Seed Scientist at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Position Responsibilities:
The Seed Scientist will undertake the following activities:
• Establish and manage the multiplication and dissemination of improved maize, cultivars in collaboration with partners in the national systems and the private sector.
• Develop and implement concrete plans in production and maintenance of breeder and foundation seeds of parental lines of IITA maize hybrids to support certified seed production and commercialization by relevant public institutions and private seed sector.
• Assist in hybrid seed production research and establishment of distinct uniform and stable (DUS) and value for cultivation and use (VCU) for IITA products in partnership with the public institutions and the private sector to enhance release and production of cultivars.
• Work with partners in promotional activities to enhance adoption of IITA varieties and hybrids in the various target countries.
• Work with national and regional partners involved in harmonizing the release, production and deployment of improved cultivars in several countries.
• Involve in building capacity of public and private sectors to produce breeder, foundation, and certified seeds of improved cultivars of maize, cowpeas and soybeans and market them to farming communities.
• Engage in mobilizing resources to further expand dissemination coverage of improved maize cultivars.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualification and Experience
The candidate should have a PhD in Plant Breeding, Seed Science or a closely related field from a recognized university and more than 10 years of post-PhD experience in system development especially with the maize crop.

Core Competencies:.
• Applied knowledge in production of seeds of maize, cowpeas, and soybean varieties.
• Experience in field experimentation, trial management and quality control of improved seeds as well as familiarity in variety release procedures and seed regulations are highly preferred.
• Experience in working with the informal and formal seed sector in dissemination of improved cultivars.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with good working knowledge of French preferred. 
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting and to interact with scientists and staff working in multi-disciplinary research areas.
• Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Strong innovation, communication and organizational skills as well as ability to teach.