Germination Laboratory Coordinator (research Officer I)

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL

Research officer I - Germination Laboratory Coordinator

REF: ROGL/FD/10/2025

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Officer who supports the forage genebank on seed germination testing, viability monitoring, seed pre-treatments and implementation of seed quality management.

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out forage germplasm seed viability testing;
• Tabulate and analyse germination tests and develop the related report;
• Consult the genebank database team on curation and retrieval of germination test records;
• Advise the genebank database team on routine viability monitoring of conserved germplasm;
• Develop improved methods for dormancy breaking and pre-germination treatments;
• Carry out literature reviews and web searches on germination methods to determine best methods for different species;
• Develop the germination laboratory workplans and reports;
• Supervise technical assistants and guide germination laboratory activities;
• Collaborate with other genebanks on forage germplasm regeneration and multiplication in dormancy and pre-germination treatments;
• Contribute to the rescue of forage germplasm that it is at the risk of permanent loss by designing the best germination methods and maintenance in the green house for further seed increase;
• Respond to requests on forage germplasm germination and viability information;
• Supervise and guide interns & research fellows attached to the germination laboratory;
• Maintain an inventory of the reagents and equipment associated with the seed germination laboratory;
• Ensure adherence to laboratory healthy and safety rules and regulations;
• Contribute to genebank fundraising proposals;
• Contribute to journal articles and other publication development;
• Perform any other genebank administrative or technical issues as may be assigned by the Genebank Manager.

Academic and professional qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree in seed science, biology, botany or related field
• Knowledge in relevant field and relevant technical training

Experience:

• Three years’ experience in seed and forage production.
• At least three years’ of relevant work experience in a busy seed testing laboratory
• Working on forage species seeds is an added advantage

Skills:

• Knowledge of ISTA certified methods and techniques of seed testing
• Good communication skill and interpersonal relationships
• Computer literate
• ISTA Membership

Duty Station: Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Grade: HG 13

Minimum Base Salary: Birr 42,084 per month

Terms of appointment: This is a National Staff (NS) position, initial appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes a very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc. The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus in Addis Ababa. Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae. The position and reference number: REF: ROGL/FD/10/2025 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 16 September 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training).

Suitably qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.

To find out more about ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/

Skills Required:

• Agricultural / Studies
• Applied / Natural / Science
• Environmental / Natural / Resource