Research Associate at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Its award-winning research-for-development (R4D) approach addresses the development needs of tropical countries. IITA works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 in Nigeria and governed by a Board of Trustees. IITA works on the following crops: cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava, and maize. It is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future.

Applications are invited for the position below:

Job Title: Research Associate

Ref:IITA-HR-NRS2019-004
Location: Kano
Contract: National (2-year renewable contract)

Duties
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assist cowpea breeder in planning and implementing laboratory, screen house and field experiments;
• Supervise field research activities across all agro-ecologies relevant to cowpea production, breeding operations including field preparation and layout, fertilizer application, planting, weed and pest controls, data collection and harvesting;
• Visit all testing sites as required for effective supervision of trial and nursery management;
• Plan and ensure procurement of inputs for laboratory, screen house and field trials for all testing sites, hire and pay casual labor for various field operations;
• Supervise handling of germplasm in the breeding nurseries including planting, hand-pollinations ad data collection;
• Assist scientists in keeeping pedigree records of breeding materials in various nurseries;
• Supervise seed multiplication of advanced lines, released varieties and candiates lines for release;
• Supervise junior staff, universities, polytechnic and college of agriculture students on Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), NYSC members and assist in appraising their performances at the end of the year;
• Assist in collating data, running statistical analysis, conduct literature search and prepare reports;
• Assist graduate students on their research projects as required;
• Assist scients to maintain strict control of budget expenditures and casual labor employment;
• Perform all other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by the supervisor.

Qualification

• M.Sc in Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Crop Production or related discipline with minimum of five (5) years’ experience performing similar functions or related roles in a structured organization.

Competencies:
The ideal candidate must:

• Possess good computer skills in MS-Office and strong knowledge in experimental design and statistical analysis;
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills in English (working knowledge of French considered as an advantage).
• Be well organized, able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, follow protocols/instructions, troubleshoot and train subordinates.
• Be experienced in working with farmers and extension agents would be considered as an advantage.

Remuneration

• We offer highly competitive salary with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.

Application Closing Date
13th February, 2019.

Method of Application
Interested applicants should complete the online application attaching 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.

Click here to apply online

Click here for more information (PDF)

Note: IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from female candidates.