Postdoctoral Fellow - Cowpea Plant Breeding and Genetics at 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 beloe:

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow - Cowpea Plant Breeding and Genetics

Job Ref: DDG-R4D/PDF/PBG/04/26
Location: Kano

Description

• Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.), is an essential grain legume cultivated in the tropics and serves as a vital protein source in the diets of millions. Various abiotic and biotic stresses negatively impact its yields.
• The IITA Cowpea Breeding Program is making significant efforts to overcome these production challenges by developing and distributing breakthrough cowpea varieties.
• The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to the regional breeding network by applying modern breeding innovations.

Position Key Responsibilities

• Support and contribute to the development of cowpea breakthrough products.
• Actively participate in developing new cowpea varieties according to the Target Product Profiles prioritized for West and Central Africa.
• Analyze field data using mixed models and quantitative genetics approaches
• Participate in national and regional advancement meetings
• Join the accelerated cowpea breeding program using modern breeding tools and methods.
• Contribute to trait discovery and deployment in the cowpea breeding program by establishing improved trait phenotyping.
• Coordinate key activities in the West and Central Africa Cowpea Improvement Network, including regional coordinated trials and TRICOT trials.
• Support resource mobilization efforts on cowpea breeding research
• Provide guidance and direction to national staff.
• Publish research results in reputable international journals.
• Co-supervise research activities of postgraduate students.
• Carry out additional duties as may be assigned by the cowpea research team lead.

Requirements
Educational Qualifications and Experience:

• The candidate must hold a PhD Degree in Crop Breeding and Genetics, Quantitative Genetics, or a related field.

Core Competencies:

• Experience in Cowpea research.
• Good understanding of quantitative genetics, inheritance, and trait architecture.
• Knowledge of breeding methods (pedigree, backcrossing, recurrent selection).
• Ability to manage large breeding populations and field operations.
• Knowledge of experimental designs, advanced statistical tools, and database management.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis (mixed models, BLUPs/BLUEs), Quantitative genetics and molecular marker analysis.
• Ability to publish high-quality articles in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent spoken and written English; proficiency in French is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience in precision breeding is a valuable advantage.

General information:

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

Application Closing Date
4th May, 2026.

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