The World Agroforestry Centre, is an international institute headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and founded in 1978. The Centre specializes in the sustainable management, protection and regulation of tropical rainforest and natural reserves.

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Research Technician - Hybrid Breeding

Job Type

Full Time

Qualification

BA/BSc/HND

Experience

2 years

Location

Nairobi

Job Field

Agriculture / Agro-Allied

Duties and responsibilities

Hybrid creation and crossing operations.

• Execute testcross and/or factorial crossing schemes involving new B and R lines according to breeding plans and protocols.
• Carry out controlled pollination activities, including sterilization, bagging, tagging, pollination, and harvesting of crossing materials.
• Monitor flowering synchronization and support timely execution of crossing activities to maximize seed set and data quality.
• Maintain strict labeling, traceability, and contamination control throughout all hybrid creation activities.
• Support the generation of experimental hybrids for evaluation and advancement.

Gametocide protocol implementation.

• Implement approved gametocide protocols in hybrid creation in line with standard operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Prepare treatment materials, apply treatments correctly, and monitor crop response for effectiveness and phytotoxicity.
• Record all treatment details accurately, including dates, rates, environmental conditions, and observed outcomes.
• Collaborate with breeders and agronomists to improve protocol efficiency and reliability.

Conversion of B lines to CMS lines.

• Support the conversion of selected new B lines into CMS lines through structured backcrossing programs.
• Assist in maintaining pedigree records and generation advancement data for conversion cycles.
• Identify and report any deviations in fertility expression, plant type, or seed quality during conversion work.
• Ensure that conversion materials are handled with high precision to preserve genetic integrity.

Parental line maintenance.

• Maintain and regenerate A, B, and R seed stocks under strict quality and genetic purity standards.
• Conduct rouging, isolation, controlled selfing, and harvest operations for parental line maintenance plots.
• Support seed drying, cleaning, packaging, labeling, storage, and inventory tracking.
• Monitor seed viability and alert supervisors on regeneration needs to prevent loss of valuable germplasm.

Seed production efficiency.

• Contribute to improvements in seed production efficiency through better field organization, synchronization, and work sequencing.
• Support the adoption of light mechanization and improved tools where appropriate to reduce labor burden and improve precision.
• Assist in evaluating field performance, seed set, and operational bottlenecks for continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records to support productivity analysis and decision-making.

Data management, quality, and compliance.

• Maintain complete and accurate field records, crossing logs, seed inventories, and activity reports.
• Enter and manage data in digital platforms used by the breeding and operations teams.
• Follow institutional protocols on quality assurance, biosafety, occupational safety, and seed handling.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures for genetic materials and research operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related discipline

Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production operations.

Demonstrated hands-on experience in controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.

Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid seed production will be an added advantage.

Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).

Occasional travel to partner locations

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• Execute testcross and/or factorial crossing schemes involving new B and R lines according to breeding plans and protocols.
• Carry out controlled pollination activities, including sterilization, bagging, tagging, pollination, and harvesting of crossing materials.
• Monitor flowering synchronization and support timely execution of crossing activities to maximize seed set and data quality.
• Maintain strict labeling, traceability, and contamination control throughout all hybrid creation activities.
• Support the generation of experimental hybrids for evaluation and advancement.
• Implement approved gametocide protocols in hybrid creation in line with standard operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Prepare treatment materials, apply treatments correctly, and monitor crop response for effectiveness and phytotoxicity.
• Record all treatment details accurately, including dates, rates, environmental conditions, and observed outcomes.
• Collaborate with breeders and agronomists to improve protocol efficiency and reliability.
• Support the conversion of selected new B lines into CMS lines through structured backcrossing programs.
• Assist in maintaining pedigree records and generation advancement data for conversion cycles.
• Identify and report any deviations in fertility expression, plant type, or seed quality during conversion work.
• Ensure that conversion materials are handled with high precision to preserve genetic integrity.
• Maintain and regenerate A, B, and R seed stocks under strict quality and genetic purity standards.
• Conduct rouging, isolation, controlled selfing, and harvest operations for parental line maintenance plots.
• Support seed drying, cleaning, packaging, labeling, storage, and inventory tracking.
• Monitor seed viability and alert supervisors on regeneration needs to prevent loss of valuable germplasm.
• Contribute to improvements in seed production efficiency through better field organization, synchronization, and work sequencing.
• Support the adoption of light mechanization and improved tools where appropriate to reduce labor burden and improve precision.
• Assist in evaluating field performance, seed set, and operational bottlenecks for continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records to support productivity analysis and decision-making.
• Maintain complete and accurate field records, crossing logs, seed inventories, and activity reports.
• Enter and manage data in digital platforms used by the breeding and operations teams.
• Follow institutional protocols on quality assurance, biosafety, occupational safety, and seed handling.
• Ensure compliance with internal procedures for genetic materials and research operations.

• Controlled pollination
• Backcrossing
• Rouging
• Seed handling
• Data management
• Driving field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear)

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Seed Technology, Plant Breeding, or a related discipline
• Minimum of 2 years’ practical experience in hybrid breeding, parental line maintenance, or seed production operations.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in controlled pollination, backcrossing, rouging, and seed handling.
• Experience with CMS systems, or hybrid seed production will be an added advantage.
• Ability to drive field car (pickup with manual or automatic gear).
• Occasional travel to partner locations