International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Recruits Research Associate - Maize Breeding - 2 Positions

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. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Research Associate - Maize Breeding. This position is funded by African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Support to Agricultural Research for Development of Strategic Crops in Africa (SARD-SC).

Job Title: Research Associate - Maize Breeding - 2 year renewable contract - 2 Positions

Position/Responsibilities
The Research Associate will work as a member of the SARD-SC Project team in Nigeria and provide technical support to the team for effective development and deployment of improved maize genotypes

Primary Duties:

• Assists in execution of maize trials
• Assist with the seed production and maintenance of maize
• Supervision of on-station and on-farm trials
• Works with other project staff in capacity building of public and private sector partners to develop and disseminate maize genotypes
• Provide supports to national program staff and national partners for field trial management and data management and analysis,
• Collation and analyses of data from experiments
• Contributes to publications and presentation of research outputs
• Any other responsibility as may be assigned by the supervisor

Qualification, Experience and Skills

• M.Sc in Plant Breeding, Crop physiology, Agronomy or related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in national/international organizations
• Good knowledge of Microsoft office and econometric software such as STATA and SPSS
• Strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritise and organise workload
• Ability to take initiative and work under pressure and willingness to work for longer hours where necessary
• Good team spirit and also participate as a team member in accomplishment of duties
• Able to work effectively both in teams and independently

General information: Initial appointment is for two years. Subsequent renewal of the contract will be decided based on research outputs and productivity, and continued need for the position.

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

Application Closing Date:
28th May, 2013

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work and evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials, to IITA Website.

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.