• Posted: September 29, 2025
• Application Deadline: Open until filled (early submission recommended)
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a not-for-profit research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries, is dedicated to developing better maize and wheat varieties to combat hunger and poverty. Headquartered in Mexico, CIMMYT’s Kenya office drives innovative crop breeding and seed systems for Africa.

CIMMYT is recruiting for five full-time positions: EARLY CAREER WHEAT BREEDER, MAIZE MOLECULAR GENETICIST, SCIENTIST, QUANTITATIVE GENETICS, SEED BREEDER, and WHEAT SCIENTIST/BREEDER. These CIMMYT Jobs offer visionary scientists the opportunity to lead breeding programs, enhance genetic gains, and build capacity in a global research powerhouse.

Important Note: CIMMYT’s recruitment process is free of charge. Applicants should beware of fraudsters requesting payment for recruitment assistance and report suspicious activity to the authorities. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from diverse candidates who align with its mission of sustainable agriculture. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Open Positions at CIMMYT

CIMMYT is recruiting for the following full-time positions in Nairobi, Kenya, listed in alphabetical order:

General Application Requirements

• Application Process: Candidates must apply online through the CIMMYT careers portal using the specific links provided below. Submit a Cover Letter, detailed CV, academic transcripts, and references in PDF format.
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (all roles).
• Deadline: Open until filled. Early submission is recommended due to the competitive nature of these CIMMYT Jobs.
• Communication: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Monitor email for updates from CIMMYT’s HR team.
• Fraud Prevention: CIMMYT does not charge fees for recruitment, including CBTs, tests, or assessments. Verify communications through the official website (cimmyt.org) and report suspicious activity.
• Eligibility: Candidates must have legal authorization to work in Kenya. Fluency in English is required.
• Qualifications: Vary by role (detailed below), generally including a PhD and relevant experience.
• Canvassing: Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all applicants seeking CIMMYT Jobs.

Please Note:

• Applications must include a Cover Letter, CV, transcripts, and references in PDF format, clearly specifying the position applied for. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• CIMMYT encourages applications from diverse candidates, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity.
• Tailor applications to highlight alignment with CIMMYT’s mission of crop improvement for global food security.

Detailed Job Descriptions and Requirements

Join CIMMYT to advance maize and wheat breeding in Nairobi. Below are the details for each role, listed in alphabetical order, to inspire scientists to contribute to our global mission.

1. EARLY CAREER WHEAT BREEDER

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: PhD in breeding or related field
Experience: Relevant experience in seed breeding
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Field: Agriculture / Agro-Allied
Apply: Apply for Early Career Wheat Breeder Job at CIMMYT
Deadline: Open until filled

Role Overview

The EARLY CAREER WHEAT BREEDER at CIMMYT executes the breeding pipeline for wheat germplasm, fostering collaborations and contributing to genetic gains in Nairobi.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute CIMMYT’s breeding pipeline for efficient germplasm development and dissemination.
• Foster collaborations across germplasm development, molecular breeding, rust phenotyping, and seed systems.
• Contribute to experimental design, trial data interpretation, and analyses.
• Increase genetic gains in breeding pipelines, formulating and testing impactful seed varieties.
• Support capacity-building for CIMMYT, CGIAR, and seed improvement networks.
• Manage regional data using the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS).
• Facilitate product advancement meetings with stakeholders.
• Optimize trial locations and align with product pipeline requirements.
• Lead research technicians, fostering ownership and accountability.
• Assist technical staff in implementing best practices.
• Publish high-quality journal articles on research impacts.
• Perform additional duties to support program objectives.

Key Outputs/Deliverables

• Efficient wheat breeding pipeline for CIMMYT.
• Collaborative networks and genetic gains.
• Published research and capacity-building initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in breeding or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in seed breeding.
• Expertise in biometrics/statistics, quantitative genetics, or applied molecular breeding.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Competencies: Problem-Solving, Decision Making, Achievement Orientation, Communication, Teamwork.

