Associate Scientist -ICRISAT Kenya

Reference number: 202547
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Kiboko, Kenya
Download PDF:

CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The role is responsible for activities related to breeding for varieties and hybrids, speed breeding, compiling data, report writing and publications. The candidate will be responsible for developing breeding pipeline for early, mid-early and medium duration pigeonpea varieties and hybrids at Pigeonpea Breeding Programmes.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Handle field breeding activities including population development and hybrid parents breeding in Pigeonpea suitable for Eastern and Southern Africa.
2. Summarize, and interpret the data of the experiments; prepare reports for donors and
3. Publish research papers in the reputed journals
4. Establish seed stocks and seed productions for multi locational trials and breeding nurseries.
5. Support in developing new proposals, project management.
6. Assist the Pigeonpea breeding program activities in Eastern & Southern Africa.
   

Requirements

• PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding
• At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience in Pigeonpea breeding.
• Knowledge of pulse crop and breeding strategies will be an added advantage.
• Sound knowledge of developing breeding experiments and generation advancement techniques through speed breeding in Pigeonpea.
• Experience in Field experimentation (Field layout, field book), data analysis and interpretation (GENSTAT, R and SAAS).
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Proficiency in computers skills MS-office
• Team management and crisis-handling skills.

Education, knowledge and experience

•PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding.
•At least 2 years of postdoctoral experience in Pigeonpea breeding.
•Knowledge of pulse crop and breeding strategies will be an added advantage.
•Sound knowledge of developing breeding experiments and generation advancement techniques through speed breeding in Pigeonpea.
•Experience in Field experimentation (Field layout, field book), data analysis and interpretation (GENSTAT, R and SAAS).
•Excellent communication and writing skills
•Proficiency in computers skills MS-office
•Team management and crisis-handling skills.

Terms and conditions

•This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and a contractual role for a period of 36 months (3 years), renewable based on the performance funding availability and the institute’s continuing need for the position
•CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
•The duty station will be in Kiboko, Makueni County, Kenya ICRISAT Offices

Application process

The application deadline is 23 Jul 2025
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.