Research Supervisor at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (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 the tropics. 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.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable Nigerian Nationals for the position of:

Job Title: Research Supervisor

Location: Ibadan

Position Description:

• Receive planting, crossing, harvesting and seed processing instructions from scientists and ensure implementation of planned activities in different locations;
• Coordinate all field operations, including seed preparation, planting, thinning shoot covering, and pollination in crossing blocks and multiplication fields of open-pollinated varieties, inbred lines and hybrids at Ibadan under rain-fed and irrigated conditions;
• Exact S1 lines from broad-based populations and composites for progeny testing in different locations and recombine the selected materials;
• Make requests for required field tags as well as pollination and glassine bags for various crossing blocks at Ibadan;
• Review availability of open-pollinated maize varieties, hybrids, and inbred lines for regional trials;
• Coordinate and plan isolation of breeder seed production fields;
• Conduct annual inventory of seeds of open-pollinated maize varieties, inbred lines and hybrids and update on seed availability;
• Coordinate labor allocation for thinning, shoot covering, pollination, harvesting, threshing, and seed preparation throughout the year.
• Supervise the prepare all trials and nurseries targeted for testing at Abuja Bagauda, Ikenne and Mokwa, Saminka,Zaria;
• Supervise the preparation of regional trials of open-pollinated varieties and inbred lines and hybrids for distribution to collaborators in and outside of West and Central Africa.
• Prepare seeds for storage in the cold rooms and take inventory of the quantity of seeds of inbred lines and hybrids available in the cold store;
• Prepare seeds of inbred lines and hybrids as well as open-pollinated varieties requested by collaborators for shipment;
• Provide practical training of new staff members working under special projects.

Minimum Qualification & Experience:
B.Sc/HND in General Agriculture or related discipline from a reputable research institution with a minimum of 2 years experience on a similar position.

Skills & Abilities:

• Have basic knowledge of seed processing management
• Have good communication skills
• Be able to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure
• Be able to follow instructions and work independently where necessary

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

Application Closing Date
5th August, 2014

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format to IITA website. The application must include 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.

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