Research Supervisor (Seed Multiplication) at IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

Ref.: IITA-HR-NRS2016-041
Location: Ibadan, Oyo

Responsibilities
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

• Assist in multiplication of virus-free cassava planting material using several different rapid multiplication methods;
• Assist in testing of treatments to improve multiplication rate and reduce cost of rapid multiplication systems in the laboratory and field;
• Assist in planting, maintenance, data collection, harvesting and post-harvest handling of roots and stems from variety trials on-station and on-farm;
• Assist with stem sales of pre-basic seed include keeping records of sales and facilitating payment and deposit of revenue from stem sales;
• Participate in training of technicians and partners on methods of cassava stem multiplication;
• Assist in supervising subordinate staff on field, laboratory and screenhouse activities;
• Assist in providing technical backstopping to cassava seed multipliers,
• Assist in collection and analyses of field and lab data including preparation of quality technical reports;
• Perform any other duty as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• HND/B.Sc Degree in Plant Breeding, Crop Production, Agricultural Extension, Plant Science, Biochemistry, or related disciplines with 2 years’ experience performing similar role.

Competencies
The ideal candidate must have:

• Very good knowledge of plant breeding and seed production of vegetative propagated crops
• Demonstrable supervisory experience (lab/field).
• At least three years of experience in a similar position with experience in propagation of clonally propagated crops (such as cassava), conducting field trials, working in the laboratory and screenhouse settings, managing experiments including data collection and analysis.
• Passion and commitment for academic excellence.
• Computer literacy, data organization and analysis skills
• Good capability and readiness to travel independently within Nigeria, and work in the fields.
• Good coping skills with heavy workloads extending beyond office hours and during weekends
• Ability to learn new skills, quickly adapt and apply new methods.
• Ability to interpret data and prepare good technical reports.
• Very good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work harmoniously in an interdisciplinary team with an international and intercultural background.

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