Cropping Systems Agronomist PDF/Associate Scientist

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, self-motivated, and service-orientated professional for the position of Cropping Systems Agronomist, at the post-doctoral fellow or associate scientist level, depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate, to work at the Sustainable Intensification Program in Latin America. The position is part of an ambitious strategic research program that generates knowledge to support CIMMYT’s Cropping Systems Management and Conservation Agriculture activities worldwide.

The position will be based at CIMMYT’s Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico) but will interact with all CIMMYT´s experimental stations and regional offices (particularly in Latin America) on a regular basis.

Specific duties:

• Develop and coordinate a network of agronomic research platforms with collaborators in Mexico to address research gaps and identify sustainable technologies for extension to farmers.
  Develop strategic research on sustainable intensification in maize and wheat-based cropping systems.
• Integrate key learnings from the platform research in CIMMYT’s innovation systems or hubs.
• Promote partnerships; facilitate dialogue and collaborative work with multiple stakeholders, including research institutes and private sector partners.
• Develop (meta-) analyses of research platform results and communicate these results to diverse communities, including scientists, farmers, change agents, policy makers and donors.
• Capacity building with researchers from the National Agricultural Research Systems and farm advisors in Latin America, related to agronomic research.
• Supervise technical staff and students.
• Manage the project cycle of the performance-based collaborative agreements for agronomic research platforms.

Required academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Significant and demonstrated experience in field-based cropping systems research and stakeholder management.
• Excellent data management and analysis skills and a record of high quality scientific publications.
• Computer literacy, with proficiency in the common software packages.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to integrate and synthesize information from different sources.
• Commitment to advances in farm productivity and poverty reduction in the developing world.
• Willingness to spend time away from home (mostly travelling in Mexico).
• Competencies:
  • Innovation and Creativity
  • Relationship management
  • Problem solving
  • Achievement orientation
  • Time management

The position is for an initial fixed-term for two (2) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

HOW TO APPLY:

Candidates must apply here for 16835 Cropping Systems Agronomist (Platforms). Screening and follow up of applications will begin on Monday, 22 August 2016. Incomplete applications (CV and Cover Letter) will not be taken into consideration. For further information on the selection process, please contact Enrique Martinez, at e.m.sanchez@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.

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.