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

IITA is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Its award-winning research-for-development (R4D) approach addresses the development needs of tropical countries. IITA works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 in Nigeria and governed by a Board of Trustees. IITA works on the following crops: cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava, and maize. It is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

IITA seeks suitable Nigerian for the position below at the Institute’s Headquarters, Ibadan:

Job Title: Research Supervisor (Seed)
 
Ref.: IITA-HR-NRS2016-052
Location: Ibadan
Recruitment Type: (2-year renewable contract)

Responsibilities
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assist in quarterly production of a minimum predetermined number of seedlings through hardening of in-vitro plantlets;
• Assist in supervising the transfer of hardened plantlets and their planting in Aeroponics system;
• Work closely with the research technicians in charge of Aeroponics on survival rate and assure replacements and assist in vine cuttings from Aeroponics;
• Report on the operational conditions using approved protocols;
• Assist in maintenance of aseptic Post flask management conditions and ensuring non contamination or correct genotype labeling among plantlets and seedlings;
• Report on plantlets and seedlings of selected yam varieties hardening and supply to Aeroponics using bar code labeling;
• Assist in submission of monthly report and populating the online high ratio propagation database www.yamhrponline.iita.org on the details of seed yam produced including genotype, quantity, age, cycle number and disease status;
• Assist in submission of documentation on flow of seedlings to end users monthly;
• Assist in daily and weekly report on the functioning of the post-flask management facilities;
• Report any malfunction of materials and equipment;
• Perform any their duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualification

• HND/B.Sc in Agriculture, Biology, Microbiology, Physiology, Biochemistry or related courses with at least two (2) years’ relevant experience performing similar role.

Competencies
Ideal Candidate must:

• Have good knowledge of post-flask handling practices including plant death and mislabelling reduction strategies, cleanliness and familiarity with aseptic and safe post-flask management.
• Have good knowledge on use of computer for data reporting;
• Be ready to work in a team and have a good sense of interpersonal relationship

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