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.
https://www.hotnigerianjobs.com/hotjobs/882499/postdoctoral-fellow-cowpea-plant-breeding-and-gene.html