Plantain Pathologist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Plantain Pathologist

Ref No: DDG-R4D/PP/03/23
Location: Ibadan, Oyo

Job Description

• As part of the Accelerated Breeding Initiative (ABI), IITA is breeding plantain and East African Highland bananas.
• This position is to strengthen plantain breeding and foster the integration of both breeding programs.

Position Responsibilities
The Plantain Pathologist will:

• In conjunction with banana breeding efforts in East Africa, organize and plan banana and plantain pathology activities in West Africa.
• Interact with banana pathology in East Africa by defining common SOPs and defining a common vision for Musa Breeding.
• Where available, apply precise high-throughput tools for early screening of breeding and prebreeding populations to BBTV, Sigatoka, Nematodes, and Weevils.
• Design and implement field, screen house, and laboratory experiments on plantain pests and diseases.
• Maintain cultures of pathogens and pests and produce inoculum for screening plantain breeding materials.
• Implement digital data capture, upload, and organize data onto MusaBase.
• Manage junior staff in all plant pathology activities and contribute to orient new staff.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, materials, and reagents and assist with procurement.
• Participate in workshops and present advances in plantain pathology to raise the visibility of the program.
• Write reports and peer-reviewed publications related to pathology activities.
• Manage linkages with various research development partners in Nigeria and West Africa.
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Educational Qualifications

• The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related fields. Experience in banana pathology is an advantage.

Core Competencies:

• Pathology experience in plantain and/or banana breeding with at least three pathogens.
• Pathology experience in the field and with bioassays in the laboratory and/or screenhouse.
• Expertise in writing publications.
• Expertise in linking pathology to agronomy, soil health and/or farming systems, and exposure to other crops than bananas.
• Experience with molecular techniques in disease diagnostics.
• Work experience in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment would be a great asset.

General information

• The contract will be for an initial period of three years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.

Application Closing Date
13th April, 2023.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Click here for more information (PDF)

Note

• Interested applicants should complete the online application by attaching a detailed Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format.
• The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include the applicant’s current or previous direct Supervisor, professional colleague, and evidence of current remuneration package.
• IITA is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
• While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.