Research Jobs at IITA Nigeria

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 seeks suitable Nigerian Nationals for the following positions at the Institute’s Kano Station and Headquarters, Ibadan.

1.)  Research Supervisor: (Pathology)  - (18 months renewable Contract)

Duties:

Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assist with coordinating activities in the laboratory;
• Conduct laboratory, screen-house and field experiments with scientists;
• Assist with culture/isolate storage appropriately;
• Conduct sampling, surveys, interpret results;
• Prepare draft standard operating protocols for laboratory methods with scientists;
• Provide assistance. Guidance to visiting students/Scientists;
• Assist with ensuring proper data entry in laboratory books;
• Assist with preparing draft reports on time;
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualification/ Experience

Candidates must possess B.Sc/HND in Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Crop Protection plus at least four (4) years post-qualification working experience in a research institution.

The ideal candidate must:

• Be hardworking, honest and trustworthy
• Ability to build, coordinate and be a good team player;
• Possess very good interpersonal relations, organizational and communication skills;
• Candidate should be computer literate in MS Office packages;
• Possess a valid Drivers’ license and ready to travel when necessary
• Be able to work under pressure, outside office hours and on weekends where necessary;

 
2.)  Research Technicians: (Pathology) - (18 months renewable Contract)

Number of Persons Required: (3)

Duties:

Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Conduct laboratory, screen house and field experiments and sampling with guidance from the Supervisor
• Carry out microbiology work involving sample preparation, organism isolations, isolate storage, media preparation;
• Ensure proper sampling labeling, organization of work areas;
• Keep proper records and ensure proper data entry into field and laboratory books
• Maintain sterile work environment in preparation for and during laboratory work;
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualification/ Experience

Candidates must have ND in Science Laboratory Technology plus at least three (3) years post-qualification working experience in a research institution.

Knowledge of Microsoft Word Packages will be an added advantage.

The ideal candidate must:

• Be able to work independently;
• Be a good team player and be able to follow instructions
• Possess good organizational and communication skills
• Be able to work under pressure, and willing to work outside work hours where necessary.

 
3.)  Research Technicians I: (Maize) - (2-year renewable Contract)

Duties:

Successful candidate will among other things perform the following:

• Compile list of nutrient enriched hybrids and inbred lines and take stock of seeds available in the cold store
• Participate in the preparation, packaging and dispatch of local, regional and international trials involving nutrient enriched varieties, hybrids and inbred lines
• Arrange nutrient enriched breeding materials in the cold stores in good order to facilitate easy retrieval during seed preparation
• Prepare requested seeds of nutrient enriched parental lines of hybrid, synthetics and other genetic materials for shipment to partners, research institutions and advanced research laboratories
• Supervise casual labour during seed preparation, planting, pollination and harvesting.
• Ensure protection of seed production fields and making sure they are free from weeds
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Senior Research Technician, Research Associate and the Scientist.

Qualification/ Experience

• Candidates must have ND in Agriculture and at least four (4) years working experience in similar research areas.

• The ideal candidate must demonstrate the ability to work demonstrate the ability to work independently and should be able to work extra hours.

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

Application Deadline
29th May, 20012

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae the names and addresses of three professional referees (including telephone, fax and e-mail addresses, if available), evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials to:

The HR Administrative Manager,
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture,
PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan, Nigeria
on or before 29th May 2012.