Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP) - Hub Manager at IITA

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of tropical regions of the world. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate 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.

IITA and partners have recently embarked on innovative genomics-assisted breeding for seed and clonally propagated crops utilizing next-generation sequencing based genotyping such as GBS, RAD, RNAseq as well as genome sequencing. IITA is also the home of a major genebank for staple crops of sub Saharan Africa. Characterization of these genetic resources using molecular techniques in addition to field phenotyping is underway. In a continued effort to modernize its plant breeding activities, IITA, as the regional hub of the Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP), provide professional and technical support to the West and Central Africa research community using Breeding Management System (BMS).

We are therefore seeking a Hub Manager with reasonable bioinformatics skills, preferably with a plant science background, to offer a quality support service in adoption of BMS by regional partners (for detailed information visit: https://www.integratedbreeding.net/).

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP) – Hub Manager.

Job Title: Integrated Breeding Platform (IBP) - Hub Manager

Ref: DDG-R4D/IBP/HM/05/14
Location: IITA HQ, Ibadan, Nigeria

Position/Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities will include:

• Act as a point of contact for crop breeders in providing technical backstopping in the use of the IBP-Manager software and associated services (this includes data transfer as well as facilitating access to services such as genotyping).
• Provide first level support on data analysis methodology and results interpretation.
• Contribute, under the leadership of the Capacity Building Coordinator, to the training and support for broader adoption and use of the IBP-Manager in the overall breeding programme of the Host Institute and in the region.
• Proactive in the gathering and processing of user feedback and new feature requests specifically tailored to user needs, and reports these to the IBP Management Team.
• Contribute, together with the Capacity Building Coordinator, to the promotion of IBP and engage with social networks.
• Join the IITA’s bioinformatics team and contribute to in-house bioinformatics capacity building, resource mobilization, and publication of research findings.

Educational Qualifications
The candidate must have a Masters degree in plant breeding, genetics, plant science or related fields; a higher degree will be an advantage.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrated expertise in the use of analytical and bioinformatics tools.
• Demonstrated organizational and communication skills.
• Expertise in database and data management.
• Understanding of molecular marker technologies and experience with their application in crop improvement.
• Ability to work in a team environment in a multicultural setting.
• Empathy for international agricultural research and development.
• Knowledge of application of plant bioinformatics to crop improvement is an advantage.
• Experience working in developing countries is an added advantage.

General information:
The appointment is for two years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Application Closing Date
26th May, 2014

Method of Application:
Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service.

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