Why Join

• Advance wheat breeding at CIMMYT in Nairobi, combating global hunger.
• Join CIMMYT Jobs to launch your career in crop improvement.
• Contribute to sustainable agriculture for Africa.

2. MAIZE MOLECULAR GENETICIST

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, molecular genetics, or plant biotechnology
Experience: Relevant experience in genetics and breeding
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Field: Agriculture / Agro-Allied
Apply: Apply for Maize Molecular Geneticist Job at CIMMYT
Deadline: Open until filled

Role Overview

The MAIZE MOLECULAR GENETICIST at CIMMYT designs and evaluates breeding schemes, optimizing tools and methodologies to enhance maize improvement in Nairobi.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and evaluate breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
• Develop strategies with breeding teams to optimize new tools and methodologies.
• Ensure target product profiles drive breeding activities.
• Support parental germplasm selection and overcome constraints to shorten cycle times.
• Contribute to training strategies for CGIAR-NARES breeding teams.
• Lead virtual and hands-on training activities.
• Provide support for reviews and evaluations.
• Contribute to publications from the breeding optimization project.
• Coordinate molecular breeding for temperate adaptation.
• Generate data on genome assemblies, transcriptomes, and annotations.
• Analyze genomic differentiation for key traits.
• Conduct genetic mapping for photoperiod sensitivity and stress tolerance.
• Clone and validate functional genes for yield and stress tolerance.
• Seek collaborations and funding for research proposals.
• Publish research in high-impact journals.

Key Outputs/Deliverables

• Optimized maize breeding schemes for CIMMYT.
• Published genomic research and trained teams.
• Collaborative funding and molecular advancements.

Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, molecular genetics, or plant biotechnology.
• Experience in private industry or advanced breeding programs is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of breeding applications for developing world programs.
• Expertise in statistical analysis software (R, mixed modeling, machine learning).
• Experience in plant gene discovery, cloning, and functional analysis.
• Track record of high-quality publications.
• Good reporting and communication skills in English.
• Competencies: Problem-Solving, Client Orientation, Communication, Multicultural Awareness, Collaboration.

Why Join

• Innovate maize genetics at CIMMYT in Nairobi, enhancing food security.
• Join CIMMYT Jobs to pioneer molecular breeding.
• Contribute to global crop improvement.

3. SCIENTIST, QUANTITATIVE GENETICS

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, molecular genetics, or plant biotechnology
Experience: Relevant experience in genetics and breeding
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Field: Science
Apply: Apply for Scientist, Quantitative Genetics Job at CIMMYT
Deadline: Open until filled

Role Overview

The SCIENTIST, QUANTITATIVE GENETICS at CIMMYT works with genetics specialists to design breeding schemes and optimize tools for maize and wheat improvement in Nairobi.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with genetics specialists to design and evaluate breeding schemes through simulation, retrospective analysis, and pilot testing.
• Develop strategies with breeding teams to optimize new tools and methodologies.
• Ensure target product profiles drive breeding activities.
• Support parental germplasm selection and overcome constraints to shorten cycle times.
• Contribute to training strategies for CGIAR-NARES breeding teams.
• Lead virtual and hands-on training activities.
• Provide support for reviews and evaluations.
• Contribute to publications from the breeding optimization project.
• Coordinate molecular breeding for temperate adaptation.
• Generate data on genome assemblies, transcriptomes, and annotations.
• Analyze genomic differentiation for key traits.
• Conduct genetic mapping for photoperiod sensitivity and stress tolerance.
• Clone and validate functional genes for yield and stress tolerance.
• Seek collaborations and funding for research proposals.
• Publish research in high-impact journals.

Key Outputs/Deliverables

• Advanced quantitative genetics strategies for CIMMYT.
• Published research and trained breeding teams.
• Optimized breeding pipelines.

Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, biometrics, molecular genetics, or plant biotechnology.
• Experience in private industry or advanced breeding programs is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of breeding applications for developing world programs.
• Expertise in statistical analysis software (R, mixed modeling, machine learning).
• Experience in plant gene discovery, cloning, and functional analysis.
• Track record of high-quality publications.
• Good reporting and communication skills in English.
• Competencies: Problem-Solving, Client Orientation, Communication, Multicultural Awareness, Collaboration.

Why Join

• Pioneer quantitative genetics at CIMMYT in Nairobi, boosting crop yields.
• Join CIMMYT Jobs to innovate in seed breeding.
• Contribute to sustainable agriculture.

4. SEED BREEDER

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: PhD in breeding or related field
Experience: Relevant experience in seed breeding
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Field: Agriculture / Agro-Allied
Apply: Apply for Seed Breeder Job at CIMMYT
Deadline: Open until filled

Role Overview

The SEED BREEDER at CIMMYT executes the breeding pipeline for seed germplasm, fostering collaborations and enhancing genetic gains in Nairobi.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute CIMMYT’s breeding pipeline for efficient germplasm development and dissemination.
• Foster collaborations across germplasm development, molecular breeding, rust phenotyping, and seed systems.
• Contribute to experimental design, trial data interpretation, and analyses.
• Increase genetic gains in breeding pipelines, formulating and testing impactful seed varieties.
• Support capacity-building for CIMMYT, CGIAR, and seed improvement networks.
• Manage regional data using the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS).
• Facilitate product advancement meetings with stakeholders.
• Optimize trial locations and align with product pipeline requirements.
• Lead research technicians, fostering ownership and accountability.
• Assist technical staff in implementing best practices.
• Publish high-quality journal articles on research impacts.
• Perform additional duties to support program objectives.

Key Outputs/Deliverables

• Efficient seed breeding pipeline for CIMMYT.
• Collaborative networks and genetic gains.
• Published research and capacity-building initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in breeding or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in seed breeding.
• Expertise in biometrics/statistics, quantitative genetics, or applied molecular breeding.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Competencies: Problem-Solving, Decision Making, Achievement Orientation, Communication, Teamwork.

Why Join

• Advance seed breeding at CIMMYT in Nairobi, ensuring food security.
• Join CIMMYT Jobs to innovate in crop improvement.
• Contribute to sustainable seed systems.

5. WHEAT SCIENTIST/BREEDER

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: PhD in breeding or related field
Experience: Relevant experience in seed breeding
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Field: Agriculture / Agro-Allied / Science
Apply: Apply for Wheat Scientist/Breeder Job at CIMMYT
Deadline: Open until filled

Role Overview

The WHEAT SCIENTIST/BREEDER at CIMMYT executes the breeding pipeline for wheat, fostering collaborations and increasing genetic gains in Nairobi.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute CIMMYT’s breeding pipeline for efficient germplasm development and dissemination.
• Foster collaborations across germplasm development, molecular breeding, rust phenotyping, and seed systems.
• Contribute to experimental design, trial data interpretation, and analyses.
• Increase genetic gains in breeding pipelines, formulating and testing impactful seed varieties.
• Support capacity-building for CIMMYT, CGIAR, and seed improvement networks.
• Manage regional data using the Enterprise Breeding System (EBS).
• Facilitate product advancement meetings with stakeholders.
• Optimize trial locations and align with product pipeline requirements.
• Lead research technicians, fostering ownership and accountability.
• Assist technical staff in implementing best practices.
• Publish high-quality journal articles on research impacts.
• Perform additional duties to support program objectives.

Key Outputs/Deliverables

• Efficient wheat breeding pipeline for CIMMYT.
• Collaborative networks and genetic gains.
• Published research and capacity-building initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in breeding or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in seed breeding.
• Expertise in biometrics/statistics, quantitative genetics, or applied molecular breeding.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Competencies: Problem-Solving, Decision Making, Achievement Orientation, Communication, Teamwork.

