IITA Recruits Visiting Scientist (Molecular Diagnosis of Viruses)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the below position of:

Job Title: Visiting Scientist (Molecular Diagnosis of Viruses)
Ref: DDG-R4D/VS/MDV/03/13

Location: Ibadan

Job Responsibilities

• The tasks of the Visiting Scientist will involve research on viruses infecting Dioscorea yams.
• He/She will specifically focus on the detection on viruses using Next Generation Sequencing and bioinformatics to identify viruses and contribute to the establishment of virus-free seed yams
• Generate new tools and diagnostic procedures and validate them for virus indexing and production of virus-free yams
• Analyze results and prepare reports and where applicable, prepare manuscripts for peer reviewed journals.

Educational Qualifications
The candidate must have a PhD degree in plant pathology / virology / plant molecular biology or a closely related discipline.

Core Competencies

• At least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Excellent knowledge on biology and control of tropical plant viruses, molecular biology and diagnostics, virus indexing of clonally propagated crops, virus-elimination by therapeutic procedures, characterization of causal agents and bioinformatics.
• Proven skill in characterization of viral genomes, use of molecular diagnostics (ELISA, PCR, sequencing, and related techniques), analysis of nucleotide sequences, primer design and construction of phylogeny.
• Ability to analyze data, and prepare technical reports and manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Willingness to work in the lab, greenhouse and fields to conduct research and be flexible to take additional activities as necessary.
• The candidate must also work well in a multi-cultural, interdisciplinary team setting and have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Working experience in Africa is desired; and working experience on roots and tuber crops is advantageous.
• In service qualified candidate will receive priority. They are expected to submit letter of authorization from current employer consenting to release applicant to undertake this assignment for at least 12 months duration.

General Information
This position is for a period of 12 months in the Virology and Molecular Diagnostics Unit. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Application Closing Date
18th March 2013

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send applications including covering letter, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager at IITA Website

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.