B24197-B24212 Assistant Research Associate, Agronomy

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Assistant Research Associate, Agronomy at the field level to be a part of CSISA-MEA team.

The country of post is Bangladesh, we are seeking 5 candidates for the following locations: Bandarban, Barishal, Jashore, Khulna, Sylhet.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with project personnel to establish and oversee adaptive research initiatives, farmer participatory trials, and performance evaluations. Focus on crop establishment, optimized fertilizer application, enhanced crop management techniques, and mechanization strategies.
• Assist in designing and conducting surveys, participatory appraisals, and market chain analysis.
• Develop training materials and conduct in-field demonstrations, field days, and farmer training on best management practices (including fertilizer management, irrigation, integrated pest management, production, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing), mechanization, and related technology issues.
• Assist in catalyzing and supporting sustainable partnerships among public and private sector entities in fertilizer management, pest management (IPM), and mechanization. Engage and interact regularly with potential partners throughout the relevant value chains.
• Have a good understanding of scale-appropriate machinery and demonstrate the ability to find innovative solutions to problems encountered in the field.
• Follow best practices in data collection, management, curation, storage, and archiving according to project and CIMMYT standards. Ensure the appropriate archiving of clean, high-quality, properly labeled datasets and information.
• Manipulate and organize data, ensure quality and conduct preliminary statistical analysis.
• Have a clear understanding of fertilizer recommendation guides, calculations, and proficient use of digital tools for quantifying fertilizer doses.
• Communicate research results to diverse audiences, including scientists, policymakers, public-private partners, and farmers.
• Develop data and project reports, narratives, success stories, and presentations on time.
• Provide technical support to public and private collaborators to develop efficient research and development activities.
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary project team comprising soil scientists/agronomists, data scientists, engineers, and remote sensing specialists to advance sustainable and resilient rice-based production systems.

• MS in Agronomy, Soil Science, Farming Systems, or a closely related field.
• Considerable practical agricultural experience, including on-farm research and familiarity with farm equipment.
• Experience with participatory research methodologies and adapting agricultural practices to local biophysical and socioeconomic conditions.
• Strong understanding of environmental systems, particularly in fertilizer management, nitrogen fertilizer utilization, and greenhouse gas emissions, and their interactions within agricultural contexts.
• Conceptual knowledge of theories, practices, and procedures in soil management and rice-based production systems, including handling large spatial datasets.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in research and research for development projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in R and related open-source software and packages is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to write, publish, and disseminate technical reports, success stories, and promotional materials.
• Capability to work in a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-cultural environment.
• Complexity of thinking required: Work is complex and technical in scope.
• Ability to identify and implement solutions to field problems (soil, water management, farm machinery, nutrient management, food transport, and processing).
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing techniques is an additional advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively as required, using various modes of transport such as car, motorbike, or other appropriate means based on local conditions.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Critical thinking, Creative thinking, Communication and teamwork.

The position is for Bangladesh Nationals for an initial fixed-term contract of 1-year with 3 months probationary period, which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds.

CIMMYT will provide a nationally competitive salary and benefits that include comprehensive health and life insurance, paid vacation, contributions to a retirement plan, and a range of other benefits as required by Bangladesh law. 

Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer.

It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.

Women are encouraged to apply.