The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture seeks suitable applicants for the position below at the Institute’s Station in Abuja.
Position: Senior Research Supervisor
Contract: 3-year renewable contract Location: Abuja
DUTIES:
- Support identification of traits in yam breeding lines and germplasm that are desirable for recycling as parent and advancement, such as disease resistance, increased yield, or improved food quality.
- Participate in the execution of breeding trials in different growing conditions to determine how well they perform in nature.
- Assist in monitoring and identifying yam diseases and creating strategies to prevent them from spreading to other plants.
- Support the development of new yam varieties that meet specific criteria, such as increased productivity or improved taste, color, and food quality.
- Participate in the selection of the best yam clones to breed based on desired traits and characteristics.
- Participate in the development of breeding strategies to produce yam varieties with the desired characteristics, including selecting parents with desired traits that can be passed on to offspring.
- Participate in the multiplication of planting materials for breeding trials and delivery.
- Coordinate breeding testing networks with partners including preparation of SOP, trial design, distribution of germplasm for testing networks, retrieving data, and ensure data entry to the database.
- Coordinate on-farm testing and demand creation network with producers, marketers, development practitioners, and consumers.
- Ensure timely availability of germplasm inventory reports.
- Conduct and collect necessary data for advanced breeding lines in both greenhouses and field locations.
- Maintain breeder work collections in the field, analyze data and report to the Supervisor on time.
- Supervise daily casual laborers and other subordinate staff.
- Perform any other job-related duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.
QUALIFICATION:
BSc/HND in Agriculture or related field with a minimum of four (4) years’ experience performing similar role in a well-structured environment. Experience in clonal breeding program and on-farm testing will be an added advantage.
COMPETENCIES:
The ideal candidate must:
- Be competent in farmer participatory activities/evaluation
- Have ability to communicate effectively with partners and farmers.
- Have ability to work under pressure and deliver quality job.
- Have excellent team work capability.
- Be competent in data analysis and report writing.
REMUNERATION:
We offer highly competitive salaries with equally attractive benefits and excellent working conditions in a pleasant campus environment.
METHOD OF APPLICATION:
Interested applicants should complete the online application by attaching a detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format to IITA website: https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs no later than Two Weeks from the date of this publication. 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.
IITA is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women. While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.