Responsibilities

• Collaborate with quantitative geneticists, breeders, technicians, and partners to translate genomic and predictive analytics into crossing and population development decisions.
  
• Support the senior breeder in the deployment of advanced breeding innovations across the ADCIN sorghum network in ESA, including recurrent and rapid-cycle genomic selection, and the identification, crossing, selection, and advancement of breeding populations.
  
• Coordinate sparse multi-location testing and multi-environment validation across target environments, working with partners on trial planning, site selection, deployment, and phenotyping.
  
• Support high-quality data generation through trial management, quality control, harvest, and sample handling, and collaborate with biometricians and quantitative geneticists on data analysis and interpretation.
  
• Support the integration of predictive breeding and data-driven decision-making into routine breeding pipelines across CIMMYT and partner programs.
  
• Prepare and contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, presentations, capacity Development, and other knowledge products that document activities, results, and outcomes.
  

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding, Agronomy, or a closely related discipline, obtained within the least five years, or expected to graduate within the next six months.
  
• Experience in field-based breeding research, multi-environment trials, or breeding pipeline implementation in sorghum.
  
• Strong working knowledge of genomic selection, breeding data systems, and quantitative genetics.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work with breeders, field teams, and data analysts in applied breeding environments.
  
• Proven track record in publications.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  
• Experience with sparse testing, RCGS, predictive breeding, or rapid generation advancement in sorghum are desirable.
  

Skills and attitudes

• Field research coordination, leadership and implementation skills.
  
• Translation of advanced breeding concepts into practical operational decisions.
  
• Problem-solving and attention to detail.
  
• Teamwork and collaboration across institutions and disciplines.
  
• Initiative, adaptability, and willingness to work in field and analytical environments.