Temporary Laboratory Assistant – CIMMYT

Key Responsibilities

Field Operations

• Assist in planning, establishment, and management of nurseries and field trials.
• Assist in optimizing agronomic 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).

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.

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.

General Operations

• Assist in research facility management, including keeping 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.

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, labels, and tracking materials.

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.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Experience in field crop management.
• Experience in lab and greenhouse operations.