IITA Jobs in Nigeria: Yam Breeder / Geneticist

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of a Yam Breeder/Geneticist.

Responsibilities: The Yam Breeder/Geneticist will provide leadership to the on-going yam breeding research at IITA and ensure the continuation and expansion of relevant external and internal partnerships with other programs. Tasks include:

1. Development of highly productive yam varieties and breeding populations with resistance to diseases and pests, good food and nutritional qualities, and desirable physiological and agronomic traits adapted to different agro-ecozones of sub-Saharan Africa (with initial emphasis on West and Central Africa).
2. Use of innovative approaches for the exploitation of genetic diversity and genomic data from a range of Dioscorea species in germplasm enhancement and improvement of yams.
3. Integrating conventional yam breeding with MAB in collaboration with biotechnologists.
4. High quality research in breeding for resistance to biotic and tolerance to abiotic stresses, enhanced nutritional and end use quality traits, and their genetic basis.
5. Publishing and communicating research on yam genetic improvement
6. Establishing and fostering relationships and linkages with partners in national agricultural research and extension systems, the private sector and Advanced Research Institutes
7. Fostering an effective mechanism for delivery of improved yam germplasm to NARES and the private sector
8. Providing technical backstopping and assistance in building yam breeding capacity of national programs.
9. Mobilizing and managing research funds effectively.

Duty Station: Ibadan, Nigeria.

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 7 years experience in a field-breeding program, and adequate exposure to molecular biology to implement marker-aided selection.

• A strong peer-reviewed publication record
• Minimum of 5 years of organizational, planning and budget management experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of donor relations experience including presentation of concept notes, proposal writing and oversight of compliance matters resulting in continuously donor funded projects.

Core Competencies:

• 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 three years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars.

Applications: Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager.  Please complete our online application form using this link:  http://www.iita.org/cms/details/job_application.aspx

Closing Date: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.