Research Auxiliary (Greenhouse and field support) at International Potato Center
About the role
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 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.
Requirements
What are we looking for?
Education
- Complete
high school education.
- Additional training
in basic field or greenhouse practices is an advantage
Experience
- At
least one (1) year of experience in a similar field or greenhouse support
role is preferred
Skills & Competencies
- 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.
Benefits
Why should you consider this opportunity?
- CIP is
a global and reputable international organization that has a
strong, state-of-the-art R&D background, a recent World Food
Prize Winner, and was awarded the Al-Sumait Award for its Orange
Flesh Sweetpotato work in Africa
- CIP is
dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being,
and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food
systems in the developing world
- CIP is
a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers that are mostly located in
developing countries and supported by more than 50 donor members
What are we offering?
- Compensation
package commensurate with experience.
- Fixed-term
contract for one year with possibility of renewal
subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
- Work
in an equal and diverse workplace.
How to apply?
The deadline for the receipt of applications
is June 19th 2026 .
Intern – Crop Improvement at International Potato Center
About the role
The Crop Improvement Intern will contribute to the
design and implementation of a defined research experiment or study
within CIP’sPotato breeding program. The intern will work
closely with the breeding team, gaining practical exposure to greenhouse
operations, experimental data collection, and analytical methods.
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya
(PQS-Muguga station), and reports to the Potato Breeding Team
Lead.
Key responsibilities
Research & Experimentation
- Support
the design and implementation of an experiment or research study on a
topic defined in consultation with the intern and the supervising
scientist
- Conduct
literature reviews and contribute to the development of research
protocols
- Collect
field and greenhouse data in accordance with established
experimental protocols
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Compile,
clean, and manage experimental datasets using appropriate tools,
including R
- Analyze
data, interpret results, and draw conclusions relevant to hybrid breeding
improvement
- Prepare
technical reports and presentations summarizing findings and
recommendations
- Contribute
to documentation of best practices and lessons learned within the
breeding programme
Greenhouse Operations Support
- Assist with
day-to-day operations in the breeding greenhouse at PQS-Muguga
- Support
plant maintenance, crossing activities, and seed management tasks
as required
- Work
collaboratively with the breeding team and field staff on operational
activities
What are we looking for?
Education
- Bachelor’s
degree (BSc) in Agriculture, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a
closely related field
- Currently
enrolled in a plant breeding/agronomy graduate program is an
advantage
- Desirable
experience in data management and analysis, preferably using R or similar
statistical software
- Prior
exposure to plant breeding activities, whether through coursework,
research attachments, or practical experience
- Desirable
experience in data collection within a research or agricultural field
setting
- Desirable
internship experience with similar activities
- Advanced
level of MS Office and intermediate knowledge of database work
Skills & Competencies
- Strong
analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data
and research results into practical recommendations.
- Detail-oriented
with good organizational skills and a willingness to learn.
- Advanced
written and spoken English; fluency in Swahili (official language).
- Ability
to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Core
competencies: innovation, accountability, teamwork, and integrity.
- Specific
competencies: analytical thinking, planning & organization, communication,
and continuous improvement.