JOB DESCRIPTION

Research Associate

Biotechnology AI & IoT

The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

About the position

The Research Associate will support international projects involving smart agriculture, focusing on the deployment, maintenance, and technical support of IoT sensor systems (e.g., e-kakashi). The Research Associate will assist with field partners, monitor sensor performance, and contribute to interdisciplinary discussions on AI modeling. While most AI models are developed by external teams, the candidate is expected to understand AI methods and contribute to them when needed.

The selected candidate will support the operational implementation of IoT sensor networks for agricultural research in Colombia, Peru, Ukraine, and Brazil. The role includes installation and technical support in campus and online, understanding AI-based predictive modeling processes, and assisting in their development.

The position will be based in the operations center of the Americas, located in the Campus of Palmira, Colombia.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

·       Collaborate with international partners and CIAT colleagues assisting in monitoring sensors performance.
·       Provide support to project stakeholders during the installation and functioning of devices in the regions of Peru, Ukraine, Brazil, and Japan.
·       Maintain regular communication with project teams and external developers.
·       Install and maintain IoT sensors in agricultural fields.
·       Ensure proper sensor functionality and troubleshooting when needed.
·       Provide training and capacity building to local partners on the proper use, maintenance, and data retrieval processes of field sensors to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.
·       Attend project meetings and provide technical updates.
·       Support development of ML/DL models in collaboration with research teams.
·       Prepare documentation and contribute to technical reporting.

Qualifications and requirements

·       Bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
·       Experience with IoT systems in agricultural or environmental applications.
·       Experience developing machine learning and deep learning models.
·       Data analysis and model support (ML/DL)
·       IoT sensor systems deployment and troubleshooting

Soft Skills

·       Experience working in multicultural and interdisciplinary environments.
·       Strong communication and coordination skills.
·       Advanced English level. (oral and written).

Benefits

Terms of Employment

This is a nationally advertised position at the BG06 level, within a 14-level scale where level 14 is the highest.

This is a national search for Colombian citizens and will be managed through a fixed-term contract of one (1) year, subject to a probationary period in accordance with local labor regulations. The contract is renewable based on performance and the availability of funds. The Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT – offers a multicultural and academic research environment, competitive salaries, and excellent benefits.

We are an institution that believes diversity drives excellence. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and therefore do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, age, marital status, or any other personal characteristic of our employees or applicants.

Learn more about us at:
Careers | Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT
We invite you to learn more about us at:
http://alliancebioversityciat.org

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements