External advert no.1 FY2026/2027

REF. NO: NARO/PRS/JOB1/2026/27
Position: Principal Artificial Intelligence Officer (1 Post)
Reports to: Deputy Director General Research
Salary Grade: UR 3 RS
Age Limit : Not more than 55 years

Job Purpose: To provide strategic leadership in the development, implementation, governance, and scaling of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data Science, and Advanced Analytics solutions that support agricultural research, innovation, technology development, knowledge management, decision-making, and service delivery across the National Agricultural Research Organization.

Specific duties and Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and AI Governance
   1. Lead the formulation, implementation, monitoring and review of NARO’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy, policies, standards and governance frameworks.
   2. Provide Technical leadership on AI adoption and digital transformation initiatives across NARO.
   3. Advise Management on emerging AI technologies, opportunities, risks and investments relevant to agricultural research and development.
   4. Develop institutional AI roadmaps aligned with national development priorities and NARO’s strategic objectives.
   5. Establish ethical, responsible AI, data governance, and risk management frameworks.

2. Research and Innovation

   1. Spearheading research and development of AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Generative AI, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Predictive Analytics, and Decision Support Systems.
   2. Designing and overseeing development of AI-powered solutions for crop, livestock, fisheries, forestry, climate, soil and agribusiness applications.
   3. Coordinating AI research projects, innovation programmes, pilots and proof-of-concept initiatives.
   4. Publishing scientific research findings and contribute to intellectual property generation, patents and technology commercialization.
   5. Promote the integration of AI technologies into NARO research programs and technology development initiatives.

3. Data Science and Analytics

   1. Lead the development of enterprise data science, predictive modelling, forecasting, and analytics capabilities.
   2. Establish institutional frameworks for agricultural big data management, integration, quality assurance and utilization.
   3. Develop AI models for disease surveillance, outbreak prediction, climate risk analysis, yield forecasting, resource optimization and agricultural decision support.
   4. Oversee development of enterprise dashboards, business intelligence systems and executive decision-support platforms.

5. Partnerships, Resource Mobilization and Collaboration
   1. Support the establish of strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, development partners, government agencies and private sector organizations.
   2. Mobilize resources for AI research, innovation and infrastructure development.
   3. Develop concept notes, project proposals, grant applications, and partnership agreements related to AI and digital innovation.

6. Capacity Building and Knowledge Management

   7. Lead AI capacity-building programmes for researchers, scientists, ICT personnel, and stakeholders.
   8. Offer mentorship and support supervision to data scientists, software developers and research teams within NARO.
   9. Promote institutional awareness and adoption of AI technologies across NARO.
   10. Develop knowledge-sharing platforms, communities of practice, and AI innovation ecosystems within NARO 

7. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

   1. Establish performance indicators for AI initiatives and programmes.
   2. Monitor the implementation and impact of AI solutions across NARO.
   3. Prepare technical, management and policy reports on AI initiatives and investments.
   4. Document lessons learnt, best practices, and institutional AI achievements.

REF. NO: NARO/SRS/JOB1/2026/27
Position: Senior Research Officer – Entomologist (1 post)
Reports to: Director of Research
Salary Grade: UR4RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50years

Job Purpose: To plan, design, conduct research and present findings on respective field for enhanced and sustainable agricultural production.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

1. A PhD in Animal Science including but not limited to; Zoology, Insect biology, Insect ecology, Insect biochemistry, Insect physiology, and Insect breeding and genetics.
2. Excellent leadership, inter personal and communication skills including demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams.
3. Four years’ experience at the level of Research Officer or equivalent experience from a reputable organization
4. Possession of four peer reviewed publications.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Identify vector related problems affecting the Livestock industry and types of insects that have potential commercial value.
2. Identify and characterize vectors causing livestock problems and prioritized vector/insects of economic importance and have potential commercial value.
3. Study the biology and ecology of the vectors of economic importance and species of insects that have commercial value.
4. Determine the risk factors attributed to vectors of economic importance and damages and consequences caused by vectors.
5. Develop appropriate measures for controlling the effects of the vectors.
6. Evaluate the commercial value of these insects/insect products and determining marketability/ market potential of commercial insects.
7. Evaluate existing methods of exploitation of insects/insect products, and determine potential of maximum exploitation
8. Determine and evaluating constraints that hinder maximum exploitation of commercial insects and develop appropriate measures.
9. Develop breeding programme for mass artificial production of insects
10. Develop appropriate technologies that address poverty and sustainable natural resource management.
11. Perform any other duty assigned to you by the Director.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB1/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Agronomy (5 Posts)
Reports to: Respective Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

1. Applicants should hold an Honour’s Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science plus Master’s Degree in Soil Science or Crop Science with a bias in Agronomy.
2. Should have a minimum of three years demonstrated working experience in a related field and proven record of publication in referred journals.
3. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design and implement farmer participatory research for crop commodity systems.
2. Collect, analyze and interpret agronomy and on-farm research trial data.
3. Study the effects of various cropping systems on crop yield and determine the most efficient cropping system for optimum crop production.
4. Identify nutrient needs of the various crops (plant nutrition) and develop corrective measures to alleviate the problems.
5. Develop appropriate crop and soil management technologies that are gender responsive and avoids soil resource mining but increase crop yield.
6. Study the effects of weeds, weed competition and nutrient mining on crop yield, diseases and insect pests.
7. Collaborate with other researchers in multiplication of early generation seed.
8. Disseminate study results through farmer feedback workshops, training workshops and sessions, conferences, seminars, brochures, newsletters, journals, reports, media, field days and agricultural shows.
9. Contribute to the development of training and outreach materials, training of farmers, extension personnel, university students and interested parties on pasture improvement and management.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB2/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Plant Breeder (3 posts)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To develop new crop varieties with desirable traits, identify genetic variations, analyze genetic data.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

1. Applicants should hold an Honour’s Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science plus a Master’s Degree in Plant Breeding, Genetics or Molecular Breeding.
2. Should have a minimum of three years demonstrated working experience in a related field.
3. Proven record of publications in referred journals is an added advantage.
4. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Duties   and Responsibilities

1. Conduct comprehensive literature review and update literature of major crops in the zone.
2. Collect, introduce, conserve, characterize and utilize germplasm relevant to the zone
3. Draw up short-, mid- and long-term plant breeding goals and objectives.
4. Design plant breeding strategies for the short- and long-term goals and objectives.
5. Plan and conduct experiments/studies to achieve the desired objectives
6. Conduct participatory evaluation and/or breeding for other various desirable traits needed in/by (food, feed, processed products, local and/or export markets)
7. Develop grant proposals to secure funding for conducting specific research programs in line with the institute’s strategic management plan.
8. Develop sustainable management practices for underutilized species of importance to food and agriculture and their genetic resources.

REF. NO:                   NARO/RS/JOB3/2026/27
Position:                    Research Officer – Pathology  (2 Posts)
Reports to:                Programme Leader
Salary Grade:           UR5(i)RS
Age Limit:                 Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To independently conduct research leading to establishment of causes of plant diseases, their mode of transmission, epidemiology, forecast and management.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Applicants should hold an Honour’s Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science plus a Master’s Degree in Agriculture related field.
2. Should have three years demonstrated relevant working experience in a reputable organization in agriculture research environment.
3. Proven record of publication in referred journals will be added advantage.
4. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Identify pathogens causing plant diseases.
2. Undertake isolate, culture and characterise  economically important plant causing pathogens.
3. Conduct regular surveillance of economically important crop diseases in the country.
4. Determine yield losses of economically important diseases on major crops
5. Study and understand the epidemiology (interplay of factors) of plant diseases
6. Develop appropriate disease management strategies.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB4/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Animal Production (1 Post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To plan, design, conduct research and present findings on respective field for enhanced and sustainable agricultural production.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

1. Applicants should hold an Honour’s Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or Animal Science plus an MSc in Livestock Science including but not limited to; Veterinary medicine, Livestock nutrition, and Livestock production.
2. Should have three years demonstrated relevant working experience in a reputable organization in animal production research environment.
3. Proven record of publications in referred journals is an added advantage.
4. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Plan, designing, implementing and evaluating forage species and their responses to animal production.
2. Identify constraints to livestock and forage production.
3. Collect and evaluating promising forage production.
4. Collect and evaluate promising forage germplasm and feed resources for improved livestock nutrition.
5. Study  the effects of different forage/feed resources on livestock production.
6. Develop  strategies for improving livestock production through improved nutrition.
7. Determine nutritional requirements for annuals, by species, breed, physiological status and production levels.
8. Identify feeds resources that can provide animal the nutrient in question.
9. Provide models for rational feed utilization, generate feed composition tables and feeding standards.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB5/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Livestock Scientist (1 post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To plan, design, conduct research and present findings on respective field for enhanced and sustainable agricultural production.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

