Research Associate Job at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture - Nigeria

[Jobrib]

Job Title: Research Associate (2 Years Renewable Contract)

Location: Ibadan, Nigeria

Organisation: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture – IITA

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable candidate for the position of Research Associate at the Institute's Headquarters in Ibadan.

Position: Research Associate (2-year renewable contract)

Duties:

Successful candidate will among other things perform the following:

•   Establish and manage field and screen house experiments on yam breeding and genetics both on and out-station.

•   Manage technicians and other support staff in yam breeding unit.

•   In coordination with Yam Breeder prepare weekly plan for all field workers and Technicians.

•   Collect, organise and manage data entry from yam breeding experiments for statistical processing

•   In coordination with Yam Breeder and Biometrician, process and analyse data from yam breeding experiments and prepare technical reports

•   Organise, monitor and report on national (Nigeria) and regional (West and Central Africa) collaborative yam trials with partners

•   Manage the propagation, characterization and dissemination of improved yam germplasm in response to requests.

•   Maintain regular communication with clients and partners of the unit

•   In coordination with Communication Unit and Yam Breeder, prepare training material on Yam.

•   Train students and relevant staff of partner agencies in yam breeding methodologies

Qualification and Experience:

Master's degree in Crop/Plant Breeding, plus at least five years of certified experience in on farm research activities with any crop.

The ideal candidate must

•   Possess working experience/ exposure in international organisations and interdisciplinary agricultural research.

•   Be familiar with agricultural and farming systems in West and Central Africa.

•   Have working experience with participatory approaches. Yam experience will be an asset.

•   Have administrative experience and be able to demonstrate team management skills.

•   Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

•   Be proficient in the use of computers, database management software, statistical analysis software, internet-based tools and other electronic communication tools.

•   Be fluent in oral and written English; with some working knowledge of French.

This position is based in IITA Ibadan, Nigeria, and involves substantial domestic and international travel outside duty station.

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

Method of Application:

Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae, the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant's current or previous organization or applicant's direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work. Evidence of current remuneration package and photocopies of credentials, to IITA website.

An application should be made not later than two weeks (closing date: 19/04/12) from the date of this publication.

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