MSc Research Student - Digital Phenotyping

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/.

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.

• 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.

• 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.