1. Applicants should hold an Honour’s Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science or Animal science plus an MSc in Livestock Science including but not limited to; Veterinary medicine, Livestock nutrition, and Livestock production.
2. Should have three years demonstrated relevant working experience in a reputable organization in animal production research environment.
3. Proven record of publications in referred journals is an added advantage.
4. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Plan, design, implement, evaluate forage species and their responses to animal production.
2. Identify constraints to livestock and forage production.
3. Collect and evaluate promising forage production.
4. Collect and evaluate promising forage germplasm and feed resources for improved livestock nutrition.
5. Study the effects of different forage/feed resources on livestock production.
6. Develop strategies for improving livestock production through improved nutrition.
7. Determine nutritional requirements for annuals, by species, breed, physiological status and production levels.
8. Identify feeds resources that can provide animal the nutrient in question.
9. Provide models for rational feed utilization, generate feed composition tables and feeding standards.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB6/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Animal Health/Vet Care (1 post)
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

1. Applicants should hold an Honour’s Bachelors’ Degree in Veterinary Medicine plus Masters of Science Degree in Veterinary Medicine.
2. Should have three years demonstrated relevant working experience in a reputable organization.
3. Proven record of publication in referred journals will be added advantage.
4. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Duties Tasks and Responsibilities:  

1. Identify causes of disease in livestock, including poultry.
2. Isolate, characterize and study the properties of the causative agents.
3. Determine epidemiological factors associated with the causative agents.
4. Develop appropriate control measures for the identified diseases.
5. Carry out disease surveillance and outbreak investigation
6. Design experiments for evaluating new medicines and vaccines.
7. Design and implement biosecurity and biosafety protocols for management of diseases on station and on farm.
8. Design and implement treatment for management of on station and on farm demonstration animals
9. Develop information materials for animal

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB7/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Biochemistry (1 post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To generate robust datasets, harness biochemical insights and provide a supportive hand in guiding forestry policies.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

1. Applicants should hold an Honour’s Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences plus Master’s degree in Biochemistry.
2. Exhibit 3–5 years of demonstrated laboratory and field biogeochemistry experience, including plant, soil and gas sampling, trace gas fluxes, wet chemistry and chromatographic analysis.
3. Ability to operate and troubleshoot advanced analytical platforms such as Gas Chromatography (GC), Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS), spectrophotometry and apply stable isotope tracer methods.
4. Demonstrated expertise in ethnobotany, phytochemical profiling, or microbial ecology with direct application to forestry and agroforestry systems.
5. Proven record of at least two (2) peer‑reviewed scientific writing as the first or last author, advanced data analysis and effective stakeholder engagement across research, industry and policy domains will be an added advantage.
6. Exhibit understanding of forestry certification frameworks such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and ability to align biochemical research outputs with sustainable forestry policies and standards.
7. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Elucidate chemical, physical and structural composition of cells and tissues in tree species and NTFPs for enhanced ecological resilience and forest health.
2. Monitor substrate quality, seedling metabolite status and mycorrhizal associations to optimize nursery practices for climate-smart silviculture.
3. Install, operating and troubleshooting non-destructive digital data acquisition tools for robust measurement of soil CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O fluxes
4. Conduct stable isotope tracer experiments and biochemical assays to understand soil nutrient dynamics and ecosystem resilience.
5. Profile stress metabolites and volatile organic compounds in drought- and pest-tolerant genotypes for adaptive forestry seed development.
6. Document indigenous knowledge and validate bioactivity of medicinal and aromatic plants for nutraceutical, cosmetology and health applications.
7. Support development of Forest Stewardship council (FSC), organic, phytosanitary and quality standards to ensure market access and compliance for forest-derived products.
8. Integrate phytoremediation knowledge by forestry screening for ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems, climate adaptation and food security.
9. Comply, analyze and curate biochemistry and ethnobotany datasets in NaFORI databases for long-term storage and retrieval.
10. Prepare reports, manuscripts, policy briefs and presentations to communicate findings to scientific, policy and community stakeholders.
11. Guide technicians, organize workshops and build institutional capacity in forest biochemistry, microbial ecology and bio-economy research.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB8/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Fish Breeding (1 post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To design, coordinate, and evaluate fish breeding and genetic improvement programmes aimed at enhancing aquaculture productivity, conserving genetic resources, and generating improved fish strains for sustainable aquaculture systems.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience.

1. Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Zoology, or a related field, plus a Master’s Degree in Fish Breeding, Aquaculture Genetics, Animal Breeding, or a related discipline.
2. At least three years of demonstrated experience in fish breeding, aquaculture research, hatchery operations, fisheries genetics, or related research activities.
3. Experience in quantitative genetics, bioinformatics, molecular genetics, and genomic analysis will be an added advantage.
4. A proven record of publications in refereed scientific journals is an added advantage.
5. Possession of a PhD in Aquaculture Genetics, Fish Breeding, Animal breeding, or a related field is an added advantage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Genetic Improvement: Develop and maintain selective breeding programs for key aquaculture species (e.g., Nile tilapia, catfish, Mirror carp, etc) to improve traits like growth rate, feed conversion, and disease resistance.
2. Data Collection & Analysis: Collecting phenotypic data, pedigree tracking, and biometric measurements to estimate heritability and breeding values.
3. Genomic Integration: Utilize modern genomic tools and marker-assisted selection (MAS) to accelerate genetic gain.
4. Hatchery Management: Provide technical oversight for bloodstock management, spawning, and larval rearing to ensure high-quality fry/fingerling production.
5. Research & Innovation: Conducting applied research to identify new productivity and resilience traits.
6. Stakeholder Engagement: Translate complex genetic and breeding data into practical guidelines for local fish farmers and hatchery operators.
7. Collect, characterizing, conserving, and sustainably utilize indigenous fish genetic resources for biodiversity conservation and genetic resource management.
8. Identify priority research areas in fish breeding, genetics, genomics, and aquaculture production systems to guide strategic research planning and innovation.
9. Develop or adopting and documenting technologies for propagation of new species in aquaculture

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB9/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Water Quality Management (1 Post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To conduct research and provide scientific leadership in water quality management for aquaculture systems, to improve fish health, productivity, and environmental sustainability in ponds, cages, and other production systems.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

1. Applicants Should hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry, Industrial Chemistry or environmental Sciences plus Master’s degree in Fisheries, Aquaculture, Aquatic Sciences, Limnology and Wetland Management, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
2. At least 3 years’ experience in aquaculture production systems, water quality monitoring, and aquatic ecosystem management.
3. Demonstrated skills in research design, data analysis, scientific writing, and stakeholder engagement.
4. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct research and monitoring water quality in aquaculture ponds, cages, and indoor fish production systems.
2. Assess the effects of water quality on fish growth, health, survival, and productivity.
3. Develop and promote best management practices for sustainable aquaculture and aquatic environmental management.
4. Undertake environmental impact assessments, carrying-capacity studies, and aquaculture site suitability evaluations.
5. Support fish health, biosecurity, and climate-smart aquaculture interventions through improved water quality management.
6. Analyze and interpret water quality and produce data and prepare technical reports, publications, and policy briefs.
7. Provide technical support, training, and advisory services to farmers, extension staff, and other stakeholders.
8. Participate in resource mobilization, collaborative research, and dissemination of research findings.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB10/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Nematology (1 Post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To execute scientific research concerning plant-parasitic nematodes affecting food security and commercial value chains (e.g., roots, tubers, cereals, and vegetables).

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

1. Applicants should possess a Master’s Degree in Plant Pathology or Entomology with specialization in Nematology.
2. Should have a minimum of three years demonstrated working experience in plant parasitic nematodes in agricultural environment, knowledge in current nematicide products in the market, Knowledge working with biological control agents (esp. Bacterial derived).
3. Proven record of publication in referred journals is an added advantage.
4. Possession of a PhD is an added advantage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Identify nematode species, map geographic infestations, evaluate germplasm for resistance, and develop integrated nematode management strategies to safeguard crop health, seed quality, and soil productivity
2. Oversee the collection and laboratory processing of soil and plant tissue samples using standard extraction techniques
3. Identify major plant parasitic nematodes using light microscopy, morphometric measurements, and taxonomic keys.
4. Determine yield losses associated with nematode infestations on the crops and devise strategies for controlling/minimizing crop yield loss due to nematode infestation.
5. Conducting surveys to establish occurrence, distribution and population densities of the major nematode pests of field trials within NARO and contracted research organizations.
6. Conduct laboratory, screen-house testing and field screening trials to evaluate breeding lines and parent lines and other crops for resistance or tolerance to economically damaging nematode species
7. Coordinate field trials within NARO and with contracted research organizations
8. Culture and maintain pure populations of target nematode species on susceptible host plants under controlled screen-house conditions for experimental use.
9. Conduct surveys to determine nematode population dynamics, reproduction factors, and economic injury levels across varied crop varieties

