MSc Research Student – Digital Phenotyping
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)•Remote•0(views)
Full-Time
Job Description
About the Organization
CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit: https://www.cimmyt.org/
Job Summary
CIMMYT seeks a highly motivated MSc Research Student interested in Digital Phenotyping to support and gain hands-on experience in ongoing projects within the Breeding and Innovation Services (BIS) group.
The student will work closely with the Global Shared Services (GSS) team to evaluate the digital phenotyping tools currently being adopted across CGIAR breeding programs and conduct a comprehensive cost analysis of these tools. This work will help assess the value, scalability, and sustainability of the different solutions being used. The outcomes of this exercise will directly support service definition, identify opportunities for optimization, and contribute to the continuous improvement of digital phenotyping services offered through GSS.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess the different digital phenotyping tools currently being adopted across breeding programs, with a particular focus on phenotyping methods for agronomic traits, including drones, satellites, rovers, handheld devices, and other emerging technologies.
- Work closely with breeding teams to evaluate generated data and support the development and implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the performance, efficiency, and impact of digital phenotyping approaches.
- Develop a comprehensive report outlining the opportunities, challenges, and recommendations associated with the adoption and scaling of digital phenotyping tools.
- Review existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and assess their consistency, applicability, and effectiveness, identifying gaps and areas for improvement to support standardized implementation across breeding programs.
Required Qualifications
- Experience with phenotyping and/or image analysis tools.
- Interest in pursuing a career that bridges scientific research and service delivery.
- Experience in business case development and service deployment would be considered an advantage.
Deliverables
- Strategic Assessment report of Digital Phenotyping Tool Adoption and Long-Term Sustainability Pathways.
Benefits
- Opportunity to learn from leading experts in digital agriculture and plant breeding.
- Exposure to international CGIAR breeding programs and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Development of skills in data analysis, technology evaluation, KPI design, and technical reporting.
- Knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities with global research teams.
- Monthly stipend of USD 100.
How to Apply
Apply through the link: https://apply.workable.com/cimmyt-1/j/3710CB916B/apply/
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
View ProfileCIMMYT is a non-profit, international agricultural research organization and a member of the CGIAR Research Centers network. For over 50 years, CIMMYT has applied agricultural science and fostered global partnerships to improve the yield, nutritional quality, and resilience of staple dryland cereals—specifically maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops—with a primary focus on resource-poor farming communities across the Global South. --- Global Impact & Key Metrics Economic Return: Generates $3.5–4 billion annually in economic benefits for farmers and consumers worldwide. Seed Footprint: 50% of maize and wheat grown in low- and middle-income countries derives from CIMMYT varieties. Breeding Lines: Supplies 80% of the world's breeding lines for maize and wheat via its global seed distribution network. Climate Focus: 90% of organizational research and programming addresses climate change adaptation and mitigation. Capacity Building: Delivers approximately 50,000 days of gender-inclusive training annually to farmers and agricultural experts. --- Core Areas of Intervention | Focus Area | Objectives & Scope | | --- | --- | | Resilient Crop Breeding | Developing seed varieties resistant to extreme heat stress, severe droughts, emerging pests, and crop diseases. | | Smart Farming & Resource Efficiency | Promoting improved soil and crop management practices that optimize the use of land, water, nutrients, and energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. | | Nutritional Security | Biofortifying and enhancing staple crops to combat malnutrition among low-income populations. | | Knowledge Transfer & Gender Inclusion | Equipping local farmers, researchers, and women producers with advanced agronomic tools, technology, and decision-making capacity. | --- Strategic Objectives (2030 Strategy & Beyond) Food Security & Livelihoods: Improving the nutrition security, incomes, and livelihoods of smallholders and rural communities. Agrifood System Resilience: Strengthening the capacity of cereal production systems to withstand climate shocks and ecological stresses. Biodiversity & Conservation: Promoting the wider, more equitable utilization of maize and wheat genetic diversity. Enterprise & Economic Growth: Providing scalable technologies and practical agronomic know-how to local entrepreneurs and farmers. Institutional Capacity Building: Fostering long-term research collaborations with national agricultural research systems (NARS), global universities, and the private sector.
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