Research Auxiliary (Greenhouse and field support) at International Potato Center
Job Description
Job Summary
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit one (01) motivated and detail-oriented Research Auxiliary to support hybrid breeding activities at the PQS-Mugugastation. The selected candidate will work closely with CIP staff, providing hands-on assistance with greenhouse operations and field-based breeding trials under the Genetic Innovation – Public – Private Partnership (GI-PPP) project. The Research Auxiliary will provide day-to-day operational support to CIP’s hybrid breeding activities at the PQS-Mugugastation. The role involves hands-on support with routine greenhouse and field tasks under the direction of technical staff, contributing to CIP’s potato hybrid breeding program.
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and reports to the Potato Breeding Team Lead.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Greenhouse Operations
- Carry out routine day-to-day greenhouse tasks as directed by the supervisor.
- Support plant maintenance routines, including watering, fertilization, and pest monitoring.
- Provide manual assistance with crossing activities under the guidance of technical staff.
- Conduct seed extraction and berry harvest as directed by the supervising scientist.
Field Support
- Assist with planting, weeding, watering, and general maintenance of field plots.
- Support harvesting and collection of plant samples as directed by technical staff.
- Assist with cleaning, sorting, and labeling of harvested material under supervision.
- Help keep work areas, tools, and equipment clean and in good order.
Educational Qualifications, Experience, & Skills Required
- Complete high school education.
- Additional training in basic field or greenhouse practices is an advantage
- At least one (1) year of experience in a similar field or greenhouse support role is preferred
- Precise and methodical approach to work, with strong attention to detail.
- Responsible, proactive, and able to identify and resolve problems in the field or greenhouse.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Fluent in the official language(s) of the duty location (Swahili and English).
- Core competencies: innovation, accountability, teamwork, and integrity.
