Job Title: Cassava Breeder
Ref: DDG-R4D/HPCB/02/12
Location: IITA Ibadan
Organisation: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture – IITA
Position/Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the HarvestPlus Cassava Breeder will include:
• Contribute to the development of highly productive cassava varieties that combine multiple disease and pest resistance and high dry matter content with high nutritional quality (provitamin A carotenoids) through activities including:
• Introduction and screening of cassava germplasm to identify higher root content of beta carotene as well as high levels of its retention after traditional processing.
• Validation of trait expression in adapted genotypes.
• Crossing followed by multi-site evaluation and selection of progenies.
• Inheritance studies for provitamin A carotenoids and other key cassava breeding traits
• Development of molecular markers for provitamin A carotenoids.
• Contribute to development of cassava breeding data management system.
• Fostering relationships and linkages with partners in national agricultural research and extension systems, the private sector and Advanced Research Institutes.
• Fostering an effective mechanism for delivery of improved cassava germplasm to NARS and the private sector.
• Providing technical backstopping and assistance in building cassava breeding capacity of national programs.
• Contribute to project report writing and publications.
Duty Station: Ibadan, Nigeria. Frequent travel is expected and candidates should be willing to work in small-scale farm settings in Africa.
Qualifications/Experience:
The candidate should have a PhD degree in plant breeding or genetics and good working knowledge of molecular genetics and use of statistical software and genetic tools.
• At least 5 years experience in a field-breeding program.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, management, interpersonal, and team building skills.
• Demonstrated strong statistical data analysis capabilities.
• Fluency in oral and written English. Working knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa is an added advantage.
General Information: Initial appointment is for two years (renewable) starting as soon as possible. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.
Method of Application:
Please complete our online application form using this link: IITA Ibadan Job Portal.
Please note that application letters not accompanied with evidence of current remuneration and age will not be treated.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Cassava Breeder Job in Nigeria (http://www.jobnavy.com/job/2728/cassava-breeder-job-in-nigeria-at-international-institute-of-tropical-agriculture-iita/)