Why Join

• Innovate wheat breeding at CIMMYT in Nairobi, combating hunger.
• Join CIMMYT Jobs to lead scientific research.
• Contribute to global food security.

Why Join CIMMYT?

CIMMYT Jobs offer scientists the opportunity to advance crop improvement for food security. The EARLY CAREER WHEAT BREEDER, MAIZE MOLECULAR GENETICIST, SCIENTIST, QUANTITATIVE GENETICS, SEED BREEDER, and WHEAT SCIENTIST/BREEDER drive genetic gains and capacity-building. Employees benefit from:

• Global Research Network: Collaborate with partners in 100+ countries.
• Professional Growth: Publish in high-impact journals and lead breeding programs.
• Impactful Contributions: Develop resilient maize and wheat varieties.
• Inclusive Culture: Work in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment.

About CIMMYT

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a CGIAR Research Center based in Nairobi for its Africa operations, develops better maize and wheat to combat hunger. CIMMYT Jobs support our mission, competing with organizations like ICARDA.

Commitment to Crop Improvement

CIMMYT is committed to genetic gains and seed systems. Breeding roles optimize pipelines and train networks. CIMMYT Jobs embody this commitment.

Impact on Global Food Security

CIMMYT impacts food security through resilient crops. CIMMYT Jobs enable professionals to contribute to Africa’s agricultural future.

Inclusive Culture

CIMMYT fosters inclusivity, encouraging diverse candidates. Employees in CIMMYT Jobs benefit from collaboration and innovation.

Tips for a Successful Application

To secure these CIMMYT Jobs:

• Tailor Your Application: Highlight PhD in breeding for all roles, quantitative genetics for SCIENTIST.
• Demonstrate Expertise: Showcase publications and breeding experience.
• Apply Online: Use the specific CIMMYT links.
• Apply Early: Submit promptly for rolling review.
• Prepare Documentation: Include transcripts and references.
• Follow Instructions: Use the correct links.

Method of Application

Apply online via the CIMMYT careers portal using the following links:

• EARLY CAREER WHEAT BREEDER: Apply for Early Career Wheat Breeder Job at CIMMYT
• MAIZE MOLECULAR GENETICIST: Apply for Maize Molecular Geneticist Job at CIMMYT
• SCIENTIST, QUANTITATIVE GENETICS: Apply for Scientist, Quantitative Genetics Job at CIMMYT
• SEED BREEDER: Apply for Seed Breeder Job at CIMMYT
• WHEAT SCIENTIST/BREEDER: Apply for Wheat Scientist/Breeder Job at CIMMYT

Applications must include a Cover Letter, detailed CV, academic transcripts, and references in PDF format. Submit as soon as possible, as positions are open until filled. Monitor email for updates from CIMMYT’s HR team. Verify communications through the official website (cimmyt.org) and report suspicious activity.

Sources:

• Job details: Provided CIMMYT job advertisements, received September 29, 2025.
• Additional context: cimmyt.org, accessed September 30, 2025.

Note: Apply via the specific CIMMYT links as soon as possible to join CIMMYT’s mission to develop resilient maize and wheat for global food security in Nairobi, Kenya.

Additional Resources for Job Seekers in Kenya

• 🔔 Get Instant Job Alerts on WhatsApp – Stay updated with the latest jobs in Kenya, internships, NGO roles, government vacancies, and private sector opportunities. Join our verified WhatsApp Job Updates Channel.
• 🌐 Browse More Verified Jobs – Explore new openings daily at JobKenya.org, your trusted source for career opportunities in Kenya 2025.
• 📲 Follow Us on Social Media for Career Insights & Updates
  • Twitter (X): Kenyan Job Finder – real-time vacancy alerts and trending job news.
  • LinkedIn: Kenyan Job Finder – professional career advice, networking, and insider tips.

These resources ensure you never miss out on high-value jobs in Kenya, while giving you tools to prepare, apply, and grow your career effectively.