REF. NO: NARO/SRS/JOB11/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Plant Physiologist (1 Post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To study the physical, chemical, and biological functions of plants, by involve investigating fundamental processes like photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and stress responses, with the goal of improving crop yields, developing climate-resilient vegetation, and advancing agricultural biotechnology.

Minimum requirements and Experience

1. Applicants should hold an Honour’s Bachelor of Science Degree in Plant Sciences plus, a Master of Science in Crop Science (Plant Physiology Option) .
2. Possession of a PhD in Plant Physiology is an added advantage.
3. At least one scientific publication in the area of plant physiology is an added advantage.

Specific duties and responsibilities

1. Conduct comprehensive literature review of physiology of plants.
2. Draw up short, mid and long-term research goals and objectives on physiology of plants. 
3. Design and executing laboratory and field experiments to study how plants function at molecular, cellular, and whole-organism levels. 
4. Investigate how plants respond and adapt to environmental stressors like droughts, extreme temperatures, soil salinity, and other climate change effects. 
5. Develop and test methods to improve water and nutrient efficiency, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and global food security. 
6. Collect and analyzing plant data using advanced techniques, such as high- phenotyping and remote sensing. 
7. Write regular technical progress reports, publish findings in scientific journals, and present at conferences. 
8. Liaise with other scientist like botanists, geneticists, and breeders to translate physiological traits into new, resilient plant varieties. 
9. Develop grant proposals to secure funding for conducting plant physiology and other related research. 
10. Develop sustainable management practices for target crops based on physiology of each plant species forming the system such as agroforestry.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB12/2026/27
Position: Research Officer – Farm Structures and Bio Systems Engineering (1 Post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: To conduct research, develop new farm structures and storage technologies, systems and methods; and generate information that support planning and monitoring of research and formulation of policies that contribute to post-harvest loss reduction; improved production and productivity; shelf life; and quality of crop and livestock commodity enterprises and enhance climate resilience for smallholder farmers.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

1. A BSc in Agricultural Engineering or BSc Biosystems Engineering Plus an MSc in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering with a bias in rural agriculture structures or Biosystems Engineering from a recognized institution.
2. A PhD in the field of agricultural engineering is an added advantage
3. Three (3) years relevant experience gained from a busy research environment
4. Must be registered with the engineering professions body with a current license.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct technological, ergonomic and socio-economic studies in farm structures and storage technologies, systems and methods
2. Design, specific materials and produce working drawings and blue prints to aid in IP applications, fabrication of new farm structures and storage technologies, systems and methods for different crops, animals, poultry and other categories of livestock
3. Guiding the fabrication of the designed prototypes of new farm structures and storage technologies and systems in conformity with acceptable quality standards and social factors
4. Plan and conduct experiments for evaluating the designed and fabricated prototypes of new farm structures and storage technologies, systems and methods
5. Enforce occupational health and safety in workshops and construction sites
6. Conduct data analysis, report writing, and produce research publications and dissemination materials
7. Develop annual research activities, budgets and work plans in the area of farm structures and storage technologies
8. Develop project proposals to secure funding for research and development in line with the institute’s strategic plan and government development frameworks
9. Train stakeholders (famers, fabricators, rural artisans, processors, extension workers, etc) in different aspects of new farm structures and storage technologies, systems and methods.
10. Disseminate proven farm structures and storage technologies, systems and methods to uptake pathways for adoption and scaling up
11. Prepare and submit technical and periodic reports in the research area of farm structures and storage technologies
12. Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Director General NARO, or Director of Research NARL and or Program Leader/Officer In-charge of the agricultural engineering research centre.

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB13/2026/27
Position: Research Officer—Farm Production
Machinery Engineer (1 Post)
Reports to: Program Leader –                
Salary Grade: UR 5(i)RS
Age Limit: Not more than 50 years

Job Purpose: The Farm Production Machinery Engineer will conduct research to develop and adapt new farm production tools, implements and machinery, methods and generates information that supports planning and monitoring of research and formulation of policies that contribute to enhancing agricultural production and productivity.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Applicants should hold Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or BSc Biosystems Engineering Plus a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering with a bias in farm power and production machinery.
2. A PhD in the field of agricultural engineering is an added advantage
3. Knowledge of human power systems, draft animal power technologies and motorized power systems application and utilization in agriculture
4. Knowledge and skills in Computer Aided Designs (CAD) and Microsoft Office
5. Innovative skills in designing, fabrication, testing and evaluating farm tools, implements and machinery.
6. Three years working experience.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct research studies on technological, ergonomic and socio-economic aspects of farm production tools, implements and machinery
2. Design, specify materials and produce working drawings and blue prints to aid in IP applications, fabrication of farm production tools, implements and machinery.
3. Guide the fabrication of the designed prototypes of farm production tools, implements and machinery in conformity with acceptable quality standards and social factors
4. Plan and conduct experiments for evaluating the designed and fabricated prototypes of farm production tools, implements and machinery
5. Conduct data analysis, report writing, and produce research publications and dissemination materials
6. Develop annual research activities, budgets and work plans in the area of farm tools, implements and machinery
7. Develop project proposals to secure funding for research and development in line with the institute’s strategic plan and government development frameworks
8. Train stakeholders (famers, fabricators, rural artisans, extension workers, etc.) in different aspects of farm tools, implements and machinery.
9. Disseminate proven farm tools, implements and machinery to uptake pathways for adoption and scaling up
10. Prepare and submit technical and periodic reports in the research area of farm tools, implements and machinery
11. Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time

REF. NO: NARO/RS/JOB14/2026/27
Position: Research Officer—Farm Structures and Storage Engineer (1 Post)
Reports to: Program Leader                  
Salary Grade: UR 5(i) RS
Age limit: Not more than 50yrs

Job Purpose:  The farm structures and storage engineer will conduct research to develop new farm structures and storage technologies, systems and methods; and generate information that supports planning and monitoring of research and formulation of policies that contribute to post-harvest loss reduction; improved production and productivity; shelf life; and quality of crop and livestock commodity enterprises and enhance climate resilience for smallholder farmers.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

1. Applicants should hold an Honor’s Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering or BSc Biosystems Engineering plus a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering
2. A PhD in the field of agricultural engineering is an added advantage
3. Three (3) years relevant experience gained from a busy research environment

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct research studies on technological, ergonomic and socio-economic aspects of farm production tools, implements and machinery
2. Design, specify materials and produce working drawings and blue prints to aid in IP applications, fabrication of farm production tools, implements and machinery.
3. Guide the fabrication of the designed prototypes of farm production tools, implements and machinery in conformity with acceptable quality standards and social factors
4. Plan and conduct experiments for evaluating the designed and fabricated prototypes of farm production tools, implements and machinery
5. Conduct data analysis, report writing, and produce research publications and dissemination materials
6. Develop annual research activities, budgets and workplans in the area of farm tools, implements and machinery
7. Develop project proposals to secure funding for research and development in line with the institute’s strategic plan and government development frameworks
8. Train stakeholders (famers, fabricators, rural artisans, extension workers, etc) in different aspects of farm tools, implements and machinery.
9. Disseminate proven farm tools, implements and machinery to uptake pathways for adoption and scaling up
10. Prepare and submit technical and periodic reports in the research area of farm tools, implements and machinery
11. Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Director General NARO, or Director of Research NARL and or Program Leader/Officer In-charge of the agricultural engineering research Centre.

REF. NO: NARO/RT/JOB2/2026/27
Position:                    Assistant Research Officer – Agrometeorology and Climate Modelling (1 Post)   
Reports to:                Programme Leader
Salary Grade:           UR5(i)RTS
Age Limit:                Not more than 30 years

Job Purpose: To support research activities in agrometeorology, climate change adaptation, climate modelling, weather data management, and dissemination of climate information for agricultural decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications requirements and Experience

1. A first class or an Upper Second Bachelor’s degree in Agrometeorology, Meteorology, Climate Science, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Atmospheric Science, or a related field.
2. More than one year of working experience in climate-related research, agrometeorology, or environmental data analysis will be an added advantage.
3. Knowledge of climate variability, climate change adaptation, and agricultural systems.
4. Proficiency in statistical software such as R, Python, SPSS, or STATA.
5. Skills in GIS and remote sensing software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or Google Earth Engine.
6. Knowledge of climate and crop simulation models (e.g., DSSAT, APSIM, AquaCrop, WRF, SWAT) is an added advantage.

