Postdoctoral Fellow - Banana Plant Pathologist at the 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.

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

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow - Banana Plant Pathologist

Location: Nigeria

Job Description

• IITA seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to participate as plant pathologist in the new initiative on ‘Improvement of banana for smallholder farmers in the Great Lakes Region of Africa, operating in Uganda and Tanzania and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
• Project activities will be carried out through a collaborative research between two CGIAR centers (IITA and Bioversity International), the national programs of Uganda (NARO) and Tanzania (ARI), six universities (University of Malaya, SLU-Sweden, Stellenbosch university-South Africa, Cornell university-USA, KU Leuven university-Belgium, University of Queensland-Australia) and national breeding programs in Brazil (EMBRAPA) and India (NRCB).

This initiative is focused on breeding superior Matoke and Mchare highland bananas with consumer acceptability, high level of pest resistance and higher yield. In addition this initiative will accelerate and increase the efficiency of banana breeding through:

• A better and faster identification of prevailing pests and diseases accompanied by accelerated early stage screening of resistance;
• Molecular-based genetic studies for increased understanding of underlying genetics and development of DNA marker-based early selection;
• Better tailoring breeding products and increasing adoption of new cultivars through end-user feedback systems and participatory evaluation of improved banana germplasm;
• Development of an open-access database and tool box for banana breeders and researchers.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will be expected to oversee research activities related to Sigatoka leaf diseases in Tanzania and Uganda, and ensure that outputs are delivered according to an agreed results framework and results tracker.
• The successful candidate will also assist the senior plant pathologist, the senior banana breeder, banana molecular biologist and regional breeding manager in managing project partnerships on banana breeding for disease resistance.
• The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Senior Pathologist and he/she will report to the Regional hub director of Eastern Africa and the Director, Crop Management and Plant Health.
• The Postdoctoral Fellow will undertake the following activities:
• Support breeding efforts in the selection for resistance to Sigatoka leaf diseases of banana.
• Develop and use rapid in vitro methods and protocols to evaluate bananas against Sigatoka diseases.
• Surveillance and mapping of Sigatoka diseases in Tanzania and Uganda.
• Develop and use molecular markers and diagnostic methodologies to rapidly identify Mycosphaerella species in banana.
• Support PhD and MSc research linked to banana diseases.
• Organize communication and dissemination undertakings, reporting and publish banana disease research results in international peer reviewed and open access journals. • Support resource mobilization on banana.
• Represent the banana plant pathology program to external stakeholders.
• Support effective partnerships with CGIAR centers,
• National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems and Advanced Research Institutes.
• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualification & Experience

• The candidate should have a PhD in plant protection or related discipline with skills in molecular biology

Skills & abilities

• Knowledge and experience in field and greenhouse evaluation of diseases, preferably in banana and/or a root and tuber crop
• Knowledge of molecular biology and marker development
• Ability to develop technologies to enhance pathogen identification and resistance screening
• Experience with project activity implementation and monitoring
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish articles in peer reviewed international journals
• Ability to work independently in a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-cultural environment.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the region
• Research experience in sub-Saharan Africa is an asset Duty station: Arusha, Tanzania, but will involve extensive travel mainly to Uganda and sometimes to Nigeria, at the IITA HQ.

Terms & Conditions

• Initial appointment is for two years. It can be extended on the basis of performance and availability of funds.

Remuneration
Competitive package paid in US dollars.

Application Closing Date
11th January, 2015

Method of Application
Interested 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. Please complete our online application form

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Note

• Open window for applications will be closed when a suitable candidate is found
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted