The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the post of Visiting Scientist – Entomologist.
Ref: DDG-R4D/VSE/06/11
Position / Responsibilities:
• The Visiting Scientist - Entomologist will be assigned to the project entitled 'Enhancing horticultural productivity, incomes and livelihoods through integrated management of aphid pests on vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa'.
• Numerous leafy, fruit and root vegetables are widely grown, consumed, and sold in Africa.
• These vegetables play a key role in the nutrition and health of producers and consumers, providing employment opportunities and serving as a major source of income generation through local marketing and export.
• Pests such as aphids remain major constraints in vegetable production.
Primary responsibilities for the Entomologist-Visiting Scientist will be to work with the project principal investigator and collaborating institutions on the following research and outreach activities:
• Design and implementation of surveys on the distribution, diversity, and abundance of aphids and their natural enemies.
• Design and implementation of experiments on population dynamics of aphids on cabbage, okra and kale, and the factors that affect the seasonal dynamics of aphids on the target crops.
• Use of molecular tools in investigating diversity of aphids and their natural enemies.
• Evaluation of the efficiency of geographic populations of natural enemies in suppressing aphid populations.
Educational requirements:
The candidate should have a PhD degree in Entomology with at least three years of post-PhD research experience in insect ecology, biological control and integrated pest management.
Core Competencies:
• Proven skills and experience in entomology research both in the field and the laboratory.
• Research experience in insect biology and management, with emphasis on biological control. Research experience with aphids is desirable.
• Knowledge and application of molecular tools in biodiversity studies.
• Descent publication record in good quality scientific journals.
• Proven ability to work in multi-cultural environment and ability to establish good working relationships with partners.
Applications:
Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete IITA online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/irs-online-application
Closing date: June 25, 2011.