Research Technician - Hybrid Breeding

1. 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.
  
  

2.       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.
  

3.       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.
  

4.       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.
  

5.       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.
  

6.       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