials run smoothly, data is precisely recorded, and materials are correctly tracked—directly influencing the quality and speed of genetic improvement efforts. By coordinating logistics, maintaining equipment, and following safety protocols, you enable the research team to focus on scientific outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, and manage field nurseries and trials, overseeing irrigation, spraying, and other agronomic practices to optimise plant health and study conditions.
• Perform routine greenhouse and screenhouse tasks, including planting, crop maintenance, seedling preparation, and specialised treatments such as chromosome doubling.
• Collect phenotypic data, conduct trait scoring, and ensure accurate field records; support harvest, seed handling, and post-harvest processing.
• Prepare plant and seed samples for laboratory analyses (genotyping, health testing), and assist with haploid/diploid sorting and other experimental procedures.
• Maintain inventory of consumables and capital items, procure supplies, and coordinate casual labour schedules with the station manager.
• Enter, validate, and report data using germplasm management systems (e.g., EBS) for tracking materials, generating labels, and ensuring traceability.
• Enforce safety protocols for chemical and biological materials, dispose of waste properly, and comply with institutional biosafety and regulatory standards.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience managing field crops, including planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting.
• Proven ability to work in greenhouse and laboratory environments, performing plant care, sample preparation, and routine experimental support.