Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist-CIMMYT at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)

Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist-CIMMYT at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) – Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Kenya Job Details

About the Role

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) is recruiting a Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist-CIMMYT to join its team in Nairobi. This is a full-time position designed for a technical professional with expertise in crop science, field physiology, and geospatial technologies. CIFOR is a non-profit research institution focused on addressing critical challenges in forest and landscape management globally. The organization operates through a multidisciplinary approach to improve human well-being, environmental protection, and equity outcomes across its research programs.

Based in Nairobi, the Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist-CIMMYT at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) will work on integrated agricultural research that combines field trials, physiological measurements, and remote sensing analytics. The role sits at the intersection of traditional agronomy and modern geospatial tools, requiring someone who can bridge field-level insights with data-driven decision-making. This position supports CIFOR’s commitment to building research capacity and informing policy through evidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement on-station and on-farm agronomic trials that align with breeding and seed systems research objectives, while maintaining standardized protocols across multiple locations.
• Develop and optimize agronomic packages covering plant population, nutrient management, water management, and cropping systems; monitor crop growth to ensure trial uniformity and integrity.
• Identify and quantify physiological traits linked to yield, stress tolerance, and resource-use efficiency; support standardized phenotyping protocols for drought, heat, nutrient stress, and other priority constraints across sites and seasons.
• Deploy and operate remote sensing equipment including UAVs, drones, handheld sensors, and proximal platforms for data collection, processing, and imagery analysis.
• Acquire and process satellite, drone, and aerial imagery; apply vegetation indices and spatial analytics for crop monitoring, stress detection, and quality assessment of field trials.
• Integrate remote sensing, GIS, agronomic, and physiological datasets for high-throughput phenotyping; produce spatial maps, dashboards, and visual products for technical reporting.
• Map potential distribution areas of stresses, diseases, and pests using environmental variables associated with their occurrence.
• Synthesize agronomic, physiological, and remote sensing evidence into actionable recommendations; provide technical training and support to partners, field teams, and national programs; contribute to scientific publications and donor deliverables.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Physiology, or Remote Sensing.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in applied agricultural research.
• Demonstrated experience integrating field trials, physiological measurements, and remote sensing data into research workflows.
• Strong quantitative and data analysis skills, including proficiency in R, Python, GIS platforms, Google Earth Engine, or ArcMap.
• Proven experience working on multidisciplinary projects across multiple locations.
• Prior engagement with international, CGIAR, NARS (National Agricultural Research Systems), or donor-funded programs is advantageous.

What to Expect

• You will work within a research-focused organization that values collaboration across disciplines and partnerships with national and international stakeholders.
• The role involves a combination of field work, data analysis, and technical writing in a multicultural research environment.
• This Crop Science and Remote Sensing Specialist-CIMMYT at Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) position in Nairobi is open to qualified candidates. Click Apply below to submit your application.