Research Operations Manager 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 below:

Job Title: Research Operations Manager

Job Ref. No.: IITA/P&C/NRS2026-012
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Job type: Contract
Duration: 1-year renewable contract

Duties
Laboratory Operations and Systems Management:

• Design, implement, and enforce laboratory-wide operational systems, including SOPs, workflow tracking, and service delivery standards.
• Lead laboratory transition and infrastructure readiness, ensuring zero disruption to services.
• Establish and maintain ISO 17025-aligned processes, documentation, and quality control systems.

Inventory and Resource Management:

• Implement and oversee a digital inventory management system with real-time tracking.
• Define and enforce reorder thresholds and stock control protocols.
• Conduct weekly inventory audits and ensure alignment with planned analyses.

Team Coordination and Accountability:

• Define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations across laboratory functions.
• Implement a centralized task-tracking system with full visibility of workflows.
• Lead structured weekly planning and performance review meetings.
• Enforce accountability through system-based performance tracking.

Equipment and Asset Management:

• Maintain a comprehensive equipment register, including lifecycle and replacement plans.
• Track equipment usage, downtime, and maintenance schedules.
• Ensure routine calibration and preventive maintenance aligned with quality standards.

Financial Management and Cost Recovery:

• Establish and maintain cost-per-analysis models across all laboratory services.
• Integrate sample tracking, analysis, and invoicing into a single traceable workflow.
• Monitor monthly financial performance, including revenue, costs, and deficit trends.
• Provide recommendations on pricing, cost optimization, and service prioritization.

Client Service and Laboratory Credibility:

• Define and enforce realistic turnaround times for all analyses.
• Establish standardized client communication protocols.
• Monitor client satisfaction and implement service improvements.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
Track and report on key performance indicators:

• Turnaround time
• On-time delivery rate
• Equipment uptime
• Cost per analysis
• Revenue and deficit trends
• Use performance data to inform operational improvements.

Scientific Contribution and Knowledge Generation:

• Provide technical input into experimental design and data interpretation.
• Support development of publications, reports, and scientific outputs.

Training, Mentorship, and Capacity Development:

• Supervise and mentor interns, students, and junior staff.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, safety, and quality standards.

Requirements

• MSc in Food Science, Nutrition, Analytical Chemistry, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, or any other related field with demonstrated laboratory experience with a minimum eight (8) years’ of relevant experience in laboratory operations, including systems management and team supervision. 
• Additional training in laboratory management, operations, or quality systems. ISO 17025, IPAN certification, Laboratory Quality Management, Project Management certification, CGIAR or international agricultural research systems are added advantage.

Competencies:
The ideal candidate must:

• Laboratory systems design and operational management.
• Financial and cost recovery analysis.
• Inventory and workflow management.
• Leadership and team coordination.
• Quality assurance and compliance (ISO-aligned).
• Data-driven decision-making.
• Strong stakeholder communication.

Application Closing Date
28th April, 2026.

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