Senior Research Supervisor at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Senior Research Supervisor at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Position: Senior Research Supervisor

Ref: IITA-HR-NRS2023-007
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Recruitment Type: National (2-year renewable contract)
Contract: 2-year renewable contract

Duties

  • Carry out inspection survey for virus disease incidence in the seed multiplication plots and germplasm evaluation trials in the field and under screen house conditions.
  • Perform characterization of virus diversity by biological and molecular method including the use of conventional and high throughput sequencing methods.
  • Carry out diagnostics testing for virus in IITA mandate crops and selection of healthy planting materials for propagation.
  • Carry out virus purification and production of antibodies.
  • Design oligonucleotide primers for PCR and isothermal amplification assays.
  • Participate as resource person in diagnostics and phenotyping workshops.
  • Collection of samples for health assessment and indexing by qualitative and quantitative diagnostics testing to measure virus load.
  • Perform collection and analysis of field, laboratory data and prepare quality technical reports.
  • Perform any other job-related task as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualification

  • BSc / HND in Plant Science, Pathology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related field with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience performing similar role in a well-structured environment.

Competencies
The ideal candidate must:

  • Have good knowledge of plant technology, disease diagnosis, principle and application of modern diagnostic tools (ELISA, PCR, LAMP, RPA, highthroughput sequencing) and virus disease phenotyping.
  • Ability to cope with heavy intermittent work load extending beyond office hours and during weekends.
  • Have ability to interpret data and prepare good technical report.
  • Have good interpersonal and communication skill.
  • Have ability to work harmoniously in an interdisciplinary team with an international and multicultural background.
  • Be experience in application of ELISA and PCR based method, vegetative propagation, conduct field surveys, manage experiments, in the screen house and field, indexing and seed testing.
  • Be computer literate and have ability to use basic statistical methods for data analysis.
  • Have capability and readiness to travel independently within Nigeria and work on the field.

Remuneration

  • We offer highly competitive salaries with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Application Deadline  1st March, 2023.

Note

  • IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
  • While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted