Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Soybean Breeding at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Ref: DDG-R4D/PRF/SB/10/18
Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Information: The contract will be for an initial period of two years.

Position Responsibilities
The Postdoc Soybean breeder will contribute to delivering the IITA/USAID funded Soybean Project milestones under direct supervision of the Project Leader. More specifically, he/she will:

• Oversee breeding activities in West Africa and ensure that outputs are delivered according to the agreed work plan.
• Participate in both conventional and molecular breeding and genetic analyses studies, in line with the Excellence in Breeding approaches.
• Identify key variations for traits of interest in collaboration with other relevant scientists (e.g. agronomists, physiologists, pathologists).
• Implement the development of populations and improved soybean cultivars as per Product Concept to deliver value varieties based on partner/custom demands using adapted and introduced germplasm, and in collaboration with national partners and other scientists.
• Conduct quality research on the genetics of key traits including resistance/tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
• Develop creative approaches for the exploitation of genomics and genomic data in germplasm enhancement and improvement of soybean.
• Validate methodologies/technologies to improve the efficiency of soybean breeding programs.
• Assist the Project Leader in implementing key activities in the project’s target countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and other participating countries as determined by IITA).
• Contribute to the identification of new opportunities for soybean production through liaison with national governments, the private sector and other potential industrial users.
• Contribute to strengthening of NARS partners’ capacity in soybean breeding.
• Mentor and supervise research associates, field technicians, and postgraduate students (through degree and non-degree related training).
• Publish articles in high impact journals.

Requirements
Educational Qualifications:

• The candidate should have a PhD degree in Plant Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Plant Breeding, or related field.

Core Competencies:

• Experience in conducting molecular and field breeding activities (preferably on self-pollinated crops).
• Good knowledge of molecular and conventional breeding.
• Good publishing skills in quality scientific journals.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a cross-cultural environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Information management skills and competence in computer software used to manage breeding programs, establish trials and analyze results.
• Excellent spoken and written English; French added advantage.

Remuneration
IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.