The International Potato Center (CIP), a global leader in root and tuber crop research, has announced a recruitment drive for a Research Assistant (Seed Technologist) position in Agra, India. This opening underscores CIP’s intensifying efforts to strengthen potato seed systems and scale innovations in seed multiplication, disease control, and farmer engagement.
Mission in Focus: Seed Systems Under the Microscope
The new hire will support CIP’s strategic agenda to improve food security, enhance yields, and make potato farming more climate resilient. The position will focus on:
- Establishing and scaling quality seed potato production (from G0 to G3 levels)
- Managing lab facilities (tissue culture, aeroponics, minituber units)
- Conducting disease indexing and seed health testing (ELISA, PCR)
- Introducing and optimizing advanced seed technologies such as true potato seed (TPS)
- Training farmers, technicians, and partner institutions in quality seed practices
- Liaising with government, research, and private sector stakeholders
- Documenting protocols, performance, and traceability in seed value chains
These tasks are designed to translate bench advances into field-level impact, particularly in Indian agro-ecologies. The role marries research rigour with extension reality.
Candidate Profile & Contract Terms
CIP is seeking someone with:
- A Master’s degree in plant breeding, seed technology, biotechnology, horticulture or a related discipline
- At least 5 years’ hands-on experience in potato seed production systems
- Experience with tissue culture, aeroponics or TPS is highly desirable
- Skills in diagnostics, seed health, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement
- Fluency in English and Hindi
- Familiarity with digital monitoring tools and agro-climatic adaptation strategies
Preference will be given to applicants with a Ph.D. or experience in international agricultural R&D projects.
The initial contract runs through March 2026, with an option for renewal depending on project needs and individual performance.
Strategic Implications & Stakes
This job posting is more than HR — it signals CIP’s renewed commitment to:
- Reinforcing quality seed pipelines, a known bottleneck in potato productivity
- Deploying next-generation propagation methods (TPS, aeroponics) in real settings
- Enriching linkages between lab innovation and field adoption
- Strengthening local institutional capacity in India’s seed sector
In the larger scheme, success in India may become a reference point or template for other regions where potato seed systems are fragile or underdeveloped.
How to Apply & Next Steps
The vacancy was posted on 23 September 2025 via CGIAR’s careers portal and CIP’s website. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply via the CIP open vacancies page immediately; while the posting remains open until filled, screening begins promptly. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit application.
CIP is an equal opportunity employer and explicitly encourages applications from women.
Source: CGIAR | CIP. Original release here
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