Specific  Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist in designing and implementing agrometeorological and climate-related research studies.
2. Collect, process, and manage meteorological, environmental, and agricultural data from field stations and other sources.
3. Support installation, calibration, operation, and maintenance of weather monitoring equipment.
4. Participate in field surveys and assessments related to climate variability and agricultural production.
5. Support the development and application of climate and crop simulation models.
6. Assist in downscaling climate model outputs for local and regional applications.
7. Utilize statistical and geospatial tools for climate data analysis and visualization.
8. Support acquisition, processing, and interpretation of satellite and remote sensing data.
9. Develop climate and agricultural vulnerability maps.
10. Integrate climate, weather, and agricultural datasets using GIS platforms.
11. Assist in generating agro-weather advisories and climate information products for farmers and other stakeholders.
12. Support dissemination of seasonal forecasts and climate risk information.
13. Participate in stakeholder engagement activities, including training workshops and community outreach programs.
14. Support the development of climate-smart agricultural recommendations.
15. Maintain accurate records of research activities and datasets.
16. Assist in proposal development and resource mobilization efforts.

REF. NO: NARO/RT/JOB3/2026/27
Position: Assistant Research Officer – Weed and Herbicides Science (1 post)
Reports to: Programme Leader
Salary Grade:  UR5(i)RTS
Age Limit: Not more than 30 years

Job Purpose: To identify, map, and sustainably manage weed dynamics across major food security and commercial value chains (e.g., cereals, legumes, and root crops).

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

1. A first class or an Upper Second Bachelor’s degree in plant science.
2. More than one year demonstrated relevant experience in a related field is an added advantage.

Specific Duties and responsibilities:

1. Develop climate-smart Integrated Weed Management (IWM) technologies that reduce production costs, safeguard biodiversity, mitigate herbicide resistance, and boost national crop productivity.
2. Lead the design, execution, and analysis of multi-location field, screenhouse, and laboratory experiments on weed biology, ecology, and management.
3. Innovate and optimize eco-friendly weed control methods, including conservation agriculture (minimum tillage), cover crops, biological controls, and mechanical tools tailored for smallholder farmers.
4. Develop targeted containment and eradication protocols for parasitic and invasive weeds of national concern (e.g., Striga hermonthica, water hyacinth and dodder species).
5. Conduct independent regulatory testing of new herbicide formulations submitted for national registration to evaluate crop safety, environmental persistence, and efficacy.
6. Establish a national monitoring network to track, map, and report the development of Herbicide resistance in local weed populations.
7. Formulate rotational herbicide matrices to guide extension workers and farmers on mitigating chemical resistance.

REF. NO: NARO/RT/JOB4/2026/27
Position:  Assistant Research Officer – Plant Physiology (1 post)
Salary Grade: UR5(i)RTS
Age Limit: Not more than 30 years

Job Purpose:  To execute everyday research activities, laboratory procedures, and field trials focused on understanding crop functional mechanisms and responses to environmental pressures.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

1. A first class or an Upper Second Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science.
2. More than one year demonstrated working experience will be an added advantage.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Collect, analyzing, and interpreting data regarding crop physiological traits (such as drought, heat, salt and nutrient tolerance) to accelerate breeding pipelines and optimize crop performance for national food security.
2. Establish, monitoring, and maintaining field and screen-house experimental trials designed to evaluate germplasm for abiotic and biotic stress tolerances.
3. Actively collect physiological parameter data using specialized equipment (e.g., measuring chlorophyll fluorescence, stomatal conductance, canopy temperature, and relative water content). Plant growth index, assimilate partitioning)
4. Monitor and record reproductive growth stages, focusing on pollen viability, silk receptivity, and flowering synchronization in parent lines of hybrid crops.
5. Conduct routine lab process and biochemical assays to measure stress indicators in plant tissues (e.g., total soluble sugars, and lipid peroxidation).
6. Calibrate, operate, and maintain crop physiology laboratory equipment (such as porometers, infrared gas analyzers, and spectrophotometers) in accordance with safety SOPs.
7. Support general seed testing units by evaluating seedling vigor indices, germination kinetics, and physiological